How Does Sound Work?

Sound waves are created by vibrations. For example, when someone sings, their vocal cords vibrate and send waves through the air to the listener. Higher-frequency sounds consist of short sound waves, whereas lower-frequency sounds contain long waves. Higher frequency sounds don’t bend as much around barriers and are reflected by thin materials. Lower sound waves pass through thinner materials. In general, sound loses energy as it passes through walls.

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Noise is unwanted sound and happens when sound is not absorbed by anything and reflects off of walls or other materials. This is why sound-absorbing materials can come in handy. You can check out and compare the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) for each of our products to get an idea of how well each material absorbs sound. The higher the NRC, the more sound a product absorbs.

How Do Sound Absorption Materials Work

Sound waves will do one of two things when they encounter an object – they can be absorbed, or they can be reflected. When sound is reflected, it is sent back into the room. When it’s absorbed by a sound-absorbing material, it turns into a small amount of heat energy. Acoustics science involves finding the right balance between absorption and reflection.

Imagine you’re watching a band play in an auditorium. If the entire space were covered with sound-absorbing materials, the walls would absorb too much sound and make the music sound flat. The musicians would also have to work hard not to make any mistakes. However, some reverberation would help the music ring beautifully, as long as there’s not too much echo.

There’s also the matter of sound transmission from one room to another. Just like sound absorption, certain materials are better at blocking sound than others. Controlling sound between rooms is sometimes referred to as sound insulation.

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What Are the Best Sound Absorbing Materials?

Sound-absorbing materials are meant to improve the quality of sound within a room by controlling sound reflections. The desired effect is to reduce unwanted noise like echoes or high-pitched laughing. Acoustic sound-absorbing materials can help musicians find greater satisfaction with their music, or help students stay focused when they’re studying in the library. Sound absorption is useful in many different commercial and residential settings.

How do you know which material is best? Let us help you decide which type of sound-absorbing materials to use. We put together a quick, convenient list of our best sound-absorbing materials, so you can learn more and choose the perfect material for your soundproofing needs.

Shop Sound Absorption Materials

1. Acoustic Glass Mineral Wool

Our acoustic glass mineral wool panels offer a lightweight solution for highly customizable sound absorption. Mineral wool is made from natural rock materials that have been spun into a glassy fibrous structure. Each of our panels offers consistent sound absorption. They can be cut to fit any budget or room size. Our glass mineral wool panels feature the following:

• Completely made-to-order for perfection every time
• Available in 1-inch or 2-inch thickness
• Made from safe materials

Benefits include:

• Lightweight
• Easy to install
• Budget-friendly
• Customizable and highly versatile
• Reduces unwanted reverberations
• Provides energy efficiency in any space
• Naturally fire-resistant
• Does not absorb or retain moisture

Musicians and audiophiles alike appreciate how acoustic glass mineral wool effectively reduces reverb, ringing and other unwanted noises in a musical space. However, these panels work great in a wide range of applications including:

• Inside noisy appliances
• As a ceiling panel
• As an office partition
• In machine rooms
• Inside heating and cooling equipment
• Anywhere sound absorption is needed

2. Acoustic Foam

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy way to improve sound quality, acoustic foam is the answer. Acoustic foam is extremely easy to install in any space with a peel-and-stick backing. It’s perfect for dampening sound within a commercial or residential area, and you can use it to help keep sound out. Some of our acoustic foam options include:

