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Our lab isn’t just for rigorous acoustic testing — it’s a place to explore, learn, and let curiosity lead the way.

Sound Cave Labs Podcast

The Sound Cave Labs Podcast, produced by MD Acoustics, explores the intersection of technical decision-making, personal growth, entrepreneurial thinking, and real-world problem solving across STEM fields.

Each episode features engineers, scientists, founders, makers, and technical leaders discussing how and why things get built — and the people, risks, and creative choices behind those decisions.

We highlight the human journey behind innovation — the learning curves, the uncertain paths, the
pivots, the failures, and the breakthroughs.

Join the Community
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

Follow. Share. Build with us.
Because innovation isn’t a solo act —
it’s a conversation.

Our Purpose

To humanize STEM and innovation.
To show that behind every technology, system, product, and company is someone who was once
uncertain, curious, confused, determined, inspired — just like you.
We tell the stories you can’t Google — the lessons you learn only by doing.

Reverberation Chamber

In contrast to controlled silence, our Reverberation Chamber is designed to maximize sound reflection—creating a diffuse, echo-rich environment ideal for acoustic power measurements, absorption testing, and durability simulations under extreme sonic conditions. We follow ANSI/ASA S12.50, ANSI/ASA S12.51, ANSI/ASA S12.52/2, ANSI/ASA S12.54, ISO 3740, ISO 3741, ISO 3743-2 and ISO 3744 standards for HVAC sound power testing, free-field and reverberation room methods, and movable source evaluations—delivering measurements that are accurate, consistent, and defensible.

Constructed with high-mass surfaces, and a precision-engineered volume-to-surface ratio, the chamber ensures a uniform sound field across a wide frequency range. This environment enables us to evaluate how materials, components, and products perform when subjected to sustained acoustic energy—critical for qualifying absorption coefficients, verifying compliance, and improving product resilience.

Reverberation Chamber Specs

24’ x 24’ x 15’

Testing Area – 14’ x 14’ x 10’

Volumetric Sound Power Grid Layout
200 amps of available power
120V/240V/480V capable
Quiet Lighting
Volumetric Sound Power Grid Layout
200 amps of available power
120V/240V/480V capable
Quiet Lighting

RF Testing

Blending acoustical engineering expertise with advanced measurement technology, we deliver specialized RF Wall Testing that reveals how materials and assemblies impact radio frequency performance. Our team analyzes signal attenuation, interference patterns, and shielding effectiveness to help architects, engineers, and facility managers design spaces that achieve both acoustic precision and optimal RF control. We follow IEEE 299 testing standards to measure the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding and enclosures—ensuring your project is compliant, defensible, and built to the highest standards.

Whether the goal is securing sensitive communications, improving wireless coverage, or meeting strict compliance requirements, we provide the data and insight needed to make informed, high-performance design decisions—ensuring every wall works as hard as the space it defines.

RF Testing Specs

24’ x 24’ x 15’

Testing Area – 14’ x 14’ x 10’

Parameters we can test against listed below

Magnetic FieldElectric FieldPlane WaveMicrowave
10 KHz - 30 dB10 KHz - 100 dB50 MHz - 100 dB2 GHZ - 80 dB
100 KHz - 50 dB100 KHz - 100 dB100 MHz - 80 dB4 GHZ - 80 dB
1 MHz - 60 dB1 MHz - 100 dB400 MHz - 95 dB6 GHZ - 80 dB
10 MHz - 80 dB10 MHz - 100 dB1000 MHz - 90 dB10 GHZ - 80 dB
30 MHz - 90 dB300 MHz - 100 dB12 GHZ - 70 dB
18 GHZ - 55 dB
Magnetic FieldElectric FieldPlane WaveMicrowave
10 KHz - 30 dB10 KHz - 100 dB50 MHz - 100 dB2 GHZ - 80 dB
100 KHz - 50 dB100 KHz - 100 dB100 MHz - 80 dB4 GHZ - 80 dB
1 MHz - 60 dB1 MHz - 100 dB400 MHz - 95 dB6 GHZ - 80 dB
10 MHz - 80 dB10 MHz - 100 dB1000 MHz - 90 dB10 GHZ - 80 dB
30 MHz - 90 dB300 MHz - 100 dB12 GHZ - 70 dB
18 GHZ - 55 dB

