Acoustics, simplified.

Acoustic panels are specially designed structures made to absorb sound waves, particularly mid-to-high frequencies. Their main goal is to reduce unwanted noise, control reverberation, and improve sound clarity within a space. They help "tame" the sound environment by minimizing echo and preventing sound from bouncing uncontrollably around a room.

Typically, acoustic panels consist of:

• A core absorbent material: Commonly made from mineral wool, fiberglass, foam, or recycled materials.

• A frame: Often wooden or metal, which gives the panel structure.

• A fabric covering: A breathable textile that allows sound waves to penetrate to the absorbent core.

They are most often used in recording studios for control rooms, mixing rooms and mastering rooms for a critical listening environment, but can also be installed in offices and gyms for increased productivity, or restaurants, houses of worship, and venues for increased speech intelligibly.

Note: Acoustic panels are often incorrectly called “soundproofing panels,” but they’re not the same.

• Acoustic panels improve sound within a room by reducing echo and enhancing clarity.

• Soundproofing blocks sound between rooms to prevent noise from entering or escaping.

Use acoustic panels to make a room sound better inside, and soundproofing to keep sound in or out.

Acoustic panels work by absorbing sound energy instead of reflecting it. When sound waves hit the panel’s surface, they pass through the fabric and enter the absorbent core. The material inside traps the energy of the sound waves, converting it into a small amount of heat (through friction), thereby reducing the amount of sound that reflects back into the room.

Depending on the size and purpose of your space, acoustic treatment often involves using panels of various sizes and thicknesses to target specific acoustic issues, and placement is key to ensure echoes, flutter and reverb times are being properly mitigated.

Acoustic panels are intended to make a space sound better by absorbing unwanted sounds. Soundproofing, on the other hand, is intended to prevent sound from entering or escaping a space. Soundproofing is typically achieved through the use of thicker walls and doors, as well as special sealants and insulation. Acoustic panels can be used in conjunction with soundproofing measures to further improve the sound quality of a space.

Where you place your acoustic panels is very important, especially in studios, where critical listening is the main focus.

The main thing to consider are the reflection points in the room, where sound waves reflect and create an echo or reverb, so placing panels on the following reflection points is key:

• Corners: Corners are prone to sound reflections due to the way sound waves bounce off intersecting surfaces.

• Side Walls: Placing panels at ear level on the side walls can help absorb early reflections that reach the listener's ears.

• Front and Rear Walls: Panels on the front wall behind speakers and on the rear wall can absorb early and late reflections, respectively.

• Ceiling: Ceiling panels can reduce reflections from the ceiling, especially in rooms with high ceilings.

You also want to make sure your panels are as even spaced as possible to achieve the best echo reduction.

Don’t place all the panels on one side of the room! Make sure when you place a panel on one wall, there’s another panel being placed on the other wall across from it.

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about your space. Fill out our FREE Room Advice Form for personalized installation and placement advice. And if you're in the Nashville area, we offer professional installation services too!

We have treated a wide range of spaces including:

• Home studios

• Offices

• Live drum rooms

• Churches

• Conference rooms

• Theaters and large venues

Whether you're outfitting a small spare bedroom or a multi-use performance space, we provide scalable, tailored acoustic solutions that work.

We’re highly rated with over 80 5 star reviews and counting, over 2000 customers, and hundreds of successful installs completed.

Our acoustic panels and diffusers are the best value for premium acoustic treatment on the market and we pride ourselves in our dedication to delivering high-quality, well-built, and aesthetically pleasing acoustic solutions, reflecting our commitment to both performance and design.

Not only do we manufacture our full product line of acoustic panels, bass traps, diffusers, and gobos in house, we also offer free personalized consulting and provide install services for clients local to the Nashville area.

Also, we’re not limited to just studio acoustics. We provide consulting and install options for offices, restaurants, churches, gyms, venues, and more. If you need an acoustic problem solved, we’re here to help.

Lastly, we’re committed to providing quality education on all topics surrounding the often-confusing world of acoustics and sound design, to pass on our knowledge and knowhow to you - so you can make informed decisions about how to treat your space.