Acoustics

Filmmaking is all about capturing authentic moments, and when it comes to crafting that cinematic magic, nothing beats the collaboration of sound and light. For filmmakers in the trenches of video production, creating a space where both elements seamlessly harmonize is the key to a standout film. Let's shed light on the often-overlooked heroes of the film set – SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS. In this piece, we're delving into why these curtains matter, giving you the lowdown on how they enhance your audio quality and keep your set quiet, with the added bonus of being black on one side and white on the other, playing with light creatively.

Straightforward Audio Brilliance:

1. Minimizing Distractions: Film sets can get noisy, and SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS act as your reliable noise gate, keeping unwanted sounds at bay so that your actors' lines and subtle background sounds can truly stand out.
2. Echo-Free Zones: Ever noticed how a room's echo can mess with your audio? ACOUSTIC CURTAINS eliminate that issue, providing you with crystal-clear sounds without bothersome echoes bouncing around.
3. Adaptable Sounds: Filmmaking is a dynamic art form. SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS adapt to your needs, whether it's a quiet conversation or a high-energy action scene, ensuring your audio remains clear and consistent.

Quiet Sets, Focused Filmmaking:

The Importance of privacy on Set: Filmmaking requires concentration, and SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS create a tranquil space by keeping external noises out, allowing your cast and crew to focus on their craft without disruptions.

Audio Consistency: Inconsistent audio is a filmmaker's nightmare. ACOUSTIC CURTAINS deliver a steady, consistent sound experience, eliminating the need for extensive post-production tweaks and edits.

Less Post-Production Fixing: SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS save you time in post-production. Spend more time bringing your creative vision to life and less time troubleshooting audio issues – it's filmmaking made easier.

Dual-Sided Sophistication: Where Style Meets Function

1. Black & White: A Palette for Visual Control: Let's talk about the stylish side – dual-sided ACOUSTIC CURTAINS. One side in bold black, the other in fresh white. Why? Because you're the maestro of light. Manage how it interacts with your set, adding a touch of sophistication to your visuals.
2. Contrast Elegance: Elevating Visual Appeal: Dual-sided ACOUSTIC CURTAINS aren't just practical; they're a secret weapon for creating visually stunning scenes. The black and white contrast adds depth and cinematic flair to your shots.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the straightforward magic of ACOUSTIC CURTAINS.

They aren't just for maintaining a quiet set; they're essential allies for achieving exceptional audio and visuals. As you gear up for your next film project, let the natural collaboration between sound and light take center stage, with SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS providing the backstage pass to a filmmaking experience that's as authentic as it gets.

Introduction

Music has the power to move our souls, captivate our senses, and express emotions that words alone cannot convey. Musicians, whether professional or aspiring, understand the importance of creating a space where they can hone their craft and produce impeccable sounds. Central to this process is achieving the right level of sound control within the studio environment. In this article, we explore the reasons why musicians love ACOUSTIC CURTAINS and how these specialized window treatments have become an indispensable tool for studio sound control.

Enhanced Acoustic Performance

One of the primary reasons musicians adore ACOUSTIC CURTAINS is their ability to significantly improve the acoustic performance of a studio. These ACOUSTIC CURTAINS are designed with multiple layers of dense, sound-absorbing materials that can help reduce sound reflections and reverberations within the space. This, in turn, results in a clearer and more controlled sound environment, enabling musicians to hear their music with greater precision.

Noise Isolation

In a world filled with distractions and external noises, maintaining a quiet and focused studio space is vital for musicians. ACOUSTIC CURTAINS work as a barrier, effectively blocking out unwanted external sounds, such as street noise, conversations, or household activities. This noise isolation allows musicians to concentrate on their music without disruption. An ACOUSTIC CURTAIN is also a great choice if you're addressing SOUND ISOLATION FOR DOORS or SOUND ISOLATION FOR WINDOWS!

Versatility in Sound Management

ACOUSTIC CURTAINS offer musicians a versatile way to manage sound within their studios. By opening or closing the curtains, musicians can adjust the level of sound absorption and reflection, enabling them to customize the acoustic environment to suit their specific needs for recording, practicing, or live performances.

Privacy and Concentration

The creative process often requires musicians to delve into the depths of their art. ACOUSTIC CURTAINS create a cocoon of privacy, where musicians can freely experiment, practice, and concentrate without fear of disturbing others or being disturbed themselves. This enhances the creative and productive potential of any studio.