• Polyester film-facing panels: Made of polyurethane foam, our polyester film-facing panels are engineered to keep sound in and keep neighbors from complaining. They also provide sufficient excellent sound absorption and insulation with minimal thickness. If you want a strong, superior product for a fraction of the cost of other sound-absorbing foam materials, this is your panel. Our 1-inch panels provide a 0.65 NRC, while our 3-inch thick panels offer an NRC of 1.15.
• Reinforced aluminum-facing panels: Our reinforced aluminum-facing panels provide extra protection in high-heat environments and are resistant against tearing. These panels provide all of the sound-absorbing qualities of our other foam products.
• Acoustic foam panels in varying colors: Our flexible polyurethane foam panels come in a variety of appealing colors from aqua to pumpkin to create a place of peace and solitude. These acoustic foam panels help eliminate exterior noise and absorb sound within a room regardless of frequency. Our 2-inch thick panels have an NRC of 1.00.
• Udderly Quiet™ fabric-covered foam panels: Our Udderly Quiet foam panels ensure optimal acoustical performance in an auditorium, theater or anywhere you wish to reduce echo. These panels are highly versatile and easy to install. The fabric is easy to clean and mildew-resistant, ensuring maximum cleanliness, and are available in different colors to match the decor.
• Fire-rated foam panels: For use in temperatures reaching up to 482 F, choose our Class A acoustic foam. These panels are designed to absorb sound in high temperatures and are engineered with high-quality melamine foam. They are lightweight and easy to install with peel-and-place backing. These flame-resistant panels are ideal for medical facilities or anywhere that uses high-tech equipment. A 2-inch thick panel has an NRC of 0.80.

As you can see, there are tons of acoustic foam options. Although the possibilities are endless regarding where you can place acoustic foam, here are a few ideas:

• Auditoriums
• Engine compartments
• Gun ranges
• Gymnasiums
• Manufacturing facilities
• Medical facilities
• Offices
• Recording studios
• Theatres
• Utility rooms
• Workshops

Acoustic foam benefits include:

• Keeps sound out
• Reduces reverb
• Improves acoustics
• Affordable
• Can also double as wall art

Overall, these products are excellent at absorbing sounds in spaces where acoustics play a major role. They’re also among the most affordable solutions we offer at Soundproof Cow. Be sure to look for our No Bull specials.

3. Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Cotton

Our Echo Absorber™ panels and baffles are among our best sound-absorbing materials. Made of 80 percent recycled materials, the natural fiber panels aren’t just great at controlling sounds. They’re also resistant to mold, mildew and flames, as well as suited to temporary or permanent installations. These lightweight materials are easy to install, just like the rest of our products, and they provide tremendous value for the cost.

You can choose the right thickness or pack size for your needs. Options include:

• Echo Absorber acoustics panel natural blend: These panels are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), made from recycled cotton and are Class A rated. They can be mounted to any flat surface or wrapped around curved walls or columns to reduce reverberation. Thermal bonding makes these panels resistant to tears and impact. A 2-inch panel offers a 1.00 NRC.
• Echo Absorber acoustics panel packs: For outstanding noise reduction at an affordable price, we offer convenient packs of three, six or fourteen panels. Our case of three covers up to 24 square feet and offers an NRC of 1.15

This sound-absorbing material is perfect for:

• Auditoriums
• Call centers
• Conference rooms
• Computer rooms
• Gymnasiums
• Offices
• Studios
• Theaters
• Warehouses

Acoustic cotton benefits include:

• Cost-effective
• Meets most building codes
• Fungi, mold, mildew and flame resistance
• Environmentally-friendly

4. Acoustic Partitions

An acoustic partition offers the ideal sound-absorbing solution when you want to divide a room into smaller spaces and save yourself the time, cost and trouble of remodeling. Our free-standing acoustic partitions are lightweight and easy to move around whenever you want to change the layout of a room or turn any space into a quiet, private area. They’re available in a range of colors to fit into the style of an office, restaurant or school. Our Udderly Quiet™ acoustic partitions offer the following features:

• 4 feet by 5 feet with custom sizes available
• 60 percent recycled acoustic mineral wool core
• 100 percent recycled acoustic fabric options available
• NRC rating of 1.00

Acoustic partitions are perfect for use in:

• Conference spaces
• Hotels
• Offices
• Restaurants
• Study rooms
• Anywhere you want to divide a space and enjoy quality sound

Benefits include:

• Flexibility
• Absorbs background noise
• Offers a temporary sound solution
• Customization options
• Improves privacy
• Superior sound absorption
• Exceptional quality
• Easy to install and move around
• Available in endless fabric options to match any decor
• Class A rating
• Highly durable
• Extremely versatile

