Comparing Polyester Acoustic Panels vs. Traditional Panels

Designing a room can be a tricky task that does not only require an intricate blend of aesthetics but also acoustics. Despite this, many designers concentrate solely on the room’s visuals, neglecting the unique way sound will behave in and interact with the space.

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But noise control can’t just be an afterthought. Not when it’s such a vital component in the design equation. Especially in spaces where the acoustic quality is paramount—such as theaters, conference rooms, or music studios—the right orchestration of soundproofing, sound absorbing, and sound diffusion becomes essential.

With an array of options at hand, ranging from traditional materials to modern-day advances like polyester acoustic panels, choosing the right eco-friendly soundproofing can have a significant impact on both the sonic and visual experience of a room.

To that end, let’s compare and contrast traditional panels with polyester fiber acoustic panels.

Sound Absorbing vs Sound Proofing

When dealing with noise problems, most individuals will look up terms such as “soundproofing” and “sound-absorbing.” Though they may seem interchangeable, these expressions aren’t synonymous—they refer to two unique aspects of noise control. The particular sound issue you aim to resolve will influence the acoustic treatment and the materials used.

• Soundproofing – This method involves blocking sound from entering or leaving a space. It requires the use of dense and air-tight materials within the walls, ceilings, or floors to reflect sound back, and prevent vibrations from penetrating. Some commonly used materials for soundproofing include:
  • Vibration-dampening compounds like Green Glue
  • High-density barriers like Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
  • Specialized drywall like Soundbreak XP
  • Resilient sound isolation clips (RSIC-1 Clips)

• Sound absorption – This process aims to improve the sound quality within a room by reducing echoes or reverberations. Soft, lightweight materials are applied to the surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floors to absorb sound waves. The materials often used for sound absorption are:
  • Acoustical panels like PolyMax
  • Innovative materials like Wood Wool or Echo Eliminator
  • Fabric acoustic panels
  • Traditional acoustic foam panels or stretchable wall systems like Wallmate

Both soundproofing and sound absorption play an important role in improving your room’s acoustic properties. Selecting the right materials and techniques will depend on your specific requirements, the room’s function, and the types of sound you need to manage.

That said, when we compare and contrast acoustic panel types, our chief focus is on sound absorption.

What Are Acoustic Panels?

Typically, when sound waves are free to bounce around the room, you wind up with echo and reverb distorting sound within the space. And, these sound waves can keep bouncing off the walls, colliding and mixing, only adding further audio distortion.

In any given space, controlling the room’s noise is a complex calculus. You have to consider the size, shape, and surfaces of the room, as well as the first points of reflection. However, generally speaking, the larger the room is, the more important sound control becomes.

One of the primary ways to reduce these common issues with echo and reverb is by hanging soundproofing acoustic wall panels. These soft-furnished panels can be strategically placed on a room’s walls and ceilings to reduce echo and reverb.

Acoustic panels can enhance noise in a space in two complementary ways:

• Absorbing sound waves – The primary acoustic purpose for panels is to absorb a significant percentage of a sound wave’s energy. Their porous structure allows sound waves to enter the absorbing core while preventing them from leaving.
• Scattering sound waves – A major source of unwanted noise results from sound waves reflecting back to their source, which causes reverb. When panels have curved surfaces or flat surfaces with varying depths, you can scatter and diffuse sound waves around the room.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Acoustic Panels

In the early days of architectural acoustics, large buildings such as churches and theaters were the primary focus for sound control. Early solutions, such as heavy cloth sheets and curtains, paved the way for more innovative approaches like fiberglass batts covered in burlap or Rumford ceramic sound-absorbing tiles.

With the urban boom and an increasing societal need for private and quiet spaces, soundproofing took on a new dimension, with manufacturers developing acoustic panels expressly designed for this sole purpose. These early models were made of the same materials that are still in popular use today, including rock wool, fiberglass, or egg crate foam.

Pros of Traditional Acoustic Panels

• Affordability – Conventional acoustic panels tend to be the most budget-friendly option, providing decent soundproofing and diffusion capabilities for a relatively low cost, which can be appealing especially for soundproofing larger spaces.
• Ease of installation – Traditional acoustic panels have been designed for fast and easy installation. You don’t need specialized knowledge or licensing to properly hang these sound solutions.
• Proven effectiveness – After decades of deployment and development, panels made of materials like fiberglass and rock wool have been tried and tested, proving an effective medium for absorbing sound and reducing echo and reverb.