Energy Efficiency

ACOUSTIC CURTAINS also contribute to energy efficiency within the studio. Not only do they assist in controlling sound, but they also offer thermal insulation. This means that studios can maintain a consistent temperature, saving on heating and cooling costs while providing a comfortable and controlled environment for musicians.

Aestethetic Appeal

ACOUSTIC CURTAINS are great because when you're not recording, you can simply pull them aside, and as a result, your room will look like a regular room. But when you need to practice or record, just draw the curtains, and you'll create an excellent controlled and acoustically optimized environment! And also, if you're recording video during your recording sessions, it creates a beautiful, seamless background.These curtains can be seamlessly integrated into the studio's overall décor, adding a touch of style and sophistication to the space.

Conclusion

For musicians, creating the perfect sound environment is more than a mere necessity; it's a passion and a commitment to their craft. ACOUSTIC CURTAINS have proven to be an indispensable asset in the pursuit of studio sound control, offering enhanced acoustics, noise isolation, versatility, and privacy. By providing these benefits, ACOUSTIC CURTAINS allow musicians to focus on what they do best: creating beautiful music. So, it's no wonder that musicians love ACOUSTIC CURTAINS for their studios, as they serve as the silent partners in the pursuit of auditory excellence.

In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, finding solace and tranquility within the walls of your home can be a precious luxury. Fortunately, the key to achieving a quieter and more acoustically pleasing living space may be simpler than you think: acoustic curtains. In this article, we'll explore how to transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary with the help of these versatile soundproofing solutions.

Understanding Acoustic Curtains

Acoustic curtains, also referred to as or noise-reducing curtains, are engineered to absorb, dampen, and block unwanted noise. Crafted from materials with high-density properties, they excel in absorbing sound waves, effectively reducing noise levels. With their adaptability, acoustic curtains can be utilized in various areas of your home to enhance its acoustic properties.

Strategic Placement of Soundproof Curtains

1. Windows: Windows are a common entry point for external noise. By hanging soundproof curtains on curtain rods or discreetly placing them behind existing curtains, you can minimize the intrusion of traffic, construction, or other outdoor sounds.
2. Walls: To mitigate sound transmission between rooms, consider covering walls with soundproof curtains. This application is particularly valuable in apartments and multi-family housing where noise from neighbors can be bothersome.
3. Doors: Hanging soundprof curtains over doors or creating a barrier with them can effectively reduce sound penetration. This is especially beneficial for maintaining quiet and privacy in bedrooms, home offices, and other living spaces.
4. Floors: In situations where sound transmission between different levels of your home is an issue, placing acoustic curtains on the floor can be an effective solution. This is especially helpful in multi-story homes or apartments. But I rather recommend you to use a classic carpet.
5. Ceilings: Suspending acoustic curtains from the ceiling can absorb sound and reduce reverberation, making this an excellent choice for rooms where audio quality is important, such as home theaters, recording studios, or music practice spaces.

The Advantages of Acoustic Curtains 

1. Improved Sleep Quality: With reduced external noise, you can enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep, waking up refreshed and ready to face the day.
2. Enhanced Focus: Whether you work from home or require a serene atmosphere for activities like reading or studying, acoustic curtains create an environment conducive to concentration.
3. Enhanced Privacy: Enjoy a more secluded environment for personal conversations and activities, preventing sound from escaping or entering your living spaces.
4. Optimized Acoustics: Acoustic curtains help diminish echo and reverberation, contributing to better sound quality within a room, making them an ideal choice for home theaters, recording studios, and music practice rooms.
5. Stress Reduction: A quieter and more tranquil home environment can lead to lower stress levels, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

Practical Tips for Using Acoustic Curtains

1. Ensure proper installation to eliminate gaps and openings that could allow sound to pass through.
2. Select acoustic curtains with the appropriate thickness and material to suit your specific needs.
3. Regularly clean and maintain your acoustic curtains to ensure maximum effectiveness.
4. For even better soundproofing results, consider combining acoustic curtains  with other soundproofing techniques.

With acoustic curtains, you can effortlessly transform your home into a peaceful haven where unwanted noise becomes a distant memory. Whether you're seeking to create a more serene atmosphere, enhance privacy, or optimize the acoustics of your living space, these versatile soundproofing solutions can bring about a remarkable transformation. Take control of your home's acoustic environment and savor the benefits of a quieter, more acoustically enhanced home.

