Are you struggling with better sound quality in-studio or trying to get rid of the noise coming from the outside traffic, neighbor noise, etc then the perfect solution would be the acoustic panel’s treatment.
During sound recording in a studio or music listening in any private space or concert, you might familiar with the echoes, reverberations, or poor sound quality due to poor acoustical treatment.
There we need the installation of the best acoustic panels and diffusers over the wall, ceiling, and every single corner to improve the sound quality without unnecessary absorption.
The use of the acoustic panels can help you to reduce the echoes but to avoid the mass absorption of the soundwaves the use of the diffusers is well recommended.
Acoustic panels are different types based on their size and shapes such as:
- Flat Panel acoustic foam panels
- Eggcrate Acoustic foam panels
- Pyramid acoustic foam panel
- Wedges acoustic foam panel
- Grid Acoustic foam panel
- Bass trap corner block acoustic foam panels
For better sound quality, I have already shortlisted the 10 best acoustic panels for home and studio but to reduce medium to high-frequency noise the Pyramid structure acoustic panel and to reduce low-frequency noise use of the bass traps at the adjoining space of the wall and ceiling or wall and ground are the most recommended.
Do you know on an average room is producing 52 to 62db noise even if you are not in the room? This is a fact so this acoustic treatment is necessary to improve better sound quality.
So tell me how you can produce your masterpiece. That’s why I am giving you some interesting treatments. After using these you will absolutely feel the big change in the noise level.
Types Of Acoustic Treatment Panels
Mainly there are 3 types of acoustic treatment, you can easily use in your room and all should be able to improve the sound quality from low to medium and high-frequency ranges with proper bass control.
1. Use Of Acoustic Panels On Wall Or Ceiling
These acoustic panels are specially designed to absorb a mid and high range of noise frequencies. But this special foam can’t stop the low range of noise frequency and this is its downside.
These are capable of absorbing early sound frequencies that are bouncing off the ceiling and walls. These panels are also divided into 2 categories.
- Movable: used a small part by vocalist for isolation.
- Non-movable: used in the overall studio for acoustic improvement.
Most of the people are using these panels in their studio because these are the best to stop any kind of noise. Check below to understand which acoustic panel is best for you.
2. Use Of Diffuser Acoustic Panels On Wall Or Ceiling
These are different from the acoustic panels because these diffusers are used to diffuse and disperse the sound waves. On the other hand, acoustic panels are made to absorb the soundwaves to reduce echoes.
They are mainly used to diffuse the flirting, standing, and flutter echo that reflects bouncing off the ceiling and walls.
Diffuser actually helps to disperse the incident soundwaves into a different direction with even distribution, which means it not absorb as many sound waves but help to maintain the equal sound quality through the studio or room.
You can use them with the acoustic panels to diffuse any extra low-frequency sound wave. Therefore, your voice quality will definitely improve after eliminating these common issues.
3. Use Of Bass Traps In The Corner
These bass traps are very useful to absorb the low-frequency sound waves. Because these are specially made from fiberglass insulation and foam.
To some extent, these panels are good to absorb a mid and high range of frequencies but you can use them as a replacement for acoustic panels.
Most importantly, these bass traps are not necessary to use in the entire room, you can just use them at the corner of the walls and where the walls meet the ceiling or ground.
By using all these noises absorbing and noise diffusers you can easily eliminate any kind of bad noise that will affect your sound recording.
How To Get The Best Result Out Of Acoustic Panels?
The use of an acoustic panel is not a tricky job but getting the best sound quality or increase in the selective noise absorption ability can be improved by simply following the below tips.
- Make sure to use soundproof paint before using these panels because this will minimize the sound reflection.
- You should use both acoustic panels and diffusers on the side walls to eliminate the flutter echo and comb filtering.
- Behind the recording setup, you should use both acoustic panels and bass traps to absorb a high, mid, and low range of frequencies.
- Make sure to use strategically bass traps on every area where the ceiling meets the walls. Because this will reduce the bass buildup.
- Also, use soundproof tiles on the floor so that your room becomes 100% noise-free.
In addition to these tips better you select the high-quality acoustic panels and the only qualitative criteria to judge any material quality is NRC (Noise-reducing Coefficient number.)
If the material has an NRC value of 0.05 that means, it can absorb only 5% of the noise energy and reflect all which means more noise and echo so choose the one which has a value close to 1.
Follow these tips carefully because only purchasing soundproof panels is not enough. You have to set them up or if you have some extra money then you can hire a professional to make the work done.
The 10 Best Acoustic Panels For Home And Studio
These 10 best acoustic panels will definitely help you to reduce the noise and improve the recording quality of your music. And available in different sizes, shapes, colors, quantities, and qualities.
