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Where to Place Sound Absorbing Panels?

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When solving the problem of reducing background noise and minimizing echo and reverberation in a room, it becomes necessary to install sound absorbing panels. Sound absorbing panels are boards covered with sound-absorbing fabric. Thus, if you're looking for a solution to combat acoustic issues in your studio, living room, office or meeting room, installing sound absorbing panels in these areas can be very helpful.

However, you might get a bit confused about where exactly to place sound absorbing panels for maximum sound insulation. If you're reading this, we're sure you're looking for an answer to this question. Don't worry — here we'll tell you how to properly place sound absorbing panels for the best results in your spaces.

Proper installation of sound absorbing panels can provide a studio or room with the desired acoustic properties. This will allow optimal sound insulation of the selected space. But it's important to always consider their correct placement.

Where to Place Sound Absorbing Panels?

Front and Back Walls

Placing sound absorbing panels on the front and back walls is an excellent way to reduce noise levels. If you're planning installation on the front and back walls, ensure they are positioned to effectively absorb sound traveling between these surfaces.

Another important detail is placing the panels at the same level. You can use a level to ensure they are aligned correctly.

Behind Monitors

This is one of the most effective places to install sound absorbing panels. The wall behind monitors reflects sound, affecting speaker performance. Installing panels in this area helps absorb sound and reduces unwanted reflections.

If your studio monitors have bass ports, placing sound absorbing panels will be especially beneficial. Even if you don't have bass ports, this can still be effective.

Intersection Points of Surfaces

If you have a home studio, you can also soundproof it by placing sound absorbing panels at the intersection points of surfaces. In a home studio, you'll install panels in all four corners to prevent sound from penetrating through the angles. Sound absorbing panels block both internal and external noise.

If you install panels at surface intersection points, they better absorb low frequencies. This is especially useful when recording musical instruments with low tones such as bass guitar or double bass.

If you choose to install panels in the corners, leave a small gap between the panel and the corner. If you're using sound absorbing foam, it can be bent to fit snugly against both walls. This is especially helpful if you're not using bass traps. It also helps improve the acoustic treatment of your home studio.

Where to Place Sound Absorbing Panels?

Rear Side Walls

If you leave the rear walls of your studio open, this can cause a "flutter echo" effect. Flutter echo occurs when sound gets trapped between walls and bounces back and forth. Installing sound absorbing panels on the rear side walls helps reduce or even completely eliminate this effect.

This happens because sound absorbing panels on rear side walls more effectively absorb sound compared to installing only in the corners. This further helps reduce noise levels.

The number of sound absorbing panels to install on the rear side walls of your home studio depends on the level of audio quality you want to achieve.

Throughout the Room

Finally, but no less importantly — installing sound absorbing panels throughout the room can significantly improve sound insulation. In this case, you should evenly cover the walls of the room. Even placement will help limit sound penetration inside and outside.

Performing a clap test is also useful. For this, walk around the room and clap as loudly as possible. Pay attention to vibrations you hear. If sound absorbing panels are installed correctly, there should be no echo or metallic tone.

If this happens, more panels are needed. It all depends on the sound you want to achieve in your home studio. If you want less echo, improve the placement of sound absorbing panels.

Conclusion

We're confident this article helped you understand where to best place sound absorbing panels.

It's also important to know that acoustic treatment of a space shouldn't be a complicated process. It should be easy and smooth. Once you complete this step, the sound insulation of your space will be perfect.