Cons of Traditional Acoustic Panels

• Aesthetic limitations – Traditional materials—particularly egg carton foam—may not provide the sleek and modern appearance that contemporary designs often demand. Sure, they improve the sound quality, but at the cost of the room’s visual appeal.
• Potential health risks – Materials like fiberglass require careful handling to avoid skin irritation, and prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues. Furthermore, in the event of a fire, many of these materials aren’t designed to meet modern fire safety standards; in fact, they may emit toxic fumes or even contribute to the spread of flames.
• Sound quality constraints – Although they are sound absorbers, conventional panels are only effective at absorbing sounds at certain frequencies. Put simply, they have a limited frequency range—low frequencies, in particular, pose a problem.

Pros and Cons of Polyester Fiber Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels have evolved over the years. Sound engineers and architects have developed innovative materials and designs to address various acoustic challenges. Polyester is one such material that has gained prominence in acoustic paneling.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from coal, air, water, and petroleum. In the context of acoustic panels, polyester is used to create lightweight, versatile, and highly effective sound-absorbing materials.

Pros of Traditional Acoustic Panels

• Superior sound absorption – Advanced panels have a wider frequency range, providing superior performance, especially at low and high frequencies. Furthermore, certain polyester sound absorption panels are used to handle specific frequencies, such as low-frequency bass traps produced in music studios.
• Aesthetic enhancement – Polyester panels come in a variety of colors, shapes, designs, patterns, and depths, offering more versatility when it comes to the interior design of a space. As a result, you no longer need to sacrifice visual appeal for enhanced acoustics—you get the best of both worlds.
• Smaller and lighter panels – Polyester panels are lightweight and easy to install. And they can be cut into various shapes and sizes to fit the room’s specific dimensions. All you need is hot melt glue to add them to the walls. These natural lightweight properties make the building itself lighter while simplifying the construction process.
• Enhanced fire protection – Polyester panels are made to comply with national flame retardant and fire safety standards. They may be available in classifications such Class A flame-retardant panels and fully flame-retardant panels, which provide an additional layer of security and confidence.
• Environmentally friendly – A polyester fiber acoustic panel is often made of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, making them a more sustainable product than conventional solutions. Leading products will have low VOC emissions, passing CDPH V1.2 test standards.
• User friendly – Top products will be non-allergenic, non-toxic, and chemical-irritant-free.
• Pleasing tactile quality – Polyester acoustic foam panels can add a softness and warmth to the room that can be both seen, heard, and felt.

Cons of Polyester Acoustic Panels

• Cost – A high-quality polyester fiber acoustic panel can be more expensive upfront than some traditional materials, although this might be offset by their durability and lifespan.
• Non-recyclable – Some polyester panels aren’t recyclable, making them a less sustainable end-life product.

Bonded Acoustical Cotton Panels

Another popular modern acoustic product is the Echo Eliminator. These panels are made from bonded acoustical cotton (BAC) and represent one of the most effective yet cost-efficient acoustical absorbing materials on the market.

These high-performance acoustical panels can be installed on the ceilings and walls of practically any space to eliminate echo, diminish reverb, and enhance the acoustic quality of a room. Benefits of this type of panel include:

• Eligible for LEED credits
• Class A fire rated
• 100% recyclable

Acoustical Surfaces: Your Guide in Acoustic Design

When it comes to the acoustic design of a space, the choice between traditional and modern acoustic panels is a critical decision. While a traditional material is affordable and relatively effective, it pales in comparison to more advanced and versatile solutions like polyester, which carry many of the same benefits, and then some.

But how do you decide which panels to use and where to install them?

At Acoustical Surfaces, our sound experts can help you determine the best sound solutions for your project. Whether you’re building a massive theater or designing a music studio, our team will work to understand your sound or acoustic treatment needs and then propose the ultimate solution for the job.

What are acoustic panels and why do we use them?

Acoustic panels are large, soft-furnished panels that can be strategically placed within rooms to improve sound quality by absorbing reflected sound or echoes.

They can be made from a vast array of materials such as a combination of foam and fabric, PET Eco Felt, Wood Wool, or biophilic elements like cork or moss. The acoustic panels can be made into a range of shapes and sizes and customised to complement the design of your space.

