IMPROVING ACOUSTICS: THE 4 STEP CHECKLIST

What if you could create the room of your dreams acoustically? Maybe you're trying to keep your recording studio from disturbing anyone outside of that room. Or maybe you want anyone in your living room or your home theater to clearly hear everything that is said.

Either way, you'll know you've achieved your goal when your family claims the room is their favorite, and when your friends say they enjoyed themselves and can't wait to come back.

By using this easy 4 step checklist you can create the ideal sound environment for any space:

☑ What does success sound like?

☑ Where and what is the source of the observable (or expected) acoustic problem?

☑ Do I need sound absorption (to improve sound clarity, reduce echo or reverberation, and dampen sound intensity) or a sound barrier/sound isolation solution...or a combination?

☑ What design or aesthetic considerations need to be met?

BEST PLACEMENT PLANS FOR IMPROVING ACOUSTICS

The ideal scenario is to incorporate acoustic panels into your decor. Today’s panels are designed to be hidden in plain sight. In fact, most panels come in an array of color choices and even custom images options meaning that your friends won’t know that what they are looking at is an acoustic panel lending to the comfort of the room. For more acoustic panel benefits read our 8 Ways Acoustic Wall Panels Will Make Your Room Better article.

To determine what you need, start by knowing how people most often use the space. Take into consideration any constraints in the room layout. For example, if sound barriers or isolation solutions haven't already been built into the structure of the room, you'll have to add soundproofing to the outside of the wall. For sound absorption, acoustic panels are typically placed on walls, or in some cases hung from the ceiling.

Typical locations for installing panels for the greatest acoustical effect are:

1. Place acoustic panels at the first place on the wall where sound waves tend to hit before reaching the listeners ears.

2. Place 3' to 6' up from the floor in areas where much of the sound is produced by people sitting or standing in enclosed spaces.

3. Place Acoustic Panels and Bass Traps in or around corners and oddly shaped spaces where sounds build up.