How Many Acoustic Panels Do I Need?

Do you want to achieve a well-balanced acoustic space? Well, acoustic panels are the way to do that. Acoustic panels were introduced initially for workspaces, and have grown in popularity.

They are used to insulate and absorb sound, thereby reducing reverberation, echo, and general noise. This sound absorbing acoustic panels clean the room of unwanted sounds and chaotic sound waves. The room’s acoustics should be adjusted if there is excessive echo and sound resonance. Smooth surfaces like glass, metal and smooth walls reflect sound. It can also be because there isn’t any furniture, drapes, or carpeting to absorb sound.

In a space like that, holding a reasonable discussion without becoming distracted by sound interference becomes quite challenging. It can cause the room’s occupants fatigue and concentration loss as well.

To learn more about the numerous factors influencing the number of panels you require, continue reading. But first, here is a list of potential uses, materials used and applications of acoustic panels. 

Uses of Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels reduce noise pollution in various settings, including restaurants, movie theatres, auditoriums, recording studios, reception areas, homes, gyms and offices.

It enhances sound clarity so you can enjoy the crisp surround sound, hear your lecturer clearly and record uninterrupted music, among other things.

There are various sound-absorbing panel designs based on your requirement, such as sustainable acoustic panels like perforated wood panels. Others include regular fabric-wrapped, water-resistant, and printed acoustic panels.

Materials Used for Acoustic Panels

Sound waves travel in multiple directions and reflect on every part of a room, such as the walls, furniture, people and other objects. Acoustic panels increase the sound wave absorptions coming in contact with these elements.

These panels typically have an acoustically absorbing foam and a coloured or printed cloth cover to hide the foam. These panels are used not only to reduce noise but also to improve the structure of spaces or just to beautify them.

You can improve the room’s visual appeal by including individualized and theme-based panels. You can select from various shapes and colours for a printed, single-colour, or mottled finish. To add greater emphasis, add light or a frame.

The type of acoustic panels significantly influences the sound quality. The panel’s size, shape, and material must all be considered.

A Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) will be assigned to each sound-absorbing panel to determine how well the panel absorbs sound. NRC scores typically range from 0 to 1; the higher the NRC rating, the better the sound absorption. 

Where to Apply Acoustic Panels?

To have optimal performance, the placement of the acoustic panels is essential. The appropriate positioning is determined by a number of elements, including room type, activity in the area, furniture, and materials in the room (e.g., wood, plastic, glass).

First, you must clarify a few questions: How big is the area? Do you have a small or large place to work with? No single solution applies to all situations involving room echo or reverberation.

The function of a room determines how much sound and frequencies you want to absorb. You can choose the thinner panels if all that has to be absorbed are high and midrange frequencies.

High and low frequencies are both absorbed by thicker noise-cancelling panels. Low-frequency absorption is not necessary if you wish to reduce background noise.

Sound waves often bounce off the walls in smaller spaces, like meeting rooms and private offices. They are usually the surfaces that are closest to the sound source. As a result, consider getting acoustic panels that are fixed on the wall.

The behaviour of sound waves varies in larger rooms and open areas. In larger spaces, less sound energy is reflected back into the room since the original sound stops before contacting a hard object.

Acoustic panels suspended from the ceiling that are horizontal in these situations can significantly enhance the room’s acoustics and eliminate undesired sound waves.

How Many Acoustic Panels are Needed?

There is an equation you can use that optimises the positioning and placing of panels to make the room more usable. It can become a challenge to deal with rooms like a recording studio.

Using the formula below can significantly enhance the room’s sound quality and give you a clear picture of how many panels you will need.

• Cubic Volume of the Room x 3% = Product’s Square Footage
• Height x Wide x Deep x 0.03 = Square Feet

Remember that it is necessary to find the right balance between placing panels where the available space permits while also trying to distribute them as evenly as possible. 

Conclusion

Acoustic panels are used for functional purposes but can also enhance the room’s aesthetic appeal with different shapes, colours and materials. Don’t limit yourself and blend acoustics with interior design. Look for companies that provide eco-friendly, sustainable materials that are ecological and non-toxic when figuring out your acoustic panel requirements.

About Author