When To Use Acoustic Panels

Understanding Acoustic Panels

What are acoustic panels?

Acoustic panels are sound absorbing materials designed to reduce unwanted noise, echoes, and reverberations in indoor spaces. They work by trapping sound waves, improving the overall acoustics of a room.

How do acoustic panels work to absorb sound?

Acoustic panels absorb sound waves by converting sound energy into heat energy as it passes through their porous material. This process reduces the amplitude of sound waves, minimizing reflections and creating a quieter environment with improved clarity.

Signs That Acoustic Panels Are Needed

Difficulty understanding speech.

This can indicate poor acoustics in a space, where sound may be bouncing off hard surfaces and creating echoes and reverberations. This problem can often be alleviated by installing acoustic panels to absorb excess sound and improve speech intelligibility.

Excessive echo or reverberation.

This occurs when sound waves bounce off hard surfaces in a room, leading to a prolonged decay of sound and decreased clarity. Acoustic panels can mitigate this issue by absorbing these reflected sound waves, reducing echo and improving overall sound quality.

Poor audio quality in recordings.

Poor quality recordings can result from unwanted background noise, reverberations, or echoes that degrade the clarity and fidelity of sound. By strategically placing acoustic panels in recording spaces, these issues can be minimized, allowing for cleaner, more professional audio recordings with improved sound quality.

Complaints about noise levels or distractions.

This can often indicate a need for better sound control in a space. Installing acoustic panels can help reduce unwanted noise and distractions by absorbing sound, creating a quieter and more focused environment for work, study, or relaxation.

Increased stress or discomfort caused by prolonged exposure to high noise levels.

Prolonged exposure to high noise levels in factories and workplaces not only leads to increased stress and discomfort among employees but also poses serious health risks. According to OSHA rules, employers are obligated to provide a safe working environment, which includes measures to control noise levels and prevent hearing loss. Implementing solutions such as acoustic panels can help organizations comply with OSHA regulations while safeguarding the well-being and productivity of their workforce.

Benefits of Using Acoustic Panels

Improved sound quality in rooms.

Acoustic panels contribute to improved sound quality in rooms by reducing unwanted echoes, reverberations, and background noise. This enhancement creates a more balanced and enjoyable auditory experience, whether for meetings, presentations, music rehearsals, or simply everyday activities within the space.

Reduction of echoes and reverberations.

Acoustic panels effectively reduce echoes and reverberations by absorbing sound waves, preventing them from bouncing off hard surfaces and causing unwanted reflections. This reduction creates a more acoustically controlled environment with clearer speech, improved audio quality, and enhanced comfort for occupants.

Enhanced clarity in audio recordings or performances.

Acoustic panels enhance clarity in audio recordings or performances by minimizing unwanted echoes and reverberations, resulting in cleaner, more precise sound reproduction.

Creation of a more comfortable and productive environment.

Acoustic panels contribute to the creation of a more comfortable and productive environment by reducing noise distractions and enhancing overall sound quality, fostering focus and creativity in various settings.

Identifying Spaces That Benefit from Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels are essential for optimizing sound quality and minimizing noise disturbances in a variety of spaces. Whether it's improving speech intelligibility in offices, creating a more immersive entertainment experience at home, or enhancing the learning environment in classrooms, acoustic panels play a crucial role in fostering comfort, productivity, and enjoyment across different settings.

Here is a list of spaces where acoustic panels are often used:

  • Home recording studios or music rooms
  • Offices or conference rooms
  • Restaurants, cafes, or bars
  • Home theaters or entertainment rooms
  • Educational institutions such as classrooms or auditoriums
  • Live music venues or performance spaces
  • Gyms or fitness studios
  • Libraries or study areas
  • Worship spaces such as churches or temples
  • Residential spaces with high noise levels or poor acoustics
  • Factories and warehouses 

Need more help? Don't worry! We are here for you!

soundasured acoustics - free acoutic analysissoundasured acoustics - free acoustic foam room calculatorsoundasured acoustics - book a free acoustical consultation 

Full line of acoustic foam!

Check out more acoustic foam panels and corner solutions!

acoustic foam bass traps - charcoal color shown in this picture - with a shop now button acoustic foam corner blocks - charcoal color shown in this picture - with a shop now button acoustic foam egg crate panels - charcoal color shown in this picture - with a shop now button acoustic foam grid style panels - charcoal color shown in this picture - with a shop now button -soundproofing foam sound proofing acoustic foam pyramid style panels - charcoal color shown in this picture - with a shop now button soundproofing acoustic foam wedge style panels - charcoal color shown in this picture - with a shop now button

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Need Help?

Not sure what you need? Don't worry! One of our acoustic pros will help you get results!

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.

Order Foam Samples
Order Fabric Swatches
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.