10 Essential Steps to Voiceover Success

The world of voiceover artistry is a fascinating and rewarding one. Voiceover artists breathe life into characters in animations, narrate compelling audiobooks, and promote products and services through their vocal talents. If you're an aspiring voiceover artist, you're about to embark on an exciting journey. In this guide, we'll walk you through the 10 key steps to help you achieve success in this competitive field.

Step 1: Develop Your Skills

Voiceover work demands a unique set of skills. To be a successful voiceover artist, focus on improving your vocal range, clarity, diction, emotional expression, and adaptability.

Step 2: Set Up Your Studio with Proper Acoustics

A professional voiceover studio isn't just about having the right equipment; it's also about creating an environment with optimal acoustics. To ensure that your recordings are crystal clear, consider the following:

• Soundproofing: Invest in soundproofing materials and techniques to minimize outside noise. This might include constructing a separate, sound-isolated room for your studio. Alternatively, consider investing in a soundproof booth, which will provide you with a quiet environment for your recordings.
• Room Treatment: Pay attention to the acoustic properties of your recording space. To reduce echoes and sound reflections, use acoustic blankets or consider investing in an acoustic booth. For example, our EchoFree series of acoustic booths is a great choice at a very reasonable price.
• Microphone Placement: Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot in your recording space. Proper placement can help capture your voice accurately and reduce unwanted background noise. It's important to position the microphone with its back to the loudest source of noise. For example, a window facing a noisy street.

Creating a well-acoustically treated studio will significantly enhance the quality of your voiceover recordings, making them sound more professional and appealing to clients.

Step 3: Find Your Niche

Identify your niche within the voiceover industry. Choose from animation and character work, commercial voiceovers, audiobooks, or video games, and specialize in what you're passionate about.

Step 4: Invest in Training

Voiceover training is essential for improving your skills. Enroll in classes, workshops, or access online resources to learn from experienced professionals.

Step 5: Create a Winning Demo Reel

Craft a compelling demo reel that showcases your abilities in various genres and styles. Your demo reel is your calling card to attract potential clients and agents.

Step 6: Market and Network

Build a strong online presence with a professional website and social media profiles. Network with industry peers, producers, and clients. Attend events and conferences to expand your connections.

Step 7: Choose Freelancing or Agencies

Decide whether you want to work as a freelance voiceover artist or through a talent agency. Each option has its advantages and may align differently with your career goals.

Step 8: Manage Your Business

Treat your voiceover career as a business. Price your services competitively, manage contracts, and handle your finances wisely.

Step 9: Stay Informed and Be Adaptable

Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements. Be adaptable and open to learning new skills to remain competitive in this ever-evolving field.

Step 10: Embrace the Journey

Success in voiceover artistry is not just about talent but also about determination, dedication, and ongoing self-improvement. Embrace the journey, and you'll find your unique voice in this creative field.

Becoming a successful voiceover artist is an achievable goal. Follow these 10 steps, and you'll be well on your way to making a name for yourself in this exciting and dynamic industry. Good luck!

Sound echo can turn any home into an acoustic challenge, distorting conversations and diminishing the enjoyment of music and media. If you're seeking to enhance the auditory experience within your living space, addressing sound echo is essential. Fortunately, with a clear strategy and the use of acoustic blankets, you can create a more harmonious acoustic environment right at home. In this article, we'll delve into effective ways to eliminate sound echo using acoustic blankets, ensuring your auditory comfort.

Identifying Echo-Prone Areas:

Begin by identifying the spaces where sound echo is most noticeable. Large rooms with hard surfaces, such as tiled floors and bare walls, are likely culprits. Pinpoint these areas to tailor your acoustic blanket placement effectively.

Introducing Acoustic Blankets

Acoustic blankets are a versatile solution for sound absorption and echo reduction. These specialized blankets are designed to absorb sound waves, minimizing their reflection and impact. Drape acoustic blankets strategically over furniture, hang them on walls, or suspend them from ceilings to create a sonic barrier that tames sound echoes.

