Soundproofing panels are often large pieces of wood, fiberglass or other man-made materials usually wrapped in fabric that help contain noise. While other types of soundproofing items help reduce outside noise to give you a quieter environment, panels are best for clarifying inside noise. While they can be used in homes and offices, you’ll see these used much more effectively in auditoriums, restaurants and large business spaces.
Sound Properties
So, what do soundproofing panels do to sound? When someone speaks, they are letting out sound waves that will crash around a room. A space without any soundproofing (think of your high school gym) will create a lot of echoes and other “noise clutter.” This is because the walls aren’t effectively stopping or absorbing the sound, they are just letting it bounce around.
Now, let’s imagine that there are numerous panels around the room. These panels absorb the sound. As the sound waves are converted to kinetic energy, the sound dissipates and what you are left with is a clear and crisp noise that everyone can hear. That’s why these are perfect for large rooms. It allows everyone to properly hear a speaker without any annoying echo.
What’s Better: Freestanding or Hanging
When you look into panels, you’ll find both freestanding panels and those that hang on a wall. Both are great at stopping noise, but the question becomes which one is better. Freestanding panels are great when you need to reduce noise in small spaces, like offices or restaurants. They can also provide a buffer in larger rooms. Hanging panels tend to absorb more noise because they have the wall behind them, which makes them more effective at absorbing and diffusing energy.
Both are great for the purpose of stopping noise clutter, so what really matters is the size of your area.
Aesthetics
When it comes to soundproofing foam, you are often stuck between choosing from several different shapes or colors. While this gives you some options, it’s not necessarily the best when it comes to interior design. Soundproofing panels on the other hand can fit nearly any design. Most manufacturers can print designs on the panels themselves or the fabric wrapping the panels.
Believe it or not, many sellers have art panels that have modern and classical art printed on the front so that no one will know what they panel is for. They’ll think it just brightens up the room while in reality it’s doing so much more than that.
Best Material
Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, but overall the best is fabric-wrapped fiberglass. While certainly not the cheapest type of panel, this type is easily the best at reducing noise and echoes. Other good materials include wood and dense foam.
Conclusion
Soundproofing panels may not be the best for stopping outside noise, but they are certainly great when you need a crisp sound without echoes getting in the way. Not only do panels look professional, but they come in a variety of designs to help you hide their true purpose.