Clear communication is the foundation of effective training. Research has found that when employees cannot hear instructions clearly or struggle to stay focused due to noise and echo, even the best training programs lose impact. Poor acoustical design can result in excessive noise that is disruptive to the learning process and may negatively affect speech perception, student behavior, and educational outcomes.
Since 1974, B&B has helped organizations solve challenges like these through thoughtfully designed audio and video (A/V) solutions that support real-world use cases. A recent acoustical treatment project with H.B. McClure in Harrisburg, PA, is a great example of how addressing sound quality can dramatically improve the effectiveness and comfort of a space used for employee training.
The Challenge: A Training Room That Worked Against Learning
H.B. McClure came to us with concerns about one of their training rooms. The space was being used regularly for classes and internal training sessions, but it was not delivering the environment their team needed to succeed.
The room was loud and uncomfortable, especially when filled with people. Hard surfaces allowed sound to bounce freely, creating echo and excessive acoustic reflections. Speech intelligibility suffered as a result, making it difficult for instructors to communicate clearly and for participants to stay engaged. Over time, this type of environment can lead to fatigue, frustration, and reduced learning outcomes.
The goal was clear. H.B. McClure wanted to improve the acoustics of the room so their training program could be more effective, productive, and comfortable for employees.
Consulting First: Understanding the Acoustic Problems
Before recommending any products, B&B Integrations began with consultation. Acoustic challenges are rarely solved with a single solution, and every room behaves differently based on size, layout, ceiling height, and surface materials.
We worked with the H.B. McClure team to identify where sound was reflecting most aggressively and which areas of the room were contributing most to the noise problem. We also provided education on how different types of acoustic treatments work, including absorption, placement strategy, and why treating multiple surfaces is often necessary to see meaningful improvement.
This consultative approach helped ensure the final design addressed the real causes of the problem rather than simply masking symptoms.
Designing a Targeted Acoustical Treatment Solution
Based on the assessment, B&B Integrations designed a comprehensive acoustical treatment plan that addressed the walls, corners, and ceiling of the training room. Treating multiple planes of the room was critical to reducing echo and controlling sound reflections across the full frequency range of human speech.
Wall-mounted acoustic panels were selected to absorb reflected sound and improve clarity for both instructors and attendees. Corner treatments were incorporated to help manage low-frequency buildup that often contributes to a muddy or overwhelming sound. Ceiling treatments played an important role in controlling vertical reflections that are common in training rooms and conference spaces.
Together, these elements worked as a system to significantly improve the acoustic performance of the room.
Collaboration and Customization in the Installation Process
One of the strengths of this project was the collaborative approach between B&B Integrations and H.B. McClure. As part of the process, the customer selected the fabric colors of the acoustic panels, allowing the treatments to complement the look and feel of the space rather than stand out as purely functional elements.
Because H.B. McClure is an HVAC contractor with experienced installers, they handled the physical installation of the panels themselves using B&B Integrations’ design. This approach provided flexibility, efficiency, and a strong sense of ownership in the final result while still benefiting from expert acoustic planning and guidance.
Results: A More Effective and Comfortable Training Space
By all accounts, the project was a success. The treated training room is now significantly quieter and more comfortable. Echo and harsh reflections have been reduced, making speech clearer and communication more natural. Instructors can speak without strain, and participants can focus on learning rather than fighting background noise.
Improved acoustics also contribute to better long-term outcomes. Employees retain information more effectively, training sessions feel less exhausting, and the space is more versatile for different types of meetings and presentations.
Why Training Room Acoustics Matter in A/V
Acoustical treatment is often overlooked in favor of displays, microphones, and speakers. In reality, acoustics are the foundation that allows all other audio and video technology to perform at its best. Even the highest quality equipment cannot overcome a room with poor sound behavior.
This project with H.B. McClure demonstrates how thoughtful acoustic design can transform an everyday training room into a space that actively supports communication and learning.
If your organization is struggling with noise, echo, or unclear speech in training rooms, conference rooms, or collaboration spaces, B&B Integrations can help. Contact us to learn how our audio and video solutions are built around understanding how people actually use a space—and designing systems that make those interactions better.
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