Check Your Understanding
Q: Thicker products absorb more noise.
A: False. Thicker products absorb more BASS noise, but at higher pitched frequencies, thicker products can perform the same as thinner sound absorption products.
Q: Foam will absorb more noise than fiberglass.
A: False. Either raw material could outperform the other depending on the thickness of the material, the frequencies of the noise, the quantities of material installed into a treatment, and several other factors. You should consult with NetWell's help desk to determine the product that will best suit your needs.
Q: If I absorb more sound waves in my room, the perceived loudness will deteriorate.
A: True. By absorbing unwanted reflections in the room, you clean out the background noise which in turn will deliver back into the room a lower level of perceived sound pressure.
Q: I should cover 100% of my wall surface to gain maximum absorption of sound.
A: False. There are "break-even" points in soundproofing treatments. A diminishing return is reached at a certain level of wall coverage. Beyond that coverage level, you gain little in terms of additional absorption while increasing your costs for the project. Again, consult with NetWell's help desk to determine the coverage that is right for you. While Anechoic Chambers would require 100% treatment, drum studios might need 70% wall coverage, and home theaters might need just 30% wall coverage.
Q: If I place my absorption panels up high on the wall, they will trigger as good a result as panels down low on the wall.
A: True. Placement of your product is less important than the quantities you are installing in the first place. Remember that noise radiates out like a pebble wave in a pond traveling 770 miles per hour. Faster than you can blink, the noise will reflect its way into the sound panel treatment with proper quantities installed. Placing them up high on the wall will help preserve the panels over a longer period of time.
Q: Sound baffles work as well as wall panels for absorbing unwanted sound reflections.
A: True. If your room's dimensions can accept vertically suspended baffles as your treatment, they will work as well from the ceiling as a wall mounted panel will in slowing down sound reflections in your room. For gymnasiums, we recommend a minimum 20' clearance for using baffles.