Soundproofing and sound absorption are often misunderstood and being confused. False advertising by some companies does not help either. Some “Soundproofing videos” show sound absorption materials, like acoustic foam, and claim them to be “blocking the sound” which is not true.
Sound absorption and Sound Blocking are not the same phenomenon. Term SOUNDPROOFING mostly implies creating a sound barrier to block sound from either getting into a room or escaping the room. But soundproofing can and should also include sound absorption materials and acoustic room treatment.
So what is the difference? This is what this video is all about:
We show how the materials are being tested for sound absorption and for sound transmission loss (soundblocking). To measure the Sound absorption efficiency of materials they are being tested for NRC – Noise Reduction Coefficient. From 0 to 1.0 where “0” is not absorption and “1.0” is 100% sound absorption. (in practice test results may show NRC over 1.0)
NRC test set up: Sound source, microphones and test material samples are located in the same room.
NRC test step 1 – measures sound decay in a very reverberant room with no sound absorption materials. NRC test step 2 – measures sound decay in the same room after a material sample was introduced. The difference in sound decay ( speed of sound dying off) is calculated and expressed in single number coefficient. Note: different frequencies are absorbed at different rate.
STC test set up: Sound source is located in one room (room 1), the test material sample is used as a barrier and being installed in the opening leading to test room ( room 2). The two rooms are separated by thick soundproof walls with the opening covered by the test sample. Sound is measured at the same time in both rooms: Sound source room and the test room. Then the difference in sound energy ( loudness) between two rooms is calculated. For example, if the sound level in Room 1 was 100 dB and the sound level in room 2 was 60dB, then it is said that 40 dB of sound was lost in transmission. (This is why it is called Transmission Loss test). Note: Different frequencies lose energy in transmission (passing through a test material) at a different rate.
In this particular test we were testing Acoustic Felt panels and Acoustic felt panels with soundblocking layer. These soundproof-er acoustic panels have STC rating of 31, meaning that they block 31dB (and more at high frequency) of sound. Unlike regular soundproofing materials these panels are also have 95% noise reduction coefficient. Soundproof-er Acoustic Felt Panels is a new acoustic product, that has 95% sound absorption rating (NRC 0.95), absorbing 100% of sound above 350Hz frequency. Besides being very efficient, these acoustic panels are also very safe. There are no rockwool fibers that can be dislodged and get airborne. Clean healthy and durable product. Installation is very easy. Can be cut to shape.
We can print a custom image of your choice directly on the panels. For more information or to order go to: www.acousticpanelsart.com
There are two options available; Acoustic panels for sound absorption and Soundblocking acoustic panels.
Panels also come in plain colors like Gray, Black or White Or we can print a custom artwork on your acoustic panels: Soundproof Acoustic panels block around 31 dB of sound ( STC 31) and also have 95% sound absorption ( NRC 0.95) . So if you need to treat the room acoustically and block the noise coming from neighbor’s apartment this is an all-in one solution for you. Plus it can be with a beautiful custom imprint, so it will add to your home recording studio, office or apartment and not make it boring.
www.AcousricPanelsArt.com is a dedicated acoustic art panels product website from VocalBoothToGo.com
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