Hanging Acoustic Blankets:

Mount acoustic blankets on walls using hooks or curtain rods. Mounting on walls is possible through hook screw from stainless steel while we prepare special grommets for curtain rods. Nowadays you can hang acoustic blanket to the ceiling by ceiling track 2 metres for 1 acoustic blankets or ceiling track 4 metres for 2 acoustic blankets. Another option is to hang acoustic blankets on Flex Tee Stand. Each Flex Tee Stand has 8 hooks for hanging acoustic blankets.

Creating Acoustic Zones:

Use acoustic blankets to define acoustic zones within larger rooms. Hang blankets around workspaces, seating areas, or media corners to control sound reflections and create pockets of sonic clarity. This approach not only enhances sound absorption but also adds a touch of visual interest to your space.

Combine soft furniture and acoustic blankets

Combine the benefits of acoustic blankets with other soft furnishings. Soft furniture, such as a couch, also has excellent acoustic properties, while hard furniture, such as wardrobes, do the opposite. You can line the wardrobes  with acoustic blankets, so you don't need a stand and at the same time you get rid of unwanted sound reflections. The acoustics of the room also help if you have a carpet in the room. If you don't have a carpet, you can put an acoustic blanket on the floor instead.

DIY Acoustic booth

Acoustic blankets are a cost-effective solution for crafting your own DIY acoustic booth. By strategically hanging these sound-absorbing blankets in a small space, you can significantly reduce unwanted noise and create a quieter environment for recording, podcasting, or even practicing music. It's a simple and effective way to improve sound quality without breaking the bank on professional acoustic treatments. The equivalent of DIY acoustic booths are EFB series (acoustic vocal booths).

Home Studio and Media Spaces:

For home studios, podcasting corners, or media rooms, acoustic blankets can significantly improve sound quality. Hang acoustic blankets strategically around recording equipment or on walls adjacent to speakers to reduce echo and enhance audio clarity.

Portability and Flexibility to your home:

The portability of acoustic blankets allows you to experiment with placement and combinations. You can easily move them around as needed to optimize sound absorption in different areas of your home.

Creating a Relaxing Retreat:

If you seek a serene oasis, consider draping acoustic blankets around relaxation spots. Craft a cozy reading nook or meditation space where sound echoes are replaced with tranquility.

Conclusion:

Acoustic blankets offer an accessible and effective solution for eliminating sound echo at home. By thoughtfully integrating these blankets into your interior design, you can achieve a harmonious balance between aesthetic appeal and acoustic clarity. Whether you're crafting an inviting home studio or transforming your living room, acoustic blankets provide a versatile tool for enhancing your auditory experience and creating a more peaceful acoustic haven.

Exploring the Variations

In the realm of controlled acoustic environments, two terms that often surface are "soundproof booth" and "acoustic booth." These terms, while related, encompass distinct concepts that cater to different aspects of sound management. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between soundproof booths and acoustic booths, shedding light on their purposes, features, and applications.

Soundproof Booths

A soundproof booth is a specially designed enclosure engineered to block external noise and prevent sound leakage. The primary goal of a soundproof booth is to create an isolated space where sound from outside the soundproof booth is minimized and sound generated inside remains contained. These soundproof booths are meticulously constructed using materials that are effective at impeding the transmission of sound waves, resulting in a quieter and more controlled environment.

Key Features of Soundproof Booths

• Sound Isolation: Soundproof booths excel at minimizing external noise infiltration. They are designed with features such as thick walls, sealed doors, and insulation to create an effective barrier against ;
• Acoustic Treatment: While soundproofing is a core focus, some soundproof booths also incorporate internal acoustic treatments to manage sound reflections and reverberations within the booth. This ensures that the audio quality inside the soundproof booth is optimal.
• External Sound Reduction: Soundproof booths are particularly beneficial in environments with high levels of external noise, such as busy streets or construction sites.
• Isolated Flooring: Soundproof booths often have specialized isolated flooring to further reduce vibration and impact noise. This helps prevent external vibrations, footsteps, or equipment noise from affecting the interior environment.
• Observation Windows: Some soundproof booths have built-in observation windows or ports that allow individuals outside the booth to monitor activities inside without compromising sound isolation. These windows are typically designed to maintain soundproofing properties.
• Ventilation and Air Circulation: Soundproof booths typically include a ventilation system that allows for the exchange of air while maintaining soundproofing. This ensures that occupants can breathe comfortably without compromising sound isolation.