The main purpose of acoustic panels is to remove residual sound in any space. When installed correctly in a room, acoustic panels can absorb or diffuse sound from the first point of reflection.

The effectiveness of good quality acoustic panels means that you can use far less so that you’re not at risk of over-cluttering areas and spaces.

Sound Zero Wall Panel Pro in an office meeting room

Here at Sound Zero, we’ve designed high-quality panels to target broadband frequencies, meaning that they can be used for a range of purposes.

Key Points:

What are acoustic panels?

Acoustic panels are large, soft-furnished panels that improve sound quality by absorbing reflected sound or echoes.

They can be made from various materials and customised to match your space’s design.

Main Purpose:

Acoustic panels remove residual sound in a space by absorbing or diffusing sound.

High-quality panels can be effective with fewer panels, avoiding clutter.

Types of Panels:

Acoustic panels can be designed as absorbers or diffusers, depending on the desired outcome.

Expert consultation helps you choose the right products for your room.

Applications:

Acoustic panels find use in various spaces like restaurants, bars, offices, and music venues.

They localize noise in specific areas, improving sound quality.

Space-Saving Solutions:

Smaller panels like Wall Panel Pro or ceiling panels are ideal for spaces with limited wall space.

They are designed with aesthetics in mind to maintain the space’s image.

Suspended Ceiling Panels:

Suspended acoustic panels are effective in treating ceilings and saving wall space.

They can improve speech legibility in open-plan offices.

Proximity Effect:

Suspended acoustic panels target and suppress different frequencies, enhancing sound quality.

Examples include the Royal Albert Hall’s acoustic design.

Materials Used:

Acoustic panels are commonly made from a timber frame with layers of acoustic foam and fabric.

Other options include PET Eco Felt, as well as bespoke options like cork and moss.

Panel Types:

Wall Panel Pro and PET Eco Felt offer customisability and artistic design for various spaces.

Acoustic Moss Wall panels incorporate biophilic principles and act as natural sound absorbers.

Suspended Ceiling Clouds control noise in meeting rooms with reflective surfaces.

Benefits of Acoustic Panels:

Acoustic panels offer several benefits, including a welcoming environment, improved productivity, better sound quality, workplace safety, and reduced absenteeism.

Absorbers & diffusers

Acoustic Panels can be designed as absorbers or diffusers, depending on the intended purpose and outcome that you’re trying to achieve.

Absorbers and diffusers are the main design tools for altering the acoustic conditions of rooms, semi-enclosed spaces and the outdoor environment. Their correct use is essential for delivering high-quality acoustics, so it’s always best to speak to an expert to help you decide which products are best for your room.

Throughout our in-depth consultation process, our experts will outline the best solution for you, but as a general rule.

The benefits of acoustic panels

Acoustic panels can be effectively utilised in a range of spaces, for example, restaurants, bars, offices and music venues.

Related links:
5 Things to Know Before Buying Indoor And Outdoor Decorative Building Pannel

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Ceiling Cloud system by Sound-Zero at the Kernel Brewery Arch 7 Taproom, London

As you might imagine, each space has its unique requirements, but they are all rooted in the need to improve sound quality and intelligibility.

As an example, open-plan office environments may have a designated area for the telesales or telemarketing department. Such environments involve loud conversations and ample opportunities for distraction.

When people are communicating in such proximity, acoustic panels which are placed in a particular area will help to localise the noise, keeping it contained.

Click here to learn more about office acoustics.

Short on wall space?

We touched briefly on this in the introduction, but smaller acoustic panels like the Wall Panel Pro or ceiling panels (baffles, grids, or rafts) are the ideal solution if you’re short on wall space.

Many offices and restaurants that we visit have a strong brand image which is often reflected in the wall décor that is chosen. The last thing they want is unattractive panels being placed on the walls.

Acoustic panels are fantastic because you don’t need to cover a whole wall space to acoustically solve the noise complaint. Our experts will identify the first point of reflection, which will inform them of the best location to place the wall panel.

What’s more, our panels have been developed with design in mind. We pride ourselves on delivering a strong, visual impact, incorporating your brand’s image within our design process.

There really is no need to compromise on your image in order to solve your noise issue.

