407-559-7081

Acoustical Products Made in USA.

Low-Frequency Generator Noise

If your engine room feels louder than it should, you’re likely dealing with low-frequency generator noise (40–250 Hz). The most effective fix is installing a high-mass marine sound barrier on bulkheads or as a full enclosure. In California, this also helps meet Cal/OSHA limits of 85 dB (8-hour TWA).

The Noise You Don’t Just Hear—You Feel

Step into a marine engine room while generators are running, and you’ll notice something different. It’s not just loud—it’s a deep, rolling vibration that moves through the entire vessel.

This is low-frequency noise, often reaching 100–115 dB, and it doesn’t stay contained. Instead, it travels through:

  • Steel bulkheads
  • Deck systems
  • Structural framing

Before long, that same rumble shows up in crew quarters, control rooms, and workspaces—turning into a constant, unavoidable presence.

Why Most “Fixes” Don’t Work

Many try to solve this with foam or lightweight insulation. At first glance, it seems logical—but low-frequency noise doesn’t behave like typical sound.

It demands mass, not softness.

  • Foam absorbs high-frequency sound, not deep vibration
  • Lightweight materials lack the density to stop transmission
  • Structural noise bypasses surface-level treatments

The result? The noise keeps moving—unchanged.

 

Where the Real Solution Begins

To stop low-frequency generator noise, you need something fundamentally different: mass and continuity.

That’s where MassiCore® Marine 135 (ANC-MB135) comes in.

  • Built with a 2 lb mass loaded vinyl barrier
  • Designed specifically for deep, low-frequency control
  • Flexible enough for tight marine installations
  • Durable foil-facing for harsh environments

Instead of trying to absorb the noise, it blocks and contains it at the source.

Installed the Right Way—Everything Changes

When installed properly, the transformation is immediate.

  • Applied directly to engine room bulkheads
  • Integrated into a continuous barrier wall system
  • Fully sealed to eliminate sound leaks

What was once an open pathway for noise becomes a sealed acoustic boundary.

From Overwhelming to Controlled

The results aren’t subtle—they’re measurable.

  • Noise drops from 110–115 dB to 70–75 dB
  • Spaces become quieter, safer, and more functional
  • Communication improves, fatigue decreases

And most importantly, operations move closer to California OSHA compliance:

  • 85 dB (Action Level)
  • 90 dB (Permissible Exposure Limit)

Why This Matters in California

With some of the busiest ports in the country, California demands stricter control over workplace noise. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about meeting regulations and protecting crews.

Ignoring low-frequency noise isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a liability.

Talk to a Specialist

Our consultants are trained to answer any question,
construct a solution to your noise pollution problem

Call us

Cell: 407-559-7081

Request a Quote
ACOUSTICAL BLANKETS

Danielle J.

Rated 5 out of 5

Wouldn’t use anything else

Request a Quote