Suitable applications for sound absorption panels include:

Note that sound absorption material is often called “soundproofing.” I believe that the term “soundproof” is usually misapplied, which will be discussed in another post. Sound absorption panels are NOT able to significantly reduce sound transmission through a wall between two adjacent spaces; they are intended to improve sound quality within the room that they are installed by attenuating sound reflections and reducing reverberation/decay times. If you are looking to reduce sound transmission through a wall, please see our directory of noise control products and solutions here: https://acousticsfreq.com/noise-control-products/

Commercially-manufactured sound absorption panels are available in two common varieties:

1) Molded melamine foam wedges and eggcrate (e.g. Auralex , Sonex , etc.):

2) Decorative fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels (e.g. Golterman & Sabo, Wall Technology, Fabricmate, etc.):

The acoustic properties of each of these are very similar, with all of them absorbing approximately 100% of incident sound energy at mid and upper frequency ranges. Feel free to compare Sabine absorption coefficients at your leisure. These material types are mostly differentiated by their visual appearance.

An important consideration for any sound absorption panel, though, is thickness. A thicker panel will more effectively absorb a longer wavelength (lower frequency) of sound. Therefore, when choosing an acoustical material, consider the frequency content (tonal spectrum) of sound that you seek to absorb. For placement on drywall surfaces, the following rules of thumb should be helpful:

– For human voices, crowds of people, and speech use 1” absorber thickness

– For amplified music with bass and drums or cinema surround-sound use 2” absorber thickness (or greater)

The necessary quantity and placement of sound absorption material for a given space is determined by the specific type of listening functions occurring there. Extreme ends of the spectrum range from traditional/classical worship spaces which are entirely hard-surfaced (great for pipe organ and choral music) to THX-certified cinemas and movie theaters which have sound-absorbing materials on all wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces.

Consider which wall and ceiling reflections need to be eliminated and cover those entire areas with sound absorption treatment.

Pricing for manufactured, two-inch thick, fabric-wrapped fiberglass sound absorption panels is usually $6 to $8 per square foot. I have seen sound absorption panels priced as high as $12.25 per square foot! Given the large square foot area that needs to be covered to achieve a suitable home theater acoustic, this falls well outside of the average consumer’s budget.

I may annoy a few people by telling you this, but you can make your own sound absorption panels for MUCH less. What follows are explanations, instructions, and specifications for very effective sound absorption panels.

The essential elements of a sound absorption panel include: