Best Way to Improve your Mix: Professional Acoustic Room Panels
It’s probably happened to you. You’re in a club and you can hear the conversation of the people at the next table better than the person you’re sitting with. Then, everyone starts talking louder, and it makes the atmosphere chaotic. The noise is out of control due to absorption, reflection, reverberation, frequency, and high decibel volume. So, you leave the place with your head like a bass drum.
We all know that acoustics is a complex issue that can be produced by architectural problems when it is not well planned (a building can be uninhabitable, for instance). Truth be told, architects of our time do not always have the theoretical resources or the necessary concern to develop acoustically comfortable spaces, as was the case, for example, in the theaters of Ancient Greece.
Now imagine a professional recording studio, such as those of Enhanced Media. In this space, sound must be under absolute control. What is that one element that can make all the difference to your mixes? The answer is simple: acoustic room panels.
What is it?
Acoustic panels are surfaces used to absorb sound, their main function is to reduce reverberation and echo in rooms. It is important not to confuse this with acoustic insulation, which is to protect a room from the noise of another room. Acoustic room panels operate in the room you are working in to improve the quality of your mix (among other things, of course.)
When sound hits a surface, such as a wall, the floor, an object, or the ceiling, some of the sound energy is absorbed, some of it passes through the surface and some of it is reflected back into the location. An acoustically adequate space is one that achieves a balance between absorption and reflection, according to the needs of its use. There are spaces where it is important to absorb most of the sounds, such as a conference room, while in others, the balance between reflection and absorption is more desirable, such as in concert halls.
Now, when we think of acoustical solutions, images of walls lined with egg cartons and foam panels usually come to mind. Fortunately, there are aesthetically pleasing products that, at the same time, improve the acoustic quality of the space. Many manufacturers develop panels that adequately absorb sound energy, creating elegant interior spaces for architectural projects. When the high absorption of various frequencies is required, their panels come with perforations of varying diameters, providing the ideal reverberation desired for any room. In addition to absorption, all wall coverings provide effective sound dispersion for different frequencies, according to their different lengths, widths, and depths.
It is the porosity of the surface that enables this wonderful acoustical effect. The materials used to make these panels are soft and lightweight so that they absorb unnecessary sound in a given space well. Let’s say that the furniture in a room functions as magnificent acoustic panels (mattresses, sofas, cushions, curtains, etc). That’s why several acoustic panels are constructed from a wooden frame with a core of absorbent material and upholstery.
Acoustical panels typically range in size from 24 to 40 inches with different shapes and colors and this allows them to fit in very well with the aesthetics of any location. They are usually between 0.8 and 2 inches thick and can be hung or attached directly to the ceiling. Let’s take a look at some examples.
Acoustical Wall Panels
They are usually constructed of a soft material. Now, it is soft but not too soft to prevent wear and tear caused by people passing through the room. You can find fiberglass panels or acoustic frames: a wooden frame with a core of foam or any other absorbent material, and a printed fabric (also acoustic) on the surface. The latter is usually more expensive because they are normally customized, and, in addition to recording studios, they are perfect for small offices or meeting rooms. They fulfill both acoustic and decorative functions. A good example is these 12 x 12 x 2 Pro Studio Acoustics.
Acoustic Ceiling Panels
They are usually made of acoustic foam with a textile finish. Black cone-shaped ones are quite popular, and can even be found made of fire-retardant materials. The most common are fiberglass, with a white felt finish. Rhino Acoustic Panels are an excellent choice.
Acoustic Doors
They are usually made by a single or double metal leaf structure. They usually have a snap closure and no bottom frame. Some have a visor that allows viewing from the outside, and the glass is thick enough to insulate outside sound. A good example is this RS9–48 dB.
In reality, there are as many types of acoustic panels as there are design and functionality preferences in recording studios, but, in any case, they are absolutely necessary!