5. Hanging Baffles

Do you need sound absorption but have very little wall space? Hanging baffles solve the problem for you. You can hang baffles from the ceiling to create soundproofing insulation just about anywhere. They capture and redirect sound while blending into the surroundings. You can also add a touch of art to the ceiling with a custom covering, or you can choose fabric from over 1,000 options. Here’s our selection of hanging baffles worth considering for discreet sound absorption options:

• Udderly Quiet acoustic baffle 250 series: Our Udderly Quiet acoustic baffle features an internal aluminum frame to improve overall stability and offers exceptional acoustic performance. You can choose from a variety of environmentally-friendly covering options to add style anywhere. With a 1-inch thickness, you can expect an NRC of 0.80.
• Udderly Quiet acoustic baffle 200 series: Better for smaller spaces, our 200 series offers size options up to 3 feet by 6 feet. You can choose rounded or square corners. These baffles are available 2-inches thick with a 1.10 NRC.
• Echo Absorber hanging baffle natural series: As a cost-effective option, our Echo Absorber hanging baffles get the job done. They are available in 1-inch thick 4-foot by 4-foot squares to absorb unwanted reverberation. They offer a great economical option in noisy places like cafeterias and gymnasiums. Made mostly of recycled material, these baffles are safe and environmentally friendly.
• Echo Absorber hanging baffle pack: You can also choose 1-inch baffles in packs of six or fourteen for an NRC of 0.85. Or you can go with an eight-pack of 2-inch thick baffles for a 1.15 NRC.
• Udderly Quiet Class A anechoic hanging baffles: Featuring a unique, open-cell design, these baffles are ideal for high-heat areas or where sparks may fly. These baffles are 3 inches thick, made of high-quality melamine foam and offer superior sound absorbing capabilities.

Hanging baffles are the perfect sound-absorbing material for:

• Auditoriums
• Gymnasiums
• Gun ranges
• Call centers
• Offices
• Industrial facilities
• Anywhere with limited wall space

The baffles are easily installed with medium or light-duty chains and hooks. Udderly Quiet installations work well in all types of residential, retail, commercial and government applications. Because they’re suspended in air, you don’t have to worry about acoustic backing or modifying the walls of your space. Hanging baffles offer the following benefits:

• Excellent soundproofing using out-of-the-way ceiling space
• Easy to install
• Made of quality, durable materials
• Designed to improve sound quality in spaces of all sizes

6. Quiet Board™ Water Resistant Panels

If you’re looking for water- or stain-resistant acoustic materials that absorb sound, check out Quiet Board™. At Soundproof Cow, we’re proud to offer this option to a wide range of clientele. The temporary acoustic panels absorb and block sound in any area where a washable material is necessary. Our Quiet board panels feature the following:

• Available in 2-inch or 1-inch thickness
• Come in cases of three or seven for 2-inch panels, or cases of six or thirteen for 1-inch panels
• Offer an irregular surface texture that absorbs 50 percent of airborne sound and a polypropylene core that deflects 50 percent of sound
• Class A product

These panels are perfect for sound absorption in messy or moist areas such as:

• Arenas
• Car washes
• Dog kennels
• Food preparation areas
• Gymnasiums
• Indoor swimming pools
• Laboratories
• Medical facilities
• Rooftop enclosures
• Skating rinks
• Under the floor or as a ceiling tile

With Quiet Board panels, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Highly durable, water-resistant material
• Strong resistance against chemicals, bacteria and fungi
• Impact resistance
• Washable
• Excellent value for soundproofing and sound absorption
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Can be easily cut or trimmed
• Can be custom-shaped for a fun look

7. Other Foams

We offer a variety of other foams for any application whether you need to package fragile items securely or make something float. Through Soundproof Cow you can get:

• Expandable foams: Our pourable liquid urethane foam allows you to fill small spaces where sound can escape or enter, helping you enjoy the sound of silence even more.
• Extruded safety foams: Add safety and close sound-escaping gaps by adding foam padding to sharp edges, corners and open spaces with our selection of extruded safety foams.
• Packaging and shipping foams: Our packaging and shipping foams are more about keeping precious cargo safe than soundproofing. Our shipping foams are static-free and great for reducing movement and preventing crushing.

