Acoustic Panels Key Terms

Understand the key terms related to acoustic panels

By Howard Robertson

An acoustic panel is material that controls the sound or noise level in a room. These panels reduce or absorb the sounds that echo, reflect or reverberate in a room or studio, thus improving the sound quality for listening or recording. Acoustic panels are available in different types, such as wall panels, ceiling panels and door panels.

In this guide, we will cover some of the key terms related to acoustics panels, such as acoustic treatment, acoustic insulation, decibel (dB), absorbers and diffusers.

Acoustic treatment

Acoustic treatment is a systematic approach to improve the audibility in a room. It involves improving the quality of desired sound and reducing the unnecessary sound waves by using acoustic panels, baffles and absorbers.
Try: Amazing Home Theater provides detailed information about acoustic treatment and steps followed for acoustic treatment. You can also read through information about the acoustic treatment at the Connect Multimedia.

Acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation prevents sound from traveling from one room to another by using materials that resist transmission of sound waves. Acoustic panels are very useful for the purpose of acoustic insulation in residential and commercial applications.
Try: HGTVPro.com provides information about acoustic wall insulation. CSR Building Products is another resource that provides information about acoustic insulation products.

Acoustic foam

Acoustic foam (also known as studio foam) is an acoustic insulation material. This foam absorbs undesired sound and thus, improves quality of desired sound.
Try: Unger Technologies, a reputable company in the field of acoustic engineering, provides information about acoustic foam material.

Decibel (dB)

A decibel is the unit for the measurement of sound energy. One decibel is the minimum change in the volume that can be perceived by a human ear. In the field of acoustics, sound intensity is expressed in decibels.
Try: To learn more about decibels, read through the acoustic terms glossary at Acoustical Solutions, a reputable supplier of soundproofing and noise control products.

Absorption coefficient

The absorption coefficient of an acoustical material indicates the ability of the material to absorb sound waves.
Try: For detailed description for absorption coefficient, read through explanation at Acoustics101.com, an informative website by Auralex Acoustics.

Absorbers

An absorber's function is to absorb the unnecessary sound that is reverberated or echoed. Absorber products are made of different materials as per application requirements.
Try: Audio Masterclass publishes an article on acoustic treatment that provides information about the different types of absorbers and their functioning.

Diffusers

A diffuser is a device that diffuses the echo or unnecessary sound reflected from walls or ceilings of a room. This helps in improving the sound quality.
Try: For description about the process of diffusion and diffusers, read through the glossary of technical terms at Sweetwater Sound.