What is sound absorption?

Sound absorption is the process by which sound waves are absorbed by a material and converted into heat or another form of energy, rather than being reflected back into the room. 

When sound is absorbed what does it change into?

When sound waves come into contact with a material, some of the energy of the waves is dissipated as heat, which causes the sound to become quieter. 

Materials that are good at absorbing sound are often used in environments where noise reduction or acoustic control is important, such as in recording studios, concert halls, or offices. Common examples of sound-absorbing materials include acoustic foam, rockwool insulation, fiberglass insulation, and polyester felt.

How does sound absorption affect a room?

A room's sound is primarily determined by the absorptive qualities of its surfaces and objects within the room. When sound hits an absorptive surface, it is not reflected back into the room but instead may be converted to heat or physical vibration, or it may escape the room entirely. 

A common misconception is that materials that absorb sound can also prevent sound from traveling between spaces, which is not true. In fact, materials that are effective at absorbing sound are typically soft and porous while materials that block sound are often dense and thick.

Sound Absorption vs Soundproofing

Sound absorption and soundproofing are two different concepts in acoustics that serve different purposes.

Sound absorption refers to the ability of a material or surface to absorb sound waves and convert them into heat or other forms of energy. This reduces the amount of sound that reflects back into the environment reducing echoes, reverberation, and overall noise levels.

Soundproofing, on the other hand, is the process of preventing sound from entering or leaving a room. Soundproofing involves blocking or reducing the transmission of sound waves through the use of sound barriers which are often thick and dense material. Soundproofing is typically used to create a quiet environment by preventing outside noise from entering a space or by preventing noise from escaping a space. Learn more about soundproofing HERE.

What materials are sound absorbing?

There are many materials that are effective at absorbing sound, including:

  • Acoustic foam: specially designed foam that is made of open-cell polyurethane foam or melamine foam, which is excellent at absorbing sound waves.
  • Fiberglass insulation: fiberglass batts like Owens Corning 703 are a popular choice for DIY acoustic panels. 
  • Acoustic ceiling tiles: these tiles are made of mineral fiber or fiberglass and are designed to be installed on ceilings to absorb sound and reduce noise levels. These are very popular in schools and office buildings inside drop ceilings. 
  • Fabric panels: these panels use acoustically transparent fabric on the surface and a core of rockwool or fiberglass insulation to absorb sound. These are popular DIY panels. 
  • Felt polyester panels - these panels are made of recycled polyester and are great for absorbing high frequencies and eliminating echoes. 
  • Natural materials: certain natural materials such as cork and cotton can also be effective at absorbing sound.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of a material at absorbing sound depends on its thickness and other characteristics. Make sure to check the materials absorption ratings to make sure it is what you need! 

Additionally, the placement of the material in a space can also affect its effectiveness. For optimal sound absorption, it's best to consult with an acoustics professional or engineer to determine the best materials and placement for a particular space.

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These types of materials discussed so far are examples of porous absorbers. There are also other types of acoustical absorbers. 

Panel absorbers: (aka flexural or diaphragmatic absorbers) These devices consist of non-porous panels that are separated from a surface so there is an air cavity in between the surface and the panel. These panels flex at their resonant frequencies to convert the sound energy to heat. These absorbers are effective for only a single octave.

A resonant absorber: (aka Helmholtz resonator) These acoustical devices use air cavities within a material to resonate at certain frequencies to convert sound energy to heat. An example of a popular resonant absorber is a cinder block used in gymnasiums. The air gap in the cinder block resonates to help absorb crowd noise during games.

Does sound absorption depend on frequency?

Yes, sound absorption does depend on frequency. The effectiveness of a material at absorbing sound waves depends on the frequency of the waves, as well as the physical properties of the material.

Generally, high-frequency sound waves (above 2000 Hz) are easier to absorb than low-frequency sound waves (below 250 Hz). This is because high-frequency sound waves have a shorter wavelength and are more easily absorbed by thinner materials. Low-frequency sound waves have longer wavelengths and require thicker materials to be absorbed effectively.

The absorption coefficient of a material, which is a measure of how much sound energy is absorbed by the material, varies with frequency. Manufacturers typically provide absorption coefficient data for a range of frequencies to help designers and acousticians select appropriate materials for specific applications. This brings us to our next topic. How sound absorption is measured.

How is sound absorption measured?

The absorption coefficient is a property of a material that indicates how well it absorbs sound waves. It is a measure of the amount of sound energy that is absorbed by a material. The absorption coefficient is a ratio and is typically denoted by the symbol α (Greek letter alpha).

For example, if 4W of sound power were to be directed at a surface that absorbs 2W, the absorption coefficient would be 0.50.

The absorption coefficient is a ratio meaning it has no unit associated with it. The absorption coefficient ranges from 0, which means a surface is completely reflective, to 1, which indicates a surface that is fully absorptive. Sometimes you see ratings above one which means the surface is fully absorptive.

Here is an example of our wedge acoustic foam absorption ratings. Our panels were tested by Riverbank Acoustical Labs in Illinois.

absorption ratings for acoustic foam panels and bass traps

The absorption ratings of materials vary depending on their thickness. For reducing occasional echoes, one-inch thick panels may suffice. However, in spaces like recording studios or home theaters where a flat frequency response is desired, low-frequency absorption, such as bass traps, must be taken into consideration

The Noise Reduction Coefficient, commonly known as the NRC for a material is simply a measure of how much sound, or acoustic energy, a material can absorb. This is the average of all the other values.

The NRC will be in decimal format. For example, let's say a material has an NRC of 0.40. What we are saying is that the material absorbed 40% of the acoustic energy and the other 60% reflected back or passed through.

Sound Absorption vs Reflection vs Diffusion

Reflection - Sound bounces off a surface. This occurs on flat and hard surfaces like drywall, hardwood floors, concrete and brick. The sound wave is deflected because it cannot penetrate or pass through the material. This creates echoes.

Absorption - Sound is absorbed by soft and porous materials like acoustic foam, an area rug, curtains etc. When a sound wave comes in contact with an absorptive material the sound energy is converted to a small amount of heat energy causing the sound to decay much faster.

Diffusion - When a sound wave hits an uneven surface like a bookcase or acoustic diffuser, the wave breaks up and is scattered. The scattered sound waves have much less energy per wave and will decay faster than a reflected sound wave.

DIAGRAM SHOWING ABSORPTION, DIFFUSION, AND REFLECTION OF SOUND

The sound waves that are not reflected back into the room are either diffused by the diffuser, absorbed by the absorber, or pass through the boundary and onto the other side.

Sound Absorption Examples

Sound absorption is used in many real-world scenarios to reduce noise levels and improve the acoustic environment. Here are some examples:

Recording Studios: Recording studios use sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels and foam to create a controlled acoustic environment where sound can be recorded without unwanted echoes or reflections.

Theaters: Theaters use sound-absorbing materials on walls, ceilings, and floors to improve sound quality and prevent sound from bouncing around the room.

Office Buildings: Open-plan office spaces can be very noisy due to the high number of people talking and moving around. Sound absorbing materials such as acoustic ceiling tiles and carpeting can help reduce noise levels and create a more comfortable work environment.

Schools: Classrooms and lecture halls can be very noisy, making it difficult for students to concentrate. Sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels and ceiling tiles can help reduce noise levels and improve the learning environment.

Restaurants: Restaurants can be noisy due to the sound of people talking and the clatter of dishes and cutlery. Sound-absorbing materials such as ceiling tiles and wall panels can help reduce noise levels and create a more pleasant dining experience.

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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.

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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.

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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.