Suspended ceiling panels

Bad acoustics are the result of a large, untreated hard surface area (walls, floors, ceiling, windows) and quite often, the largest, hardest surface area is the ceiling.

Air ducts and wiring tracks often prevent us from directly treating the ceiling’s surface, meaning that suspended acoustic panels are a great solution.

And as well as saving that much-valued wall space, they have a strong visual impact.

Acoustic ceiling baffles will make a noticeable difference to speech legibility in an open-plan office with little in the way of soft furnishings.

The proximity effect

Suspended acoustic panels reinforce what’s known in the science world as the ‘proximity effect’. In getting closer to the noise source at varying heights, the suspended panels are targeting and suppressing different frequencies.

Numerous venues have incorporated this methodology into their acoustic design; most notably, the Royal Albert Hall. Using convex reflectors suspended at various heights, the venue can tackle the room resonance, whilst delivering an unmatched quality of sound.

Music and concert venues are perfect examples of how you can ‘tune’ suspended acoustic panels to improve the experience of the consumer.

What are acoustic panels made from?

Commonly, acoustic panels are made from a timber frame with varying layers of acoustic foam.

Foam is the best material to use for an acoustic panel because it completely absorbs frequencies on the surface, so you get a resonance happening inside the cavity.

Therefore, above the cavity, you get noise cancellation. This is known as Helmholtz resonance.

Blending acoustics and art, our popular Wall Panel Pros ensure that your acoustics are effectively addressed whilst adding a splash of artistic design to your walls.

Easily customisable, we can use your own images and impose them on a fabric-wrapped acoustic panel, or choose a hard acrylic front with a cutaway design.

Wall Panel Pros are the ideal solution for music studios, offices, bars, restaurants and conference rooms.

Sound Zero AuralArt acoustic art panels at Patchworks

If you’re aiming to incorporate biophilic principles into your building design, the Acoustic Moss Wall panel is the ideal solution for you. Moss acts as a natural sound absorber, which is ideal for any busy space, especially in open-plan areas.

Preserved Moss Wall acoustic panels are a stunning way to bring nature into your space and control the acoustics

3. Suspended Ceiling Clouds

We’ve written at length about the benefits of these; just look above. They’re a superb product, rooted in strong scientific understanding.

These Suspended Ceiling Clouds are stylish and control the noise issues in these meeting rooms with a lot of reflective surfaces

Conclusion

Acoustic panels provide numerous benefits, for example:

A more welcoming environment for customers

Boosted productivity in office and educational settings

Effective sound quality in music venues

Improved workplace safety

Reduced staff absenteeism

Happy customers, which means more return on investment

We hope that this blog has outlined some of the fundamental aspects of acoustic panelling solutions. If you require any further assistance, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our experts today.

What acoustic panels do

What do acoustic panels do?

What do acoustic panels do?

Acoustic panels are designed to reduce noise levels and eliminate echoes in a room. It works by absorbing sound waves and preventing them from reflecting off of hard surfaces. This can help to create a more pleasant and less noisy environment. The term “acoustic panel” refers to any type of panel, both vertical and horizontal, that is used for this purpose.

The Ins and Outs of Acoustic Panels: What You Need to Know

Do you have a noisy office? Or maybe your home theater is too loud for comfort? If so, acoustic panels may be the solution for you! Acoustic panels help to absorb sound and reduce noise levels. In this blog post, we will discuss what they are , what they do, and how to choose the right ones for your needs. We’ll also take a look at some of the pros and cons of using acoustic treatment to solve noise issues.

What are acoustic panels?

Acoustic panels are large, usually porous pieces of material that are strategically designed and placed within a room to reduce noise and echo. They commonly consist made of a sound-absorbing material or core and covered in a breathable acoustic fabric. that helps to dampen sound waves and reflections. They can be used in almost any environment or space but are most commonly used in recording studios, classrooms, offices, and other spaces where reducing excess noise is important.

How do acoustic panels work to reduce noise?

Acoustic panels work to reduce noise be removing excess reverberation, vibrations or echo within a space by stifling or muffling airborne sound waves. Their porous structure allows sound waves to enter the absorbing core and strip back excess frequencies to improve acoustic comfort. They also prevent the sounds bouncing off hard surfaces or structures such as walls, floors or windows.