There are other odds and ends you’ll find among our selection as well. Almost any acoustic foam application you can dream of, we stock in our online store.

Benefits of Sound Absorption Materials

Not sure you’re ready to experience the magic of sound-absorbing materials? Considering the following benefits, they’re probably worth trying if you want to control your noise.

1. Customizable

Many of our soundproofing materials are highly customizable to fit the look and needs of any space. For instance, acoustic glass mineral wool can be used in any number of locations — from covering walls to cutting back on noise emitted from air conditioners. They also look professional in a range of settings, so you never have to sacrifice aesthetics for noise control.

2. Easy to Install

Our soundproof materials are incredibly easy to install, and most can be customized to fit in just about any space. For example, if you need to create a soundproof room within a room quickly, consider our lightweight partitions. Or, if you need to stick a small piece of sound-absorbing material into a noisy appliance, you might try acoustic glass mineral wool. Our products offer flexibility to solve any noisy problems without having to tear down walls or remodel a space.

3. Safe to Use

Fire-rated products are safe to use in almost any location where fire codes or high heat are a concern. While a bit more expensive, they allow you to safely control noise in areas like kitchens, workshops and even in appliances. Whether you need thick sheets of fire-safe sound absorption material or acoustic blocks, you can count on Soundproof Cow to have them in stock.

4. Improves Life

Imagine being able to play the music you want when you want in your home studio without fear of waking the neighbors. Or picture enjoying a night of restful sleep despite the neverending commotion outside. Commercial buildings can keep workers happy and focused when they aren’t distracted by noise or small talk. Noise control makes life better everywhere.

What to Consider When Choosing Sound Absorption Materials

We offer many different noise-absorbing materials, and they are all beneficial and versatile. So, how do you know which one to choose? Consider the following factors to help you narrow your sound absorption options:

• Where you are soundproofing: The first thing you need to consider is where you plan to soundproof. For example, do you want to soundproof in the bedroom? If so, you might choose acoustic panels in a soothing color. Do you want to soundproof a workout area where sweat and moisture can fly? You might be better off with a water-resistant panel.
• What are you trying to soundproof: Next – what exactly are you trying to soundproof? If you wish to soundproof an air conditioner, then you want to buy a material you can customize to fit into the unit. If you want to soundproof an entire room, then choose a material you can install on the walls that meet your sound-absorbing needs and your budget.
• What are your needs: Do you want to absorb sound or reflect it? Different products are designed to provide different solutions, so it’s important to talk to an expert and figure out your exact soundproofing needs.
• What look do you want: Are you going for a natural, environmentally-friendly look in your garage or workroom? You can choose a recycled material. Want custom art in addition to sound absorption? You definitely have options with Soundproof Cow.

Shop Sound Absorbing Materials With Soundproof Cow

Herd of our impressive product selection? If not, we’d be surprised. We’ve made a name in the business for offering the top acoustic products available to builders, architects and homeowners alike. We pride ourselves on using the best materials available and only carrying sound-absorbing materials we know are worth the investment.

One of our best features is the FREE acoustic analysis. We offer customers insight into their specific situation and recommend materials to fit that space. We will inform you of all the options for soundproofing and improving the area’s acoustic characteristics.

To help our customers get the very mooo-st bang for their buck, we place special items on deep discounts. These products are marked by our No Bull labels and present the biggest bargains in the store.

Still not sure which sound-absorbing materials are best? Let our Account Managers guide you. We’ve helped hundreds of customers find soundproofing solutions for tricky noise-control issues. Our team’s advice will help you create a plan to resolve your acoustic needs.

