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Acoustic panels promise a plethora of sound and noise related benefits for homes and studio environments.

But not all acoustic panels live up to the hype, some panels are more effective than others and some don't work at all!

Read on to find out how acoustic panels work and which type of panel is best for your environment and needs.

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What Are Acoustic Panels?

Acoustic panels are sound-absorbing panels made of porous materials like fibreglass, foam or wood. They work by employing various techniques such as absorption, diffusion and reflection to improve sound quality and minimise unwanted reverberation. 

They consist of porous materials that allow sound waves to pass through and become trapped within the panel, effectively reducing echoes and enhancing clarity. Acoustic panels come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. 

They can be installed on walls, ceilings, or floors, depending on the acoustical requirements of the room. 

The use of acoustic panels can create a more controlled and comfortable sonic environment, which is beneficial for numerous applications, including recording studios, concert halls, home theatres, and offices

Magnified view of an acoustic panel

Acoustic panels can be customized to fit specific requirements, such as sound absorption in specific frequency ranges or with specific noise reduction coefficients (NRC).

Proper placement of acoustic panels is essential for optimal performance. They should be placed at strategic locations, such as first reflection points, to ensure sound is evenly distributed throughout the room.

The placement of acoustic panels can also affect the overall aesthetic of the room. Panels can be placed on the walls or ceiling in a pattern or design to enhance the visual appeal of the space while still providing acoustic benefits.

Proper maintenance of acoustic panels is important to ensure their long-term performance. Regular cleaning and replacement of worn or damaged panels can help extend their lifespan and continue to provide optimal acoustic benefits. 

The Breakdown 

• Acoustic panels absorb sound waves.
• Made of porous materials like fibreglass, foam, wood.
• Use absorption, diffusion, reflection.
• Reduce unwanted echoes.
• Enhance sound clarity.
• Come in various shapes, sizes, colours.
• Can be installed on walls, ceilings, floors.
• Create a controlled, comfortable sound environment.
• Good for studios, theatres, offices.
• Can customize panels for specific needs.
• Proper placement is essential.
• Put at first reflection points.
• Maintain panels by cleaning and replacing.

How Acoustic Panels Work

Understanding how acoustic panels work is all about sound wave physics. Here's the step-by-step process.

1. Sound starts as vibrations of an object, like a guitar string vibrating back and forth rapidly.
2. The vibrating string pushes and pulls on the surrounding air particles, creating regions of high and low pressure that emanate outwards in all directions.
3. These high and low pressure regions form what we perceive as sound waves. The waves are simply the movement of air particles as energy transfers through them in an expanding sphere away from the vibrating source.
4. When the sound wave encounters a flat, solid wall, the air particles cannot penetrate it. They bounce off the surface, reversing direction of the high and low pressure regions.
5. Now a reflected sound wave travels back into the room, interfering with the direct wave still coming from the source. This overlay causes distortions like echoes.
6. Acoustic panels are made of porous materials, like foam or fibreglass, full of tiny air pockets and channels.
7. As the sound wave enters these channels, the rapid oscillations of air particles are disrupted by the friction and resistance within the porous material.
8. The friction causes the organized sound energy to transform into microscopic amounts of heat energy. The vibration is absorbed and dissipated by the material.
9. This absorption prevents the sound waves from bouncing back into the room. With its energy diffused into heat, only a small portion of the initial wave emerges from the panel.

In summary, acoustic panels made absorb sound energy by converting the vibrations of sound waves into heat through microscopic friction, preventing excess echoes and reverberation by diffusing reflected sound.

Key Definitions:

Absorption - Acoustic panels absorb sound energy rather than reflecting it, by converting the sound waves into heat. This is done through friction as the sound enters the porous material. Absorption prevents echoes.

Diffusion - Acoustic panels scatter and disperse sound in many directions instead of reflecting it directly back. This is achieved by the uneven surface and porous nature of the panels. Diffusion helps eliminate distinct echoes.

Reflection - When sound hits a smooth, hard surface like a wall, it bounces back clearly in the reverse direction. This reflected sound then interferes with the original sound, creating echoes and muddying the acoustics.

Different Types Of Acoustic Panels

Foam Panels

Foam panels, primarily constructed from open-cell polyurethane foam, melamine foam, or bespoke acoustic foam, have a unique porous structure. This sponge-like composition, featuring interconnected air channels and pockets, allows sound waves to deeply penetrate the foam. Once inside, these waves are trapped and converted to heat through friction, ensuring optimal sound absorption. The typical thickness for these panels ranges between 1-4 inches.

Pros of Foam Acoustic Panels Cons of Foam Acoustic Panels

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Simple installation
• Widely available

• Inefficient at lower frequencies
• Can be easily damaged
• Understated appearance
• Relatively shorter lifespan

Fibreglass Panels

Comprising a dense matrix of intertwined glass wool fibres, fibreglass acoustic panels are produced through a meticulous spun glass process. This involves melting glass, followed by air blowing, creating a refined yet rigid fibre structure. Such a design enables exceptional absorption as the sound waves are subjected to friction across an extensive exposed surface area.

Pros of Fibreglass Acoustic Panels Cons of Fibreglass Acoustic Panels

• Superior sound absorption
• Durable
• Fire resistant
• Resistant to moisture

• Potential skin and eye irritation
• Understated appearance
• Heavier weight
• Comparatively higher cost

Mineral Wool Panels

Mineral wool panels, composed of a blend of natural minerals like basalt or slag alongside recycled materials, stand out for their dense, rigid absorbent nature. These woven mineral fibres contribute significantly to the panel's superior acoustic properties. Widely favoured for use in theatres, concert halls, and studios, they offer unparalleled acoustic control alongside benefits like thermal insulation and inherent fire resistance.

