Romstøy

Romstøy is a term used to describe the ambient noise present in an indoor environment. It encompasses sounds produced by heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, electrical equipment, appliances, and human activity. In acoustics and audio production, romstøy also refers to the continuous low-level background sound recorded in a space to serve as a reference track for editing, often called room tone.

The level and character of romstøy depend on the room and its usage. It can be dominated by hum and low-frequency noise from mechanical systems, or by higher-frequency hiss from electronics. The acoustic suitability of a space is often described in terms of the overall noise level and its spectral content, typically measured with a sound level meter and expressed in decibels A-weighted (dBA). Perceived quietness is influenced by frequency balance and fluctuations over time.

Implications of romstøy include its impact on speech intelligibility, comfort, and perceived quality of a recording or living space. In studios, offices, and dwellings, acceptable levels vary with purpose and local guidelines. Standards and recommendations exist for acceptable ambient noise in work environments and dwellings, guiding design and operation.

Management of romstøy involves both architectural and operational measures. Acoustic treatment such as absorptive panels and diffusers, isolation of noisy equipment, maintenance and silencing of HVAC systems, and scheduling of loud tasks can reduce background noise. In film and audio production, a few minutes of room tone are commonly recorded as a reference to ensure seamless audio continuity in post-production.