Acoustical Fabric vs. Traditional Fabric

Acoustical fabric and traditional fabric may look similar at first glance, but their functions are worlds apart. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your space, whether you’re setting up a home studio, an office, or any other area where sound quality matters.

Acoustical Fabric vs. Traditional Fabric

What Is Acoustical Fabric?

Acoustical fabric is specially designed to allow sound waves to pass through it without being reflected. Unlike traditional fabrics, acoustical fabric is made with specific properties that enhance sound absorption of the material behind the fabric. This makes acoustic fabric it ideal for use in environments where sound clarity is essential.

Our fabrics were tested at a 3rd party lab by Riverbank Acoustics. The tests showed 100% acoustical transparency, making it a great choice for your project. 

close up of acoustical fabric

Traditional Fabric

Traditional fabric, on the other hand, is primarily focused on aesthetics or other properties like comfortability when it relates to clothing. The fabric might look great and offer a variety of textures and colors, but it will not be optimized for sound transparency. In fact, it can often reflect sound waves, creating echoes and diminishing the overall sound quality in a room.

Different Types Of Acoustic Fabric

There are many choices when shopping for acoustic fabric. One thing to look for is the acoustic transparency was tested by an independent lab. Our fabrics were all tested by Riverbank Acoustics in the USA. 
Our most popular Dual Layer fabric features a solid backing with a 240 GSM polyester weave, offering maximum durability and 100% acoustic transparency with no stretch.
TruWeave fabric is a lighter, single-layer polyester option available in 200 or 300 GSM, offering 100% acoustic transparency with a bit of stretch and no backing.

Comparison chart of two SoundAssured acoustic fabrics: Dual Layer and TruWeave. Highlights differences in backing, weight (GSM), material, transparency, roll width, and elasticity. Includes icons and photos of fabric textures. Both fabrics are 100% acoustically transparent and tested by Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories. Uses include acoustic panels, walls, speakers, amps, and cabinets.

What does GSM mean?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It is a measurement of fabric weight and density, indicating how heavy or thick a fabric is. A higher GSM typically means the fabric is thicker and more dense. A lower GSM means it’s lighter and thinner.

Our TruWeave fabric has a 200 and 300 GSM option. The colors that are 300 GSM have thicker threads so the fabric feels and looks a bit more textured than the 200 GSM options. Both have been tested by Riverbank Acoustics and are 100% acoustically transparent. 

Key Differences Between Traditional And Acoustic Fabrics

  • Acoustic Transparency: Acoustical fabric is engineered to let sound pass through, whereas traditional fabric tends to reflect sound.
  • Durability: Acoustical fabrics are often more durable, designed to withstand the environmental conditions of professional sound studios.
  • Functionality: While traditional fabric may have various purposes, acoustical fabric combines form and function, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical sound transparency.

Acoustic Fabric used for personal and commercial projects - picture of room with black acoustical fabric wall

Why Acoustical Fabric Is the Superior Choice

For anyone serious about sound quality, acoustical fabric is the clear winner. Whether you’re building DIY acoustic panels or setting up a professional recording studio, this fabric will help you achieve the best possible acoustics.

Ready to upgrade your space with acoustical fabric? Explore our wide range of acoustical fabric options that combine aesthetic appeal with superior sound transparency.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP DUAL LAYER FABRIC

CLICK HERE TO SHOP TRUWEAVE FABRIC

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels really work? ▶
Yes, acoustic panels absolutely work when used correctly. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which helps reduce echo, reverb, and unwanted reflections in a room. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound environment.

Whether you’re treating a home studio, podcast room, home theater, or office space, acoustic panels can make a noticeable difference in speech clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
How do I know which panels are right for my room? ▶
Every space is unique. You can contact us for a free room analysis, or check out our guides under the “Learn” section.

Absorption panels help reduce echo and reverb. We offer foam panels and fabric covered panels.

