How do acoustic panels work?
- BY KAMIL SCHYNOL
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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.
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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.
To simplify this decision, we’ve created a graphic that explains how many panels are recommended based on room size:
Acoustic treatment vs Soundproofing – what is the difference?
Many people often confuse acoustic treatment with soundproofing, so it’s worth picking up this topic. They are actually different and serve unique purposes for managing sound in a room. Here’s a simple breakdown to clear things up.
Acoustic treatment:
These are all about improving the sound quality inside a room. Acoustic treatments it’s about the change how sound waves behave within a space. You can find there products that absorb sound waves (like HEXAGO acoustic panels), making the environment sound better and providing a more authentic listening experience.
Acoustic treatments mainly focus on reducing echoes and reverberations. They help with issues like low-frequency buildup in corners, standing waves, and room modes.
Soundproofing:
Soundproofing is about preventing sound from escaping or entering a room. While our acoustic series can slightly reduce sound transfer between rooms, they are not designed to completely stop it.
True soundproofing requires adding mass, which often means making structural changes like adding extra walls, creating air gaps, and using insulation. Mass is crucial for effective sound isolation and to stop sound from leaking through walls. Be wary of claims that soundproofing can be achieved without adding mass, as this goes against the principles of sound physics.
Where to use FORM AT WOOD acoustic panels – common applications
Recording studios
Enhance sound clarity and reduce unwanted echoes, creating a professional environment for music and voice recordings. Acoustic panels help absorb sound, ensuring that recordings are crisp and free from external noise and internal reverberation.
Offices
Improve speech intelligibility and reduce background noise, leading to better concentration and productivity in workspaces. Acoustic panels can be strategically placed to create quiet zones, making it easier for employees to focus and communicate effectively.
Home theaters
Create a better listening environment by minimizing reverberation, allowing for a more immersive movie-watching experience. Acoustic panels help to balance sound waves, so viewers can enjoy clear dialogue and rich sound effects without distraction.
Conference rooms
Ensure clear communication during meetings by reducing echo and improving overall sound quality, making discussions more effective. Proper acoustics in conference rooms prevent sound distortion, ensuring that all participants can hear and be heard clearly.
Music rooms
Enhance the quality of sound for practice and performances, ensuring that instruments and vocals sound their best. Acoustic panels help musicians hear themselves and each other more accurately, making rehearsals more productive and performances more polished.
Restaurants and cafes: Reduce noise levels to create a more pleasant dining experience, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals and conversations without excessive background noise. Acoustic panels help manage the sound environment, making it easier for guests to converse and relax.
Auditoriums: Improve the listening experience for audiences by reducing echo and enhancing sound distribution. Acoustic panels ensure that speeches, performances, and presentations are clearly heard by everyone in the audience, regardless of where they are seated.
Hotels: Improve guest comfort by reducing noise in common areas and hallways, leading to a more restful stay. Acoustic panels in lobbies, corridors, and guest rooms help to create a tranquil environment, enhancing the overall guest experience and satisfaction.
Want to see how our clients have used acoustic panels? Check out our CASE STUDIES
FORM AT WOOD acoustic sound panels – it is worth it?
Acoustic panels are a highly effective solution for enhancing sound quality and reducing noise. If you’re dealing with echo and reverberation issues, incorporating acoustic panels into your space can make a significant difference. These panels not only improve the acoustics but also add a touch of style to any room.
Among the various methods available for improving acoustics, such as acoustic foam, wooden acoustic panels stand out for several reasons. Firstly, their efficiency in absorbing sound is unmatched. They are designed to target specific frequencies and reduce unwanted noise, making conversations clearer and listening experiences more enjoyable.
Secondly, acoustic panels offer a stylish appearance that can complement the aesthetics of any room. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for customization to match your interior design. This means you can enhance your space acoustically without compromising on its visual appeal.
Moreover, our acoustic absorbers are versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings. From home theaters to offices and restaurants, they provide excellent sound management wherever they are installed. This versatility makes them a valuable addition to any environment where sound quality is important.
In summary, if you’re looking to improve the acoustics of your space, HEXAGO acoustic panels are definitely worth considering. They offer a combination of high efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and versatility that few other solutions can match. Whether for professional or personal use, wooden acoustic panels can help create a more pleasant and acoustically balanced environment.
If you are thinking about how wooden acoustic panels could fit into your project, contact us to find out more. After understanding your situation, we will be happy to assist in evaluating if HEXAGO acoustic panels could help.
Where you can use wooden panels
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