1. SoundAssured Acoustic Soundproof Studio Foam
SoundAssured has created these acoustic panels, and they are perfect in their work. That’s why over 2000+ people all over the world use these panels and give 4.4 ratings out of 5 on Amazon.com.
These panels are 2 inches thick and come in 4 pieces in 1 pack and dozens of color choices. Moreover, these panels are used to absorb the mid and high range of frequencies. So this will create the best environment for your recording at home or studio.
Just by measuring the square footage, you can easily check how many panels are required to cover the whole area or room. In addition, its wedge-style creates more surface area to absorb noise frequency.
Other Types
- 3 Inch Thick
- 4 Inch Thick
Recommendation: Use 4 Inches thick panels to absorb the highest.
Technical Specification
- 0.2 is the NRC rating
- 300 grams approximately weight
- 13.5 x 12.5 x 5.3 inches size
- Available in 10 different colors
- EFFECTIVE DESIGN THAT IS EASY TO INSTALL. Wedge style angled...
- HELPS WITH NOISE REDUCTION. Two inch thick foam is used to...
- ECONOMICAL SOLUTION. Create a great listening or recording...
- MADE IN USA AND CLASS-A FIRE RETARDANT. Our acoustic foam...
2. IZO Egg Crate Soundproof Foam Padding
This 2 inches thick soundproof padding is created by IZO. They are an international brand in the acoustic panel industry. That’s why this product is loved by thousands of happy customers worldwide and gets 4.4 ratings out of 5.
This will increase the clarity of room space for your video recording or music recording and easily attach to the walls and ceiling. Moreover, these panels are made from very lightweight and flexible foam for perfection.
You will get 6 pieces in 1 pack, and that will cover 1 sq. ft. per sheet. In addition, the egg-crate design is very effective for sound absorption.
Other Types
- 0.5 Inch Flat
Technical Specification
- 0.4 is the NRC rating
- 500 grams approximately weight
- 12 x 12 x 2.5 inches size
- Available in charcoal color
- PRODUCT IS SHIPPED AS 3 TILES, EACH TILE Splits into "2...
- Smaller sound proof padding panels offer more options for...
- Good for Craft Foam , Packing Foam , Packing Supplies ,...
- Note: Can help increase sound clarity in a room or space....
3. Monoprice Microphone Movable Acoustic Isolation Shield
This acoustic microphone shield is created by Monoprice. They have a variety of best acoustic panels. Over 2000+ people already purchased it to record their songs and give 4.6 ratings out of 5. That’s why this product achieves the “Amazon Choice” badge.
This shield comes with mic stands and easily stretches up to 1.25″ diameters. In addition, a 3/8″ to 5/8″ thread adaptor and microphone threaded mount also come in this package.
Moreover, Its vented metal backplate prevents reflection within the arc of the shield. And both of the outer panels can be folded and you can carry it easily if you want.
Other Types
- Not Available
Technical Specification
- Is not available the NRC rating
- 350 grams approximately weight
- 3.2 x 16.3 x 7.5 inches size
- Available in charcoal color
- Includes all assembly and mounting hardware | Branding/Logo...
- Dual clamp mount attaches to mic stands or booms up to 1.25"...
- Features a standard 3/8" microphone threaded mount and...
- Measures about 17.3" x 15.4" x 5.5" when folded for storage
4. JBER Blue And Charcoal Acoustic Soundproof Padding
This soundproof padding is created by JBER. This is a newly established brand but in the meantime, this padding achieves the “Amazon’s Choice’ badge.
It means they are well in their work that’s why thousands of people love this product and give 4.4 ratings out of 5 on Amazon.com.
These 24 pieces of padding can cover 24 square feet of surface, which means 1 piece covers 1 sq. ft. area. Moreover, 2 inches thick is very good to reduce unwanted noise and echo. So what are you waiting for just to use them?
Other Types
- 6 piece of pack
Technical Specifications
- 0.3 is the NRC rating
- 1.65 Kg approximately weight
- 14 x 13 x 7.25 inches size
- Available in 3 colors combination
- Great for spot treating sound on walls in your studio or...
- 24 Pack Covers 24 Square Feet - Each tile is 1 square foot...
- Reduce Unwanted Noise And Echo - The panels help reduce...
- Make Higher Quality Audio and Video Recording - Improving...
5. Fstop Labs Mushroom Sound Insulation Absorbing Panel
This mushroom absorbing panel is created by Fstop labs. They have hundreds of acoustic panels with great noise absorption power. Hundreds of people already purchased this panel and gave it 4.4 stars out of 5.
