T⁶⁰ refers to the amount of time it takes for a sound to decay 60 dB. Absorptive materials lower T⁶⁰ times to the desired level. Optimal times differ for each type of space and can be modeled using the absorption data of each product and the surfaces of the room.

For musical venues, T⁶⁰ times are normally aimed at 1.5 seconds or higher to keep some background reverberation. However, music education spaces have lower targets. Larger band and instrument rooms aim for 0.9 to 1.1 seconds, to account for conversation from instructors and classmates. Smaller practice rooms can range as low as 0.6 to 0.8 seconds, which is similar to regular classrooms. For better sound quality in all frequencies, also consider diffusers and engineered absorption panels.