In a nutshell, no. Understandably, this is a confusing one, but there is a huge difference between acoustic treatment and soundproofing.
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Acoustic Panels, Bass Traps, and Diffusers are all acoustic treatments used to control the acoustics within a space (e.g., reducing reverb, echo, bass trapping).
Soundproofing refers to isolating a room from its surroundings or to stop the transmission of sound through one wall to the next. Soundproofing almost always requires some degree of construction to build heavy new structures that are decoupled from the other walls and ceilings.
Bass traps are low-frequency, sound-absorbing devices. They are used to absorb the very large waveforms created by low frequencies.
Without effectively absorbing low frequencies, rooms have massive dips and peaks in their frequency response.
Bass traps come in a few varieties, the most common ones are porous absorbers, membrane absorbers, and Helmholtz resonators.
Room modes are natural resonances that occur when speakers or a sound source excite a room at frequencies with wavelengths equal to the room dimensions.
This leads to standing waves that cause large distortions to the frequency response of the room, emphasizing some sounds while masking others, and causing very uneven decay times. Ultimately this leaves you with an inconsistent and undefined foundation for your monitoring system.
Not all acoustic foams are created equal but for the most part, the answer is no. The cheap acoustic foam with wedges or triangles does not have the required mass or depth to effectively absorb mid or low frequencies. If you are only looking to absorb frequencies above 2,000Hz though, go for it.
This will vary drastically from room to room based on the use of the room and the desired soundscape. Recording studios have very different needs from restaurants and one restaurant will inevitably want a different sonic scape than another. If you need help figuring out what is needed for your space, fill out our Free Room Advice Form.
Here are some recommendations that can give you a ballpark sense of what is needed.
Home Studios: 30 to 60% of the walls and ceiling covered
Control Rooms: 50 to 75% of the walls and ceiling covered
Podcast Studios: 50 to 75% of the walls and ceiling covered
Restaurants: 35 to 45% of walls or ceiling covered
Offices: 20 to 50% of walls and ceiling covered
For recording studios, we need to break this down into two categories: For control rooms and home studios, you want to start by targeting the early reflections on the sidewalls, ceiling, and back wall. This will start to establish a reflection-free zone at the listening position. For tracking rooms, you will generally want to start with an even distribution of acoustic treatment. Often times this will consist of both absorption and diffusion.
If you need help figuring out where to put acoustic treatments in your space, fill out our Free Room Advice Form and we’ll be in touch.
Sound barriers are materials or combinations of materials used to isolate a sound source or room. Typically, sound barriers are built into walls during the construction phase but there are some products that can be retrofitted on existing walls/structures.
In order to be an effective sound barrier across the frequency spectrum, these materials need to be very dense and heavy. Mass-loaded vinyl is commonly used in soundproofing applications as a sound barrier both in walls and as a floor underlayment. Two layers of drywall with Green Glue between them is another example of a common sound barrier used for soundproofing.
Soundproofing a door is a difficult task if you are hoping to stop any and all sound from getting through it. There are some acoustic doors that will get you close but they will cost you around $4,000 each.
Luckily most of the time, total isolation is not required, and you can build your own soundproof door with readily available products.
Our preferred DIY method is to use a solid wood core door and adoor seal kit. The most important thing here is achieving an airtight seal all the way around the door when it is shut.
If you are framing out a new room, utilizing double doors is always the best practice. Use solid wood core doors for both and door seal kits. If you are on a budget, you can use an automatic door bottom and silicone door seal.
First, are you blocking/covering/plugging a window, or do you want to preserve that precious natural light? If you no longer need a functional window or natural light, the cheapest and simplest option is to cover the window.
1. Build a frame 1.5” taller and wider than your window out of 6.5”x.75” boards.
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2. Put weather stripping on the back of the frame to de-couple it from the wall and to provide an airtight seal.
Acoustic panels improve sound quality in various spaces. Whether you're setting up a home studio, office, or trying to reduce noise in your living room, understanding acoustic panels is important. Here are the most frequently asked questions about these sound-absorbing tools.
Acoustic panels are sound-absorbing solutions that improve the acoustic environment of a space. They capture sound waves and convert them into a small amount of heat, reducing echo and reverberation. These panels use various materials to absorb different sound frequencies, creating a more balanced acoustic atmosphere. Their effectiveness is measured by the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), which shows how much sound they can absorb across various frequencies.
There are many types of acoustic panels:
Each type has unique properties and can be chosen based on your needs and design preferences. For example, fabric-wrapped panels offer many color options, while wooden slatted panels can provide a natural look.
The placement can be important for their effectiveness. Generally, you should:
Acoustic screens can be used for flexible placement in open spaces. These movable panels are useful in offices or multipurpose rooms where acoustic needs may change often.
The number of panels needed depends on your room size and acoustic goals. As a general guide:
It's often better to start with fewer panels and add more if needed. Room shape, ceiling height, and existing furnishings can also affect the number of panels required. For precise calculations, consider using acoustic modeling software or asking an acoustic professional.
They can be made from various materials, each with its own sound-absorbing properties:
Ceiling baffles often use lightweight materials for easy hanging. The choice of material affects not only the acoustic performance but also the panel's durability, fire resistance, and environmental impact.
Quality acoustic products offer many advantages:
Home offices can benefit greatly from acoustic treatment, especially for those who often have video calls. Good acoustic treatment can make remote work interactions sound more professional.
Selecting the right acoustic panels involves considering several factors:
It's helpful to ask acoustic experts or use online calculators to find the best solution for your space. Some companies offer acoustic simulation services to help you see how different panel setups might work in your specific room.
Yes, many can be customized to fit your space and style:
Podcasters and streamers often use customized products to create a nice-looking background that also improves sound quality. This helps both the sound and the look of their videos or streams.
Installation methods vary depending on the panel type and surface:
Many manufacturers provide installation guides, and some offer professional installation for more complex setups. Consider the weight of the panels and the condition of your walls or ceiling when planning the installation. For rented spaces, think about using removable mounting solutions to avoid permanent changes.
The cost of acoustic panels can vary widely based on quality, size, and customization. Here are some examples from Sonio's product range:
Investing in quality acoustic panels can greatly improve your space's sound quality and comfort. While cheaper options are available, better-quality panels often work better and last longer. Think about the long-term benefits when making your choice, as good acoustic treatment can make your space more valuable and useful for years to come.
Acoustic panels are versatile and effective for improving sound quality in many environments. From home offices to recording studios, these sound-absorbing tools can transform your space, making it more comfortable and functional. By understanding their types, placement, and benefits, you can make good choices to create the perfect acoustic environment for your needs.
While you can install many panel types yourself, talking to acoustic professionals can help you get the most out of your investment. Whether you want to boost productivity in your workspace or create the perfect listening room, acoustic panels are key to achieving your sound goals.
For more ideas on acoustic design trends, check out these resources:
With the right acoustic panels and proper setup, you can create a space that not only sounds great but looks fantastic too. As acoustic technology improves, we can expect even more innovative solutions that blend well with modern interior design while providing better sound control. Whether you're working on a small home office or a large commercial space, acoustic panels offer a customizable and effective solution to your sound management needs.