The Team

Host

Mike Dickerson

BYU | B.S. Physics – Acoustics

Mike founded MD Acoustics 13 years ago, growing the company from a single employee to a team of over 30 professionals with diverse, multi-disciplinary expertise. Over the years, he has led the build-out of a state-of-the-art laboratory and three office locations, completed more than 2,000 noise and air quality/greenhouse gas studies, and spearheaded the development of multiple consumer, commercial, and industrial products.

Industry Accomplishments

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Member
  • Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Full Member
  • Institute of Noise Control Engineers (INCE), Full Member
  • American Institute of Physics (AIP)
  • Bilingual (Spanish)
Host

Robert Pearson

Utah State University | BS – Communications and Sociology

Robert has managed more than 800 noise and vibration projects across diverse sectors, including car washes, telecommunications, and long-term monitoring. He also oversees the resource team at MD Acoustics, ensuring projects are supported with the expertise and coordination needed for success.

Host

Samuel Hord

BYU | B.S. Applied Physics – Acoustics
UT Austin | M.S. Engineering – Acoustics

Sam has completed over 400 acoustical studies and presented his work at multiple industry events. He has trained and mentored new acousticians, addressed complex building envelope noise issues, developed specialized calculation tools, and contributed to the design of both anechoic and reverberation chambers.

Industry Accomplishments

  • INCE Board Certified in Noise Control Engineering
  • Sound intensity and directivity measurements for a loudspeaker canopy in a restrictive noise environment | ASA 2022
  • The Acoustics of Shrieking Perforated Panels | ASA 2023
  • Outdoor Concert Hotel Acoustics | INCE 2023
  • Ghouls Begone: Acoustics of Shrieking Perforated Panels | INCE 2024
  • Is pickleball noise highly impulsive? | INCE 2025
Producer

Matthew Baldwin

Matt has developed over 700 SoundPlan noise contour models and is also proficient in other leading acoustic modeling platforms, including EASE and TNM for advanced traffic noise analysis. Matt is also the producer of our Sound Cave Labs Podcast.

Industry Accomplishments

  • FAA Drone Certified
  • Skilled in media production/editing.
Producer

Jordan Trubakoff

Conservatory of the Recording Arts and Sciences

Jordan has completed over 550 studies, led the design and fabrication of our anechoic chamber, and developed a company-wide inventory database to improve efficiency. He also heads MD Acoustics’ design department, overseeing projects from concept through completion.

Industry Accomplishments

  • SMAART Certification
  • Apple Gold Level Educator
  • NoiseConn 2023 Presentation – INCE
  • NoiseConn 2025 Presentation – INCE
  • What Does it Take to Design the Future? – Fitch Design Studio Panel Discussion
Producer

Thad Trubakoff

ASU | MFA Sculpture, Wood + Foundry
ASU | BA Design Management 

Thad combines expertise in design, fabrication, and manufacturing with a background in entrepreneurship, marketing, and product development. At MD Acoustics, he manages social media, and the company website, edits the Sound Cave Labs podcast, while also creating CAD models, design documents, and specialized lab fixtures.

Industry Accomplishments

  • Proficient in Fusion 360, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite
  • What Does it Take to Design the Future? Fitch Design Open Studio Panel Discussion
  • Higher Education Maker Summit Panel Discussion. Techshop. Arizona State University Chandler Innovation Center
  • Artist of the MonthPhoenix Magazine
  • Mary Lou Harvey Award – Arizona Artist Guild
  • Rudy Turk Award for History in American Craft
  • Emerge Grant Recipient – Arizona State University