Applications ofSoundproof Booths:

Soundproof booths find their applications in scenarios where the primary concern is the prevention of external noise intrusion or containing internal sound. They are commonly used in recording studios, podcasting setups, voice-over studios, and any setting where maintaining a controlled audio environment is essential.

Acoustic Booths

An acoustic booth, on the other hand, is a space designed to optimize the internal acoustics for specific purposes. While acoustic booths might have soundproofing elements, their primary objective is to create an environment with controlled sound reflections, reverberations, and overall sound quality. These acoustic booths are equipped with acoustic treatment materials to achieve the desired sonic characteristics within the space.

Key Features of Acoustic Booths

• Interior Acoustics: Acoustic booths prioritize the treatment of internal surfaces to enhance sound quality and achieve the desired acoustic properties. Acoustic panels, diffusers, and bass traps are strategically placed to manage sound reflections and resonances.
• Sound Reflection Control: Acoustic booths are designed to minimize unwanted sound reflections that can impact the clarity and quality of audio recordings or performances.
• Focused Acoustic Characteristics: Acoustic booths are commonly used for activities such as music recording, vocal training, instrument practice, and audio testing, where the emphasis is on achieving specific sonic attributes.

Applications of Acoustic Booths

Acoustic booths are ideal for environments where the focus is on optimizing sound quality and creating specific acoustic characteristics. They are popular in music studios, home theaters, audiometry rooms, and environments that require controlled listening experiences.

Conclusion:

While both soundproof booths and acoustic booths address acoustic concerns, they serve different primary purposes. Soundproof booths prioritize isolating the space from external noise and containing internal sound, while acoustic booths emphasize creating optimal internal acoustics for specific activities. Understanding the distinction between these concepts is vital when choosing the right solution for your audio-related needs, whether it's creating a noise-free recording space or fine-tuning an acoustic environment for music production or critical listening.

Just 2 Flex Tee stands and 3 acoustic blankets from VocalBoothToGo.eu

See how our customer in Ireland solved his acoustics for VoiceOver recording by placing two Flex Tee stands opposite each other to create a cube.

On the stands he simply hung with 8 spare hooks for FlexTee stand, two acoustic blankets VB70G which are 2x2m and one side is white and the other black.

Just one more VB70G acoustic blanket was put on top and the whole acoustic booth for recording his voice was ready.

You can even directly attach arms to FlexTee stands to hold your microphones.

The customer used the black rod from the photo stand to hold the roof so that it doesn't bend inside, but you can use any other rod, even from a broom.

If you would like to build such a cheap acoustic booth with great sound, here are links to the products you need:

Flextee stands on which acoustic blankets were hung

VB70G acoustic blankets, from which the acoustic booth was built, including the roof

PS: If you would like to achieve a better roof appearance, we can customise your roof for you, just write to us at support@vocalboothtogo.eu

My dream, which I am still pursuing, is to build my own film studio. This involves a super location, high ceilings, constant buying of everything I need and a way to control the acoustics.

What is an acoustic blanket?

An acoustic blanket is the least hi-tech thing in my tech park, yet I'm always impressed by how easy it is to tame the acoustics of a room with a sound blanket. So a sound blanket has become a faithful helper in and out of the studio. And it certainly doesn't stop there.

I regularly use acoustic blankets instead of blinds or curtains in my studio and on projects. They can quickly minimize parasitic light from outside by covering windows or even larger glass surfaces, while improving the reverberation of the room including light insulation from outside noise.

I found that I could just fit two acoustic blankets in a blue Ikea bag. The features of the acoustic blankets are redeemed by their weight, with each acoustic blanket being around 5.5 kg. Two acoustic blankets already add up to an 11 kg package (roughly 70x35x35 cm when folded into the bag). This also makes sound blankets one of the heaviest things I have to lug around on a job. My tripod and head is about 9 kg and just throw it over my shoulder. Acoustic blankets are already quite voluminous - it's good to have a car, or a very strong back.

Who are acoustic blankets suitable for?

After two years of working with acoustic blankets, I can recommend them to all creators who are setting up their own studio or podcast studio at home. To all experienced and aspiring musicians who don't mind egg shells at all, and to all fellow filmmakers who want to scoop up sound in hopelessly small offices.

Improving room reverberation

Acoustic blankets do not serve as a sound insulator, but as a reverberation absorber. As I discovered, there is a difference. An acoustic blanket improves the reverberation of a room and, when placed appropriately, can also contribute to sound insulation – when placed in a window.