There are a variety of panel types available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common type of consists of a mineral wool panel, which is made from rock wool or fiberglass. Mineral wool panels are effective at absorbing low-frequency sounds, but they are not as effective at absorbing high-frequency sounds. These are often either painted or wrapped in acoustic breathable fabric for a sleek finish. Recycled PET acoustic products have also gained popularity over recent years.  These panels can also be covered with a fabric such as velvet or canvas and can be effective at reducing reflections and diffusing sound. Acoustic foam is also a great option.

Why and when to use acoustic panels

Acoustic panels are not always required, but you will usually be able to notice a problem if there is one. Is your space feeling uncomfortable, loud or irritating? If you notice that the sound waves just don’t sound right, then acoustic treatment  are a great solution.

They will help reduce noise, but only within the space that they are installed. They won’t effectively stop or block noise or transfer of sound between spaces.

Acoustic panels are an important part of any open plan office, recording studio, live music room, or home theater. They help to absorb excess sound and prevent noise pollution. There are many different types, and each has its own set of benefits.

One of the most common forms of acoustic panels is acoustic foam. It is constructed from an open-cell, flexible material that effectively absorbs sound. Acoustic foam may be made to complement any room’s decor because it comes in a number of colours and thicknesses. Because acoustic foam has the potential to catch fire, it shouldn’t be utilised close to heat sources.

The bass trap is yet another well-liked design of acoustic panel. Low frequency noises, which are frequently problematic in recording studios and live music venues, can be absorbed using bass traps. Typically, dense materials like fibreglass or rockwool are used to make bass traps. To increase their effectiveness, they can be put against walls or in corners.

Another kind of acoustic panel that serves to enhance the sound in a space is an acoustic diffuser. Diffusers can lessen echoes and produce a more realistic sound because they distribute sound waves rather than absorbing them. Diffusers often come in a range of sizes and forms and are made of wood or metal.

No matter what type of acoustic panel you choose, it is important to make sure that it is installed correctly in order to achieve the best results. If you are not sure how to install acoustic panels, we can provide a complete survey, supply and installation service for you.

How many acoustic panels do I need?

The number of acoustic panels you would need would depend on the size of the room, the amount of noise coming from outside, and how much echo you want to reduce. In general, more acoustic panels will result in a deader space.

As a general rule of thumb, covering 30-40% of the wall surface area with is a good starting point to hear a difference. However, factors such as wall/ceiling surfaces and windows may require a unique approach. Ceiling panels are often the most effective sound absorbers and we recommend these for almost all projects, although not always practical.

If you are trying to completely block out outside noise, you will need more than acoustic panels than if you are merely trying to reduce echo in a room. The size of the room will also affect how many acoustic panels you need. A smaller room will require fewer panels than a larger room.

For open plan offices, there is a specified British standard which sets out guidelines for acoustic treatment in commercial building. Reducing noise in offices is around 70% of the work we do at Resonics.

In general, it is best to consult with a professional to determine how many acoustic panels you need for your specific situation. They can take into account all of the factors mentioned above and help you choose the right number of panels for your needs.

Acoustic panels to absorb sound

Our ears pick up on sound waves, which are vibrations that move through the air or any other medium. Numerous things, including but not limited to musical instruments, people speaking, electrical devices, and background noise, can produce these waves. Sound-absorbing materials can be used to lessen the quantity of noise that is present in a certain area.

Acoustic panels are one type of sound-absorbing material that can be used to reduce noise levels in a space. These panels are usually made of fiberglass or other absorbent materials, and are designed to absorb sound waves. Acoustic panels can be used in a variety of settings, including office spaces, classrooms, music studios, and home theaters.

One kind of sound-absorbing material that can be utilised to lower noise levels in an area are acoustic panels. These panels are intended to absorb sound waves and are often composed of fibreglass or other absorbent materials. Offices, classrooms, music studios, and home theatres are just a few places where acoustic panels can be employed.

If you’re interested in reducing noise levels in your home or office, acoustic panels may be a good option for you. There are many different types and styles of acoustic panels available on the market, so you should be able to find something that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Conclusion

Acoustic panels are a great way to reduce noise levels in any room, as well as improve the quality of sound. These panels are typically made from fiberglass or other absorbent materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Acoustic diffusers are another type of acoustic panel that can help to reduce echoes by scattering sound waves instead of absorbing them.

Could I use soundproofing panels to reduce outgoing noise from my room?

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