How do acoustic panels work?
- BY KAMIL SCHYNOL
CHECK ALSO:
In our newly renovated interiors, we aim for everything to be perfect. Imagine finishing your room renovation, stepping in, and shouting in delight, only to hear your voice echo three times!
Annoying, right? To avoid this, many people use various methods to improve room acoustics, and one of the options could be acoustic panels.
Today, we’ll tell you more about how do acoustic panels work and whether they’re worth incorporating into your project.
Understanding sound waves and acoustics
Let’s start with some knowledge. Sound waves are those that cause auditory sensations – sound, in other words, they are vibrations of particles in a medium that transmit energy from one place to another. Sound can create various auditory sensations, including noise (unwanted or unpleasant sounds) and echo (sound reflection off surfaces that returns to the listener) – the echo effect is the most common issue in projects today.
Acoustics is the science of how these waves behave in different spaces.
Acoustic panels are designed to absorb or diffuse sound waves, reducing echo and reverberation, and improving the overall sound quality of rooms. That’s why it’s crucial to use in the projects sound absorbing materials.
Let’s move on to the types of acoustic panels
There are several types of acoustic panels available on the market, including acoustic foam panels, multi-material composites (fabric panels), or wooden panels. Each has its unique features and benefits, and the choice of the right panel depends on the specific needs of the room. They can be customized to fit the interior design – coming in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
How acoustic panel absorb sound waves
Acoustic panels have different sound absorption ratings. The right absorption coefficient ensures sound intensity control and eliminates unwanted effects. How well a room absorbs sound depends on its layout, objects, and materials used inside.
In rooms with many materials that have low absorption coefficients, sounds bounce off surfaces multiple times, causing echo and reverberation. That’s why it’s crucial to choose materials that effectively absorb sound, meaning they have a high sound absorption rating.
Sound absorption classes
CLASS A: Class A materials are the superheroes of acoustics.
They absorb up to 90% of the sound, making them perfect for places requiring excellent acoustic control, such as recording studios, concert halls, and theaters.
CLASS B: Class B materials are slightly less effective than Class A but still perform excellently, with an efficiency of 80% to 90%.
They are ideal for offices, libraries, and places where good noise management is important.
CLASS C: Class C materials absorb 60% to 80% of sound.
They are a great choice for classrooms and other spaces needing moderate noise reduction. This is a balanced option that satisfies most users.
CLASS D: Class D materials absorb 30% to 60% of sound.
They are suitable for areas requiring light acoustic control, such as hallways or lobbies. Think of them as helpers maintaining peace in the room.
CLASS E: Class E materials absorb less than 30% of sound.
They are primarily used for aesthetic purposes where sound control is not critical. Perfect if you want to add some style without aiming for acoustic improvement.
Want more content about acoustic panels? Subscribe to our newsletter!
KEEP IN TOUCH
Stay informed and inspired by subscribing to our newsletter! Receive updates on the latest projects, new product launches, and exciting novelties. Don’t miss out on any opportunities – explore our wooden panel world and discover inspiring ideas for natural interior decoration.
Understanding sound waves and acoustics
Now you know how do acoustic panels work, and getting back to the echo issues, let us introduce you to our acoustic series. At FORM AT WOOD, we offer wooden acoustic panels with various sound absorption classes – something for everyone.
These high-quality, wooden 3D sound-absorbing panels include HEXAGO CM-D, HEXAGO P–A, and HEXAGO CM-A, as well as their flat counterparts, HEXAGO FLAT.
Their compact, modular design features a regular hexagonal shape, topped with an elegantly contoured and partially perforated wooden front.
HEXAGO acoustic series effectively reduces reverberation and enhances sound transmission in any room. They are intended for interiors where acoustics are of particular importance.
Sound-absorbing wall panels are ideal for offices, conference rooms, recording studios, listening rooms, and private multimedia spaces, but also for every space where acoustic is essential.
Want to learn more about our acoustic panels? Visit our website:
Benefits of using an acoustic panel
Imagine a room where absolute tranquility prevails, and conversations with loved ones are pure joy. Acoustic panel with absorber function significantly enhance sound quality by reducing echo and reverberation. This solution diminishes noise, creating a more comfortable environment.
They can be used in conference rooms to improve conversation quality, in-home theaters to create a serene atmosphere for enjoyable evenings, and in offices to prevent echoes from disrupting important conversations. They are also excellent for improving the sound quality of musical instruments and limiting sound reflections in a room.
In the photos below, you can see how our clients have used FORM AT WOOD acoustic panels. If you want to read their stories, you can do so in the “Our Projects” section.
How to determine the right number of acoustic panels?
Perhaps you’re interested in acoustic panels but have no idea how many to use in your space to make them effective? The number of acoustic panels needed depends on the size, shape of the room, and the desired level of sound absorption. The materials present in a space also influence its interior acoustics.