What acoustic blankets help with the most is reverberation, so that the room doesn't sound like a cave. It is reverberation that most often spoils my spoken word recordings. It's the sound that reverberates endlessly against the big white walls of the room – the echo/echo.

In this aspect, the size of the acoustic blankets is a key factor. Their 5 m2 is already a decent area through which the sound must pass. Thanks to the acoustic blanket, the sound is largely absorbed and does not return in such intensity and what is even better: the sound that does pass through has to pass through the blanket again after the reflection and is absorbed again. For this reason too, it is a good idea not to put the acoustic blankets directly on the wall, but to leave a gap to increase their effectiveness.

Work in the studio

Bad acoustics are fine for shooting, but the film studio works mainly with sound. I want to be able to change the existing conditions in the studio, just like when working with lights. Recording live music can be different from recording noise or spoken word. So my main requirement for acoustics is the ability to control them, which is why I have been considering acoustic panels for a long time.

Acoustic panels

Acoustic panels look great, especially when you buy designer pieces, but the installation... I have to be pretty sure I want them exactly where I'm going to stick them.

I just don't want to stick anything anywhere!

Acoustic screens

Then I found something called acoustic screens. They do the job, sure, but I can move the fridge around the room and it will be the same in the (in)freedom of movement. I'll think carefully about whether I want to move it back and forth, plus they're still not cheap or efficient at all.

Advantages of acoustic blankets

These common ways of dealing with acoustics are not for me. If I also need to record sound while shooting, I need a mobile acoustic panel solution. Panels that can be packed up, rolled over and placed in the space without much delay, or just thrown over the fridge and get rid of unwanted noise in the room.

I found these features in the acoustic blankets from Vocalboothtogo.EU At the time of writing I own five acoustic blankets in sizes 200*243 cm in two colours white/black.

I am Jan Štumpa,
video producer
Watch my show on youtube
www.filmambo.cz

Different sizes of acoustic blankets can be viewed or bought directly from e-shop by clicking HERE

How to reduce ambient noise?

I go ordinarily to my favourite Wolťák Karel for a friendly chat, run up a few stairs, shake his right hand and there is no indication that Karel is a gamer who is going to try it online.

With a wave of his hand, he points me in the direction of his room, where we're supposed to play games for a while. Already from the doorway, VocalBoothToGo.EU acoustic blankets tower to the ceiling, mounted on film spacers such as Manfrotto autopole. I enter the room and see up close that the sound blankets are held together by the exact green clamps. I have them too.

Acoustically treated room

My first concern was whether it met his expectations of an acoustically treated room. I could only read satisfaction from the slight smile. Without much more conversation, we are sitting in Karel's burrow, and a comfortable silence surrounds us. The sounds of the city are no longer disturbing us, now more important things come up.

Construction

Karel describes to me how he got the spreader bars, measured the space and chose the appropriate acoustic blankets for all four sides VB76-G Acoustic blanket 200x300cm and for the ceiling the shorter VB70G Acoustic blanket White/Black 200 x 200cm. All simply clamped to the spacers.

I don't often go to churches, but to lean over and see such a beautiful ceiling moves you. At that moment, the concept of a party burrow disappears from my mind – perhaps a monastery is more appropriate. 

Conclusion

Karel loves survival games and in such a silent monastery this genre of game excels best. It's not for nothing that our friends say, "Don't run in the woods late at night when there are zombies everywhere!"  

I am Jan Štumpa,
video producer
Watch my show on youtube:plný kufr
www.filmambo.cz

Check out VocalBoothToGo.EU's acoustic blankets if you're disturbed by your surroundings and want some peace and quiet to play survival games.

In places such as recording and music studios for singing, VoiceOver, recording musical instruments, playing music, films etc., it is necessary to have good acoustics.

But it has been ingrained in our brains that this can only be achieved with products that are not cheap and that you have to pay a lot of money for effective results

But is this really the case?

Our customers deal with this issue quite often, so we decided to do a comparative
study of sound absorption efficiency and price between acoustic foam and sound blankets.

(WARNING: In the interest of transparency, VocalBoothToGo.eu sells acoustic blankets! We design them, we test them, we sell them, we do this for a living. Our customers love our products.
To be accurate and honest, we test our products in accredited acoustic labs in the U.S.)