Enjoy Our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

Soundproof Cow takes customer service to the next level. We’ve always gone above and beyond to meet people’s needs. Now, it’s part of our official store policy. If you run into issues with your sound absorbers, all it takes is a quick call to set things right. We’re dedicated to customer satisfaction, and we won’t stop until we’ve got it.

Whether you’re in need of temporary acoustic absorbing materials or fire-safe products available in an endless number of shapes and sizes, Soundproof Cow has got you covered. Call 1-866-949-9269 to schedule your FREE acoustic analysis today.

Learn More About Understanding Sound

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What is Reverberation of Sound

What is Sound Isolation

Contact us to discuss your requirements of polyester fibre board. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Impact Noise vs Airborne Noise

What is Sound Diffusion

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Echo vs Reverberation

What is Sound

Colors of Noise

Benefits of White Noise

What are the Characteristics of a Sound Wave

What is Sound Masking

Soundproofing vs sound absorbing – explaining the difference

From corporate offices to recording studios, acoustics play a pivotal role in people’s experiences. Too much noise in the wrong setting creates distractions, while poor audio quality can hamper the clarity of the sound—whether through echoes or reverberations. Hence the need for designer-friendly soundproofing and sound absorbing materials. Yet when seeking audio solutions, it’s common to not know the difference between these two terms.

Is there a difference after all? Yes. And if you mix them up, you may end up with the wrong sound treatment for your goals.

With that in mind, let’s clarify the differences between soundproofing vs sound absorbing. We’ll also discuss some tried and true acoustic treatment options from both categories.

Key Differences Between Soundproofing and Sound Absorbing

Soundproofing is designed to prevent sound from entering or leaving a space by blocking sound transmission with dense, heavy materials, making it ideal for environments where sound leakage is a concern. On the other hand, sound absorption aims to improve the acoustic quality within a space by reducing echo and reverberation, using light, porous materials to trap and convert sound waves. While soundproofing focuses on isolation, sound absorption enhances the internal acoustic environment, each serving different purposes in noise control.

• Purpose – Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or exiting a space, while sound absorption aims to optimize the acoustic quality within a space.
• Materials – A soundproofing material uses mass and density to block sound. Sound-absorbing materials, on the other hand, are soft and porous.
• Installation – Whether you need sound absorption, soundproofing, or both, it’s a good idea to have your solutions installed by a sound specialist. This way, they can supervise the placement and installation of your acoustic treatment. That said, sound-absorbing solutions are often easier to install DIY. That’s because their treatments can be set up inside a room, rather than within the interior of its walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Cost – The cost of acoustic panels vs soundproofing treatments depends on the size, purpose, and layout of your space. But in general, sound absorption treatments are more affordable than soundproofing projects.

What is Soundproofing?

Soundproofing is the process of using dense materials to contain or block sound waves so that they don’t enter or exit a space. Soundproofing is the go-to solution in the following scenarios:

• You want to keep business conversations in your conference room confidential.
• You don’t want to be subjected to the noise of construction happening outside your office building.
• You want your classrooms to be free of distractions from chatty students outside.

By blocking unwanted sound, soundproofing solutions can enhance the peace, privacy, and productivity of people who engage in your space.

How Does Soundproofing Work?

Soundproofing solutions block sound by creating a barrier of dense mass between one area and the next. To clarify, let’s examine the components involved in this process:

• Mass – One of the popular soundproofing methods is to add mass to the walls, ceilings, and floors. Heavy materials, such as brick or concrete, can do the trick. Their heavy mass makes it much harder for sound to travel from one room to the next.
• Density – Density refers to the amount of mass packed into a specific volume of space. Increasing the density of a room’s surrounding materials can also provide soundproofing, even if the materials aren’t very thick. Some high-density materials are lead, rubber, and certain types of foam.
• Sealing – If a room’s walls, windows, or doors have any gaps or cracks in them, it can allow sound waves to escape. By sealing these gaps, you can prevent sound leakage and contain the sound with much greater success. Sealants, weatherstripping, and door sweeps are just a few examples of treatments that can assist with this process.
• Isolation – or separate layers of mass are needed, dependent on severity of sound, to mitigate vibrational transfer of soundwaves through mass. Harmonic frequencies/very low frequencies/very loud dB can travel through mass as if it isn’t there, via vibration. The isolation of mass layers greatly reduces vibrational potential through said mass.

