The Effect of Music Tempo and Volume on Acoustic Perceptions under the Noise Environment

This study aimed to investigate the distracting or masking effects of music tempo and volume, based on subjective evaluation under noise conditions. Two experiments were conducted with 32 participants. In first one, experimental conditions set as follow: (1) sound pressure levels are 45 dB, 60 75 dB; (2) tempos 70 beats per minute (BPM), 110 BPM, 150 BPM; (3) (4) types talkers’ babble, traffic noise, construction noise. All human acoustic perception analyzed by orthogonal experiment. Based part second experiment was conducted. Sound (50 dB) (70 BPM) assessed evaluation. The results showed although different had perceptions, a small effect comfort considering superimposed music. Music can improve environment. significant sensation. affected sensation insignificantly. tempo, significantly affect comfort. best environment in this utilized dB 50 These suggest that enable new strategies indoor environmental satisfaction. findings, perceptions should be taken into account when aiming enhance noisy environments.