Pros of Mineral Wool Acoustic Panels Cons of Mineral Wool Acoustic Panels

• Exceptional sound absorption across all frequencies
• Thermal insulation benefits
• Fire resistant
• Resistant to moisture

• Potential skin and eye irritation
• Understated appearance
• Dense and heavy
• Higher cost than foam panels

Choosing the Right Acoustic Panel

The selection of an appropriate acoustic panel depends on multiple factors, such as the intended purpose of the room, its size, and specific acoustic needs. This guide will help you discern the best choice for your circumstances.

By Room Purpose

Different rooms have distinct acoustic requirements. Depending on the primary function of your space, certain types of panels might be more beneficial.

Room Purpose Recommended Panel Type Home Studio Foam Panels, Fibreglass Panels Professional Recording Studio Fibreglass Panels, Mineral Wool Panels Home Theatre Foam Panels, Wood Wool Panels Office Space Foam Panels, Wood Wool Panels

By Room Size

The size of your space can greatly influence the acoustic needs. Smaller rooms may require different treatments compared to larger spaces.

Room Size Recommended Panel Type Small (up to 150 sq. ft.) Foam Panels Medium (150-500 sq. ft.) Foam Panels, Wood Wool Panels Large (over 500 sq. ft.) Fibreglass Panels, Mineral Wool Panels

Conclusion

Acoustic panels offer a transformative solution for both residential and professional spaces, enhancing sound quality while adding aesthetic value. Whether you opt for foam, fibreglass, or mineral wool panels, it's crucial to consider your specific acoustical needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget constraints.

With a variety of materials, sizes, and colours available, there's likely a panel that fits your requirements. Remember, proper placement and maintenance are equally important to ensure long-lasting acoustic benefits.

In summary, the impact of acoustic panels extends far beyond simple noise reduction. They create an acoustically balanced environment that can improve your quality of life or professional output.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels work?

Yes, acoustic panels are effective in sound absorption, reducing echo and reverberation, and improving sound quality in a room by absorbing excess noise. They help control reflections and allow the primary sound source to be heard clearly without interference. Acoustic panels make a space sound clearer and more pleasant.

How to make acoustic panels?

Acoustic panels can be made using sound absorbing materials like foam, mineral wool, or fibreglass. You'll need a frame to provide structure, the acoustic material cut to size, and fabric to cover the front face of the panel. Attach the material to the frame, wrap it in decorative fabric, and mount the panels in key locations on walls or ceilings to control sound. DIY acoustic panels are an affordable way to improve room acoustics.

What are acoustic panels?

Acoustic panels are sound-absorbing panels used to reduce noise, echo, and reverberation. They improve sound quality by absorbing excess sound energy rather than reflecting it. Acoustic panels come in various materials like foam, fibreglass, wood, or metal. Strategic use of acoustic panels helps control sound reflections in a room.

How to make acoustic panels look good?

You can make acoustic panels look good by choosing fabric coverings that complement your interior design. Opt for colours, patterns, or artwork prints that match your decor. Also consider decorative wood frames or unique panel shapes. Properly designed, acoustic panels can enhance aesthetics while improving acoustics.

Are acoustic panels worth it?

Whether acoustic panels are worth the investment depends on your needs. If you want to improve sound quality for music, videos, or speech in a room, acoustic treatment can be very beneficial. Panels are an affordable way to reduce echo and make the acoustics more pleasant. For critical spaces like studios or theatres, acoustic panels are likely a wise investment.

Do acoustic foam panels work?

Yes, acoustic foam panels work well for absorbing mid to high frequency sounds. The porous foam structure traps sound waves. However, foam is generally less effective at absorbing lower frequencies. For full spectrum control, materials like mineral wool or fibreglass may be preferable.

Do acoustic panels work both ways?

Acoustic panels are typically designed to absorb sound coming from one direction. Some specialised dual-purpose panels work in both directions, but these are more expensive. For most applications, single-sided panels placed strategically work well to control excess sound and echoes.

Side Step 3D Felt Acoustic Panel System

Sonus Felt

Side step Side Step at your own peril. Instead, bring multidimensional, reverb-crushing modern design to your walls. Measuring eight feet tall, the 36&#; wide sections contain hollow channels, or ribs, allowing for up to three colors. Felt is best when it has space to breathe. Side Step attenuates noise as it enters into the ribs and then again once the frequencies are inside the chamber. Numbers don&#;t lie: regular wall panels typically have an NRC rating of 0.60 or less, Side Step though comes in at 1.05! Meaning you can use less square footage while gaining the aesthetic benefits.

Select a size

36.25" W x 47.5" H

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36.25" W x 95.5" H

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36.25" W x 95.5" H

$

Each

36.25" W x 59.5" H

$

935

Each

36.25" W x 47.5" H

$

634

Each

The price provided is a perfect plug-and-play number for initial budget considerations.

Let's face it, there is more to it than just a product cost.  Let one of our Sonus Advisors help you understand how much product you need, how products are installed, and discuss considerations for lighting, HVAC, and more. There are ways to save and it get right the first time!

For more information, please visit 3D Acoustic Wall Felt Panel.