Depending on your space, you may need to employ a combination of these elements to achieve your desired results.

If you want to kickstart soundproofing project with the right acoustic panel design and treatments, we suggest the following products:

Common Applications of Soundproofing

Soundproofing is beneficial in many types of spaces, including:

• Recording studio – Unsurprisingly, recording music can produce a lot of sound. Soundproofing can prevent these production sounds from leaking outside the studio. It can also ensure that external noises don’t bleed into studio recordings.
• Home theaters – A home theater is an awesome place to watch movies and TV shows. By containing sound with soundproofing treatments, you can watch the big screen with the volume on full blast. You can also prevent external audio distractions from disrupting your viewing experience.
• Conference rooms – Important business deals often take place in conference rooms. Soundproofing can limit the noise pollution in these spaces, allowing occupants to stay focused and safeguard the privacy of their discussions.

What is Sound Absorption?

While the purpose of soundproofing is to block sound, sound absorption’s purpose is to improve the acoustic quality within a space. Sound absorption treatments achieve this goal by:

• Dampening the intensity of sound waves
• Preventing sound waves from reflecting off hard surfaces
• Mitigating their resulting echoes and reverberations
• Balancing sound distribution throughout a space

As such, the right sound absorption treatments can reduce a room or building’s background noise, improve its occupants’ speech clarity, and enhance its overall auditory experience.

How Does Sound Absorbing Work?

While soundproofing products use dense, heavy materials, sound absorption treatments are typically made of soft, porous materials, such as foam or fabric. These materials trap sound waves in their microscopic openings, similar to the way that a sponge traps water.

Once sound waves have penetrated absorbent material, their energy converts into heat. After the sound waves are absorbed by the material, they’re unable to bounce away to another surface. In turn, the room’s echo and reverberation are greatly reduced, leading to a quieter environment.

If you’re looking for high-quality sound absorbing material, here are a few we recommend:

Common Applications of Sound Absorbing Treatments

Many types of buildings can benefit from sound absorption. Here are just a few examples:

• Restaurants – From clinking cutlery to clamorous conversations, restaurants can be quite noisy. Without adequate sound absorption, this noise can bounce around continuously and create auditory chaos. Fortunately, some strategically placed absorber acoustic treatment can streamline the sound and enhance the dining experience for everyone involved.
• Open offices – Like restaurants, open offices can be busy spaces. With so many meetings and phone calls taking place, sound absorbers can help promote a peaceful work environment that facilitates focus and productivity.
• Concert halls – The acoustical quality of concert halls is very important. After all, professional musicians work tirelessly on their craft to put on flawless performances. Sound absorption treatments can enhance the clarity and balance of sound within these types of spaces.

When to Combine Soundproofing and Sound Absorbing Treatments

In many cases, you may want to use a mixture of soundproofing and sound-absorbing solutions.

Both can come in handy if you have a room that requires high-quality acoustics, along with sound containment.

Just keep in mind that striking the balance between soundproofing and sound absorbing panels can be tricky without the guidance of a sound specialist.

Solve Your Sound Issues With Acoustical Surfaces

In summary, soundproofing and sound absorbing are two different, but complementary, processes. No matter which type of treatment you need, the sound experts at Acoustical Surfaces are happy to help. Once we understand your goals, we can assess your space, map out how sound moves within it, and suggest the best solutions.

Ready to get started? Reach out to the Acoustical Surfaces team today. With over 35 years of experience, our experts can provide you with unique and tailored solutions.

Sources:

For more acoustic wooden slatsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

1. Science World. Sound.https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/sound/
2. NIH. Basics of Sound, the Ear, and Hearing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207834/