JMS Acoustics is an independent acoustical consulting firm specializing in sound and vibration. Founded in 2011, JMS Acoustics builds on Mr. Spencer's more than 15 years of diverse acoustical experience.

 

J. Michael Spencer

President and Principal Consultant

Mr. Spencer has more than 15 years experience as a noise control consultant supporting clients in areas of architectural acoustics, industrial noise, environmental noise, HVAC noise and vibration control, and highway and airport noise monitoring. He has worked extensively with power generation and utility companies to evaluate the acoustical impact of generation and transmission facilities, and to reduce the sound levels associated with these facilities. Mr. Spencer uses acoustical modeling software to design the interior acoustics of concert and lecture halls, auditoriums, boardrooms, multipurpose rooms, office spaces and houses of worship. Mr. Spencer’s experience also includes providing expert testimony, developing acoustical design criteria, preparing acoustical impact studies, reducing employee noise exposure, evaluating compliance with applicable regulations, and recommending measures to reduce noise impacts.

He has worked extensively with developers and architects to improve the sound isolation and impact isolation (STC and IIC) in all levels of multifamily communities, and has specific experience in the design of the acoustical aspects for both new and existing wood, concrete and metal-framed multifamily projects. Mr. Spencer assists in selecting appropriate locations for buildings, which reduces the noise exposure from nearby noise sources, and can be used to develop recommendations for the necessary façade design, including walls, windows, and the roof, to achieve acceptable interior sound levels. Additionally, Mr. Spencer assists developers in the FHA mortgage approval process by completing day-night sound level (DNL) predictions according to Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (DHUD) Noise Guidebook. As a member of ASTM Committee E33, Mr. Spencer is actively involved with development of the sound and impact insulation (STC and IIC) testing standards.

Mr. Spencer also has significant experience with the interpretation of noise regulations on the local, State and Federal levels. He has successfully assisted numerous clients with applications before municipal planning and zoning boards, and regional commissions, and has provided expert testimony in court. In addition to years of experience with the New Jersey Noise Regulation (NJDEP 7:29), he has provided support regarding the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) noise limits, New York City Noise Regulation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements, and numerous other local, State and Federal requirements.

Mr. Spencer earned a B.S.E. degree, Magna cum Laude, in Acoustics and Music from the University of Hartford in 1994, and a M.S. degree in Acoustics from the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. He was recognized early for his integrity and excellence in engineering by induction into Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society. Mr. Spencer is currently a member of the Acoustical Society of America, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Institute of Noise Control Engineering, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).