Catalyst Conversations

Catalyst Acoustics Group

The Catalyst Conversations podcast features industry experts from an elite group of acoustic, seismic, vibration, and noise control companies and world-renowned testing laboratories for lively discussions intended to engage and inform. Tune in and enjoy talks on trending topics, challenges, and how to overcome them. If you are an emerging or seasoned professional in construction, design, engineering, or architecture, we hope you will enjoy the insights our guests bring to this podcast.

  1. What Can Go Wrong? Acoustic Door Installation Lessons from the Field

    13 may

    What Can Go Wrong? Acoustic Door Installation Lessons from the Field

    Part 3 in our acoustic door series continues the conversation between Grace Jacob of IAC Acoustics and Mike Sirna of Hensel Diversified Construction, and takes it a step further to look at what happens during installation because even the best designed acoustic door can run into problems if the installation isn't done correctly. Whether you’re an architect writing specs or a contractor installing in the field, this episode offers practical insight into how your door selection can directly impact performance, reliability, and project outcomes. To learn more about IAC's acoustic doors, visit: https://www.iacacoustics.com/specialty-solutions-systems/architectural-doors

    11 min
  2. Acoustic Doors Don’t Work Alone: What Really Impacts Performance

    13 may

    Acoustic Doors Don’t Work Alone: What Really Impacts Performance

    Part 2 in our acoustic door series continues the conversation between Grace Jacob of IAC Acoustics and Mike Sirna of Hensel Diversified Construction, digging deeper into something that surprises a lot of people: the door itself is only part of the acoustic performance equation. Whether you’re an architect writing specs or a contractor installing in the field, this episode offers practical insight into how your door selection can directly impact performance, reliability, and project outcomes. To learn more about IAC's acoustic doors, visit: https://www.iacacoustics.com/specialty-solutions-systems/architectural-doors

    12 min
  3. How Engineering Services Turn The Unknown Into Certainty

    24 feb

    How Engineering Services Turn The Unknown Into Certainty

    Listen in as we focus on engineering services for noise control solutions, not as a product, but as a decision-making tool. We discuss why acoustical, noise, vibration, and seismic decisions are often unclear early in a project, what risks those unknowns create, and how engineering analysis helps teams reduce rework, improve accuracy, and meet demanding schedules, especially in high-stakes environments like data centers. We are joined by Thomas Yuschak, who is the Vice President of Engineering at Kinetics Noise Control, Joe Florer, the General Manager of Air Solutions at McMillan James, and Logan Herkomer, Director of Sales, HVAC Market at Kinetics. And now, let's get started with today's conversation.

    36 min
  4. Kit vs. Pre-Hung: Choosing the Right Acoustic Door

    17 feb

    Kit vs. Pre-Hung: Choosing the Right Acoustic Door

    Kit door or factory pre-hung? It’s a question that surfaces on nearly every project where sound control matters. In this episode of Catalyst Conversations, Grace Jacob of IAC Acoustics and Mike Sirna of Hensel Diversified Construction discuss the differences between the two. Whether you’re an architect writing specs or a contractor installing in the field, this episode offers practical insight into how your door selection can directly impact performance, reliability, and project outcomes. To learn more about IAC's acoustic doors, visit: https://www.iacacoustics.com/specialty-solutions-systems/architectural-doors

    11 min
  5. The Evolution of Acoustical Testing & Product Innovation

    11/12/2025

    The Evolution of Acoustical Testing & Product Innovation

    In this episode, we explore how acoustical products are conceived, tested, and refined through the lens of Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories and one of the most forward-thinking voices in acoustic design. We discuss how product aesthetics have evolved, how testing methodologies shape product outcomes, and what the future holds for acoustic innovation across industries. We are joined by Eric Wolfram, from Riverbank, and Zackery Belanger, principal of Umbel, a Detroit-based studio specializing in shaping objects, surfaces, and rooms for acoustic performance in any material. Zackery brings deep experience across the built environment, from products to concert hall design, and is widely recognized for his research, teaching, and his influential essay, ‘Acoustic Ornament.’

    38 min
  6. Building Better Roof Curbs: Kinetics & CurbTech Collaboration

    11/11/2025

    Building Better Roof Curbs: Kinetics & CurbTech Collaboration

    In this episode, we focus on the synergy between Kinetics Noise Control and CurbTech. We explore Kinetics’ history in the roof curb market, the recent Catalyst acquisition of CurbTech, and how these two businesses are partnering to deliver the industry’s best curb solutions, while driving growth and innovation for their customers. We are joined by Joe VanHoorn from Kinetics and Trent Globetti from CurbTech. To learn more about Kinetics, visit https://kineticsnoise.com/ To learn more about CurbTech, visit https://www.curbtech.net/

    17 min
  7. Acoustic Essentials For Architects | A Discussion With Michael Fay

    25/08/2025

    Acoustic Essentials For Architects | A Discussion With Michael Fay

    In this episode, hear about a topic that quietly impacts our daily lives yet is often overlooked in the early stages of design: acoustics. Michael Fay, a 45-year veteran AV and acoustical design engineer, former editor of Recording Engineer/Producer magazine, and author of Acoustic Essentials for Architects, has a gift for breaking down complex concepts into practical, no-nonsense guidance—making the science of sound not only accessible but fascinating. In this conversation, we’ll explore key principles from his book, uncover why acoustics often get sidelined in architectural projects, and learn how asking four simple questions can make the difference between a space that just looks good and one that sounds as good as it looks. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or just someone curious about how sound shapes our world, this episode will change the way you think about the spaces you create and inhabit. Purchase Michael's book here: Acoustic Essentials for Architects: The Primer Many Architects Wish They Were Offered in School

    19 min
  8. Sound & Spectacle: Engineering The Discoshow Experience in Las Vegas

    15/07/2025

    Sound & Spectacle: Engineering The Discoshow Experience in Las Vegas

    This episode takes you behind the scenes of a Discoshow project in Las Vegas, where we explore the unique acoustical challenges of transforming a former sports betting room into a dynamic space featuring an LED dance floor, towering video walls, and an interactive crowd experience. You’ll hear how the expert collaboration between Kinetics Noise Control, Acousthetics, and Schwob Acoustics delivered innovative solutions to create an unforgettable sensory experience without disrupting the world around it. Our guests are Ben Vause, Building Acoustics Sales Manager at Kinetics; Tyler Adams, Principal at Acousthetics; Michael Schwob, President at Schwob Acoustics; and Mike Bauder, Senior Vice President of Production, Design, and Development at Spiegelworld. To learn more about each company, please visit their websites here: Kinetics Noise Control: https://kineticsnoise.com/Acousthetics: https://www.acousthetics.com/Shwob Acoustics: https://schwobacoustics.com/Spiegelworld: https://spiegelworld.com/

    33 min
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Información

The Catalyst Conversations podcast features industry experts from an elite group of acoustic, seismic, vibration, and noise control companies and world-renowned testing laboratories for lively discussions intended to engage and inform. Tune in and enjoy talks on trending topics, challenges, and how to overcome them. If you are an emerging or seasoned professional in construction, design, engineering, or architecture, we hope you will enjoy the insights our guests bring to this podcast.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Catalyst Acoustics Group
  • Años en activo
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodios
    27
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © Catalyst Acoustics Group 2022
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Catalyst Conversations
  • Proveedor