ACOUSTICS COMPARISON BETWEEN:

Auralex Studiofoam Wedges (V-profile) and Sound blankets Producer's Choice

** Acoustic foam comes in various shapes and thicknesses. For the purpose of this study we have used products from one of the leading manufacturers, Auralex. For this particular product, we compared the full range of thicknesses available.

** To be fair in comparing acoustic foam prices, we used the sale price from the Thomann and B&H Photo Video e-stores (not the manufacturer's suggested retail price). The price is calculated from the price for the whole set. (Foam sold in individual 60x60cm or 60x120cm pieces is typically 30% more expensive.)

Sound absorption efficiency:

The sound absorption efficiency of the acoustic blankets falls right in the middle of the acoustic foam samples compared, between the 5cm V-profile and the 7.6cm V-profile.

The sound absorption efficiency of Producer's Choice Sound blankets exceeds that of 2.5 cm and 5 cm thick acoustic foam and is close to that of 7.6 cm thick acoustic foam. In fact, when the sound blankets are hung with 15 cm of corrugation, their sound absorption even exceeds that of 7.6 cm acoustic foam, reaching 95% sound absorption (NRC 0.95). If you look at the absorption curve below, you can easily see that adding 15 cm of corrugation gives the acoustic blanket an absorption exceeding that of 10.16 cm of acoustic foam.

This shows that sound blankets are a very effective product for sound absorption.

Price vs. use value:

Acoustic blankets clearly outperform acoustic foam in terms of price/performance ratio At first glance, you can already see the huge difference between price and performance.

For example:

- Acoustic foam with a thickness of 2 5 cm is 30% less efficient than acoustic blankets but times more expensive.

- 7.6 cm thick acoustic foam is only 10% more absorbent than acoustic blankets but is 3.6 times more expensive.

- 10 cm thick acoustic foam is 30% more absorbent than an acoustic blanket and is 6 times more expensive.

(Just imagine how many acoustic blankets you could buy with the extra money you have set aside for acoustic foam, or how much money you might have left over for other audio equipment)

(NOTE: For ease of comparison, the default NRC value of 1.0 is 100%)

For example, the absorption of 2.5 cm thick foam is (NRC 0.5) which is 50% and the absorption of a blanket is (NRC 0.8) which is 80%. Therefore, 2.5 cm thick acoustic foam has 30% lower absorption and lower efficiency than acoustic blankets)

Practicality of use:

Ease of use is important and hard to put a monetary value on.

Acoustic foam comes in different colors and is trendy - it looks cool.  It is lightweight and easy to stick to the wall or ceiling.  Unfortunately, once it's on the wall, you can't move it.  It tears easily, so it is very difficult to take it down without damage and use it elsewhere. The blanket does not need to be glued to the wall. In fact, they are even more effective when there is an air gap between the wall and the blanket.  Sound blankets make it very easy to create a vocal booth or dedicated recording space by simply hanging the blanket from the ceiling.  This makes sound blankets an indispensable choice for sound absorption if you don't have enough free space, for living in a rented property, or when expecting to move from one place to another frequently.

Difference in the way sound is absorbed and cleaned

Acoustic foam is a porous material with open cells.

The open cells are the openings of long twisted tunnels.

To be absorbed, sound must enter the holes and flow through the tunnels, losing energy through friction. One of the reasons why sound foam has V-shaped profiles is to increase the total absorbing surface area of the foam.  However, this V-profile also makes acoustic foam a great dust collector!

Porosity and flow resistance are the most important parameters in determining sound absorption. Imagine if the pores or openings of these tunnels become clogged with dust - sound cannot get in and therefore the sound absorption efficiency is reduced. No matter how thick the foam is or how well the tunnels are twisted, if the openings of these tunnels become clogged - sound cannot get in and therefore sound absorption is reduced. While we haven't found any specific research to cite, it stands to reason that the absorption of acoustic foam must also deteriorate over time. Foam also degrades over time and begins to break down.

The sound absorption mechanism of sound blankets is different. It is based on the fact that sound waves expend their energy to vibrate the fibres of the inner filling. The sound gets inside and passes through the blanket. As each fibre vibrates, the sound energy is lost by converting it into heat. If the blankets become dusty or dirty, they can be easily removed - knocked out, vacuumed or washed.

Any way you look at it, acoustic blankets are a more effective, cheaper and healthier product than acoustic foam.