Diffusers scatter sound for a more balanced feel.

Bass traps help control low frequencies that tend to build up in corners.

If you’re trying to block sound from entering or leaving a room, you’ll need soundproofing materials, which are different from acoustic treatments.
Can I order samples? ▶
Yes, we offer acoustic foam samples and well as fabric color swatches. If you are looking for something else please Contact Us.

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What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment? ▶
Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a room. Acoustic treatment improves sound inside the room by reducing echo and reverb.
Can acoustic panels improve speech clarity? ▶
Yes! Acoustic panels are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility. By absorbing excess sound and reverb, panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words—even at lower volumes.

Want help improving clarity in your space? Contact us here.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise? ▶
Standard acoustic panels don’t block sound—they absorb it. Acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but won’t stop external noise from entering or leaving.

If you’re looking for soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. We offer select products for this—Contact Us to learn more.

Learn the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption here.
Where should I place acoustic panels? ▶
The best placement depends on your room and goals. For general echo reduction, aim to cover 20–30% of your wall space. For recording studios, home theaters, or listening rooms, focus on:

• Front wall behind speakers
• Back wall behind the listening position
• Side wall reflection points
• Ceiling above your desk or seating area
• Diffusers at key reflection points for natural sound

Need help with placement? Contact us for a free custom recommendation.
Do these panels work for podcasting, streaming, or music production? ▶
Absolutely. We serve customers across all industries — from home offices to professional studios.
What fabric is best for wrapping acoustic panels? ▶
To get the best sound performance, use acoustically transparent fabric—material that lets sound pass through easily. A simple test: try breathing through the fabric. If air flows freely, it’s likely a good choice. Avoid dense materials like heavy denim or canvas, as they can block sound instead of letting it be absorbed.

Looking for a proven solution? Our professional-grade acoustical fabric is highly rated by customers and perfect for DIY acoustic panels.

Shop acoustic fabric here or contact us if you need help picking the right fabric for your project.
Can I order custom-sized acoustic panels? ▶
Yes! In addition to our standard panel sizes, we offer custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects. Just let us know your dimensions and design goals—we’re happy to create a solution that fits your space perfectly.

Contact us here to tell us about your project and get a custom quote.
Do you offer custom sizes or colors? ▶
Yes, we offer custom sizing and a variety of colors on select products. Just reach out and let us know what you need.

Contact Us for custom quotes.
Are your products easy to install? ▶
Yes! Our fabric-wrapped panels include mounting hardware. For acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, or Command strips for installation without damaging your walls.

Check out our install videos here.
Do I need professional help to install acoustic panels? ▶
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. We make it simple by providing tutorial videos. Check out our install videos here.

For more complex projects, we’re happy to guide you—or your contractor—through the process to ensure everything is done right.

Contact us here if you need help with installation planning.
How do you maintain acoustic panels? ▶
Acoustic panels are low-maintenance and built to last with proper care. Here are some general tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Clean gently with compressed air
• Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately

Always check your panel’s product specs for specific cleaning recommendations.

Have questions about cleaning or care? Contact us here.
How much do acoustical panels or soundproofing materials cost? ▶
The cost of acoustic panels and soundproofing panels depends on your space and goals. We offer everything from affordable DIY acoustic foam to high-end custom panels for professional studios and luxury interiors. For an accurate quote, let us know your room size, usage, and sound goals—we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your budget.

Fill out our free room analysis for personalized acoustic advice.
How fast is shipping and fulfillment? ▶
Most orders ship in 1-3 business days. Cut to order foam may take a little longer. If you need something in a hurry please Contact Us.
Can acoustic panels be customized for my space? ▶
Yes! We offer custom acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, and design goals. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped wall, a unique room layout, or a specific aesthetic, we can create panels that fit perfectly.

Choose from a wide range of colors and fabrics to match your space without sacrificing performance.

Contact us here to tell us about your space and get a custom solution.