Its 2″ inch thickness and 3D design help to break sound waves and reduce the unwanted flutter noise and echoes.
Enhanced size easily compressed and expanded quickly about 24 to 48 hours. This can be used on the walls and ceiling as well.
Other Types
- 12 piece beveled square
- 24 piece mushroom
- 48 piece mushroom
Technical Specifications
- 0.3 is the NRC rating
- 900 grams approximately weight
- 13.54 x 12.91 x 2.64 inches size
- Available in 5 colors combination
- [REDUCE NOISE]: Our 3D acoustically designed 2 inch foam...
- [REDUCE REVERB]: At 50/lbs per cubic yard, these acoustic...
- [EXPANDS QUICKLY]: Our foam panels come compressed in a...
- [PLACE ANYWHERE]: Great for spot treating sound on walls in...
6. Little-Lucky Pyramid Acoustic Treatment Panels
These acoustic treatment panels are created by Little-Lucky and loved by hundreds of happy customers that’s why they gave 4.3 stars out of 5 on Amazon.com.
These acoustic panels come in 24 pieces in a pack and have effective sound absorption properties and made up of environment-friendly polyurethane. Moreover, a fire retardant formula has been used in it for safety assurance.
You can use a vacuum for cleaning dust on the panels very easily. In addition, you can use them anywhere whether in a movie theater, studio, guitar room, and more.
Other Types
- 12 Piece Of Pack
- 48 Piece Of Pack
Technical Specifications
- 0.4 is the NRC rating
- 1.3 Kg approximately wight
- 12 x 12 x 2 inches size
- Available in 5 colors combination
- PYRAMID 3D ACOUSTIC DESIGN : 2 inch Pyramid foam provides...
- AFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION : Made up of...
- WIDELY USE : Great for spot treating sound on walls in your...
- EASY TO CLEAN : The high quality material studio foam can...
7. Labs Acoustic Sound Absorption Panels
The price of these panels is very low, but the quality is very good because this is created by Labs and they are experienced players. Thousands of people purchased these panels and gave their honest review by 4.1 stars out of 5.
Amazon also supports these panels because they achieve the “Amazon’s Choice” badge in the soundproof material. Its flat surface looks stunning and comes in 12 pieces in a pack.
Surprisingly, these panels are double-sided and that’s why easily used in any place like walls, ceilings, and floors. Its 10mm thickness is very good to absorb annoying noise. Surprisingly, you can also use them as acoustic floor tiles.
Other Types
- 48 Piece Of Pack
Technical Specifications
- 0.95 is the NRC rating
- 1 Kg approximately weight
- 14.41 x 11.97 x 4.25 inches size
- Available in 4 colors combination
- [SUPERIOR SOUNDPROOFING]: Made from HIGH DENSITY 100%...
- [STYLISH]: 12'' X 12'' X 0.4''. Stylish panel design doubles...
- [EASY TO INSTALL]: Both general purpose spray adhesive and...
- [WIDE APPLICATIONS]: Great for spot treating sound on walls...
8. UA-Acoustics Wooden Sound Absorption Diffusers
These diffusers are specially made up of wood and created by UA-Acoustics. Wood is a natural sound absorber but people think wood is very heavy to mount in their room.
Study proves that wood can easily absorb up to 2kHz sound and also they are not as heavy as thinking. That’s why hundreds of people already purchased this and give their positive ratings.
Moreover, this is a mixture of laminated MDF and foam and can easily absorb the medium level of frequency. This panel comes in 4 pieces in a pack and 2.1 inches in thickness.
Other Types
- Not Available
Technical Specifications
- 0.68 is the NRC rating
- 1.27 Kg approximately weight
- 19.7 x 19.7 x 2.1 inches size
- Available in 11 colors combination
- APPLICATIONS: Recording Studios, Home Theaters, Music Rooms,...
- INTENDED USE: Sound absorbing the interior panels to reduce...
- FUNCTIONALITY: Absorption and Diffusion | ABSORPTION...
- MATERIAL: Laminated MDF and Foam (type M1) | DIMENSIONS:...
9. XIN&LOG Acoustic Black Bass Trap Soundproof Foam
As you know bass traps are efficient to absorb mid to high range of frequencies. That’s why hundreds of people purchased it and gave their positive ratings.
These 16 pieces are perfectly aligned and help to produce professional sound quality. In fact, this is a cost-effective product that can reduce fluttering noise.
And these panels easily set on the corner from the top and the bottom of the room and prevent echoes inside the room.
Other Types
- Not Available
Technical Specifications
- 0.5 is the NRC rating
- 600 grams approximately weight
- 8.66 x 8.66 x 1.97 inches size
- Available in black color combination
- good for studios, recording studios, vocal booths, control...
