The moment people hear about noise control in an environment they automatically think of either acoustic wall paneling or even sound proofing—almost never both. Although both of them are used for solving sound issues, they do it in very different ways. In order to understand which of these options is best for your environment, it is paramount to grasp these distinctions.
An acoustic wall panel is mostly used to improve the quality of sound in a certain space, reducing echoes and sounds bouncing off the walls. This makes them suitable for any place that may need clean and accurate reproduction of sounds and this includes recording booths or meeting halls. Sound proofing on the other hand, aims at minimizing sounds from entering or escaping from a particular room. This is commonly done in areas that may need privacy and in areas that are prone to noises from outside, such as noise from traffic.
Acoustic Wall Panels: Improving Sound Quality Within
Acoustic wall panels are specially installed to enhance the quality of sound in a given room. These panels control the sound by preventing the sound waves from bouncing back and creating noise. They are common in areas such as recording studios, theaters, offices, and any other place that requires high quality audio. These panels usually come in foam or fiber and their main role is to make sure that sound is clearly transferred in the room without resonance and/or reverberations.
For instance, when recording in a music studio, the use of acoustic panels will assist in achieving the real sound of instruments and vocals since it reduces sound bouncing. Likewise, in an office environment, these panels can help make voices much more audible during both informal discussions and formal meetings.
Soundproofing: Preventing Sound from Coming in or Out
On the other hand, soundproofing is the process of controlling the movement of sound into or out of a particular area. It is not only used in residential and commercial properties, but also where noise control is paramount such as in hospitals and industries.
Soundproofing can be done by using mass-loaded vinyl, thick foam, or special soundproofing drywall material. These materials are usually incorporated in walls, ceilings, and floors to achieve optimal results.
Acoustic Wall Panels Vs. Sound Proofing
For purposes of enhancing sound clarity and quality, especially in homes with home theaters or recording studios, then acoustic panels are the best to use. They will assist you in the control of the noise that is already present inside without necessarily preventing outside noise.
If you have to block out sound from entering or escaping the room, like in a bedroom adjacent to a busy pavement or during a secretive meeting, soundproofing is most suitable. It acts as a shield which prevents the inward and outward transfer of noise.
Conclusion
While acoustic wall panels and soundproofing are both used to deal with noise, they are used in different ways. With these differences in mind, you should be able to decide which method will be most effective in achieving the goal of implementing quiet and efficient zones in your space.
Remember, the choice of acoustic enhancement or soundproofing can greatly influence your living or working space hence the need to consider your circumstances carefully before choosing.