- Used to absorb mid to high range frequencies and diminish...
- foam tiles perfectly aligned, professional sound quality
- More affordable than competitive products
10. DEKIRU High-Density Soundproofing Insulation Absorption Panel
These insulation panels are made by DEKIRU and hundreds of people already purchased them and gave their positive reviews. Also, these panels achieve the “Amazon’s Choice” badge in soundproof panels for walls.
I love its design and colors. These are much more likely to match with your studio. Moreover, it is made of polyester fiber. You are also safe because these are fire retardant. And come in the 12 pieces in a pack.
You can use it anywhere like movies thereafter, concert halls, podcasting room, home studio, music recording room, office room, and more. Its 0.4 inches thickness is much more effective than others.
Other Types
- 12 Pieces Beveled Edge Panels
- 24 Pieces of Pack
- 12 Pieces Hexagon Panels
Technical Specifications
- 0.7 is the NRC rating
- 1.8 Kg approximately weight
- 12.4 x 11.9 x 4.2 inches size
- Available in 10 color combination
- MULTI-COLOR OPTIONS : These acoustic foam sound panels come...
- HIGH DENSITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY: 215kg/m3 Density. Made of...
- IMPROVED ACOUSTIC QUALITY: These noise-insulation panels are...
- EASY TO INSTALL: Can be installed by anyone! Simply attach...
How To Install An Acoustic Panel In 4 Steps
As I said earlier having an acoustic panel is not good enough you need the proper installation while taking care sound engineering and below are the given steps to simply follow.
#1: Use Bass Traps At Each Of The 3 Dimensional Corners
These 3-dimensional corners also called “Trihedral Corners” are the most impacted area that has to be covered by the best thing and that is the bass trap.
In this first step, you have to mount the bass trap at each of the trihedral corners for better acoustic treatment.
#2: Fill The 2 Dimensional Corners
This is the next step to fill the remaining corners that we have not covered in the first one. These 2-dimensional corners are also called “Dihedral Corners“.
So for covering these corners then you need to bend the acoustic panels and put them as I have done in the provided image. Your second step is finished. Now, let’s move on to the 3r step.
#3: Mount The Acoustic Panels On The Walls
This is an important step where you are putting panels to the walls. If you think this is a simple task then you are wrong.
Because you have to separate them carefully in the entire room to avoid echo problems. For more effectiveness in the limited panels so make sure don’t put the panels at both points of opposing walls.
To mount the panels as shown in the image. Let’s jump to the last step.
#4: Put Diffusers To The Upper Portion Of The Walls
Diffusers are great to use but instead of larger rooms, its effectiveness is much lower in the smaller rooms.
So if you are working in a big room then you have to use it but if you are working in a smaller room then this is your choice to use it.
I mean if you notice that after using all the panels at the walls, corners, and floors even now the noise is still coming inside the room then you can use it otherwise it is not important.
Put the upper portion of the walls with a high ceiling so that noise can’t travel inside the room.
So these are the areas where you should put the acoustic panels in your room or studio.
Wrap Up On The 10 Best Acoustic Panels For Home And Studio
These 3 combinations of panels, acoustic panels, diffusers, and bass traps are the best way to reduce noise in the studio.
We covered the 10 best acoustic panels for your home and studio. That will help you to create absolutely stunning audio quality without any background noise.
Follow the strict guidelines provided in the content for purchase and installation such find the high NRC acoustic panels and how to mount them.
Use of the acoustic panel will not give you 100% noise isolation and therefore you need to move on to the soundproofing of the studio or home and there this list of soundproofing materials can help you a lot.
Finally, you can use any of these acoustic panels because they are effective to stop traveling noise inside the room.
FAQ
These are some of the common questions that people ask on different websites so I tried to give appropriate answers which absolutely solve their problems.
Q1. Do Acoustic Panels Really Work?
Ans: Yes, it is really effective to reduce the noise level in your room but it needs a little bit of higher investment. But If you have minimal soundproofing needs then you can use movable panels that work very well. In addition, egg crate and wedge design in foam-based materials of acoustic panels are really great. But if you don’t want to use them then a wood type of panel is a great option.
Q2. How Much Do Acoustic Panels Cost?
In general, the texture wall panels cost around $2 to $5 per sq. ft. but it depends on the texture that you have selected for your walls. Acoustic Foam panels cost from $1.30 to $4 per sq. ft. but if you choose any premium quality foam then it may go high. When going to the acoustic tiles then it should be around $10 per 20 inches. And wood made panels cost you from $10 per sq. ft.