Need some help with acoustic panels

G

GregS351

Enthusiast
What is the difference between the expensive acoustic panels and the insulation sold at stores like Home Depot? I have no treatment in my basement now besides the hung ceilings and wanna improve but I dont want to spend a ton of money.
 
Savant

Savant

Audioholics Resident Acoustics Expert
Assuming you're referring to treating the room acoustics - and not referring to isolation, which would be a totally different issue - there are differences between commercial panels and raw insulation; sometimes significant, sometimes not. In general, the insulation sold in home improvement stores is not dense enough to give you the best acoustical results. Board-type insulation available through local insulation wholesalers or suppliers is often a better DIY approach, and shouldn't break the bank. That said, many home improvement stores offer duct insulation board, which can work OK for use as DIY acoustical treatments. The drawback is that duct insulation board is usually only available in ½" and 1" thicknesses, neither of which quite cut if for good HT acoustics.

Also, search / browse through this forum for threads on DIY acoustical panels. Many members here have posted "how I made" type threads which should give you some great low-cost ideas.
 
highfigh

highfigh

Seriously, I have no life.
If 1/2" and 1" are the only thicknesses available, they can be layered. IIRC, some programs are available for determining the rough reflective/absorptive ratios for a room, with info about what is needed for speech, music, instruments, etc and the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficients) for different materials. In a small room, it's better to err on the side of absorptive, not reflective.
 
Savant

Savant

Audioholics Resident Acoustics Expert
If 1/2" and 1" are the only thicknesses available, they can be layered.
Just be careful: Duct insulation boards are often foil-faced on one side. Layering will produce the best results if the foil is removed, which could have the drawback of being difficult / messy. :confused:
 

SPLluver

Enthusiast
Cheapest And Best Stuff To Use Is Ceiling Tiles 34.00 For A Box Of 8
2ftx4ft. They Use This Stuff On Top Of Huge Printing Presses To Keep The Noise Down.
 
PSWii60

PSWii60

Full Audioholic
Unfortunately Lowes or Home Depot doesn't carry Rockwool or Mineral wool. (at least none that I went to did) Look up an insulation dealer in your area and tell them you need 2x4 mineral wool or rockwool panels 1in thickness is ok for higher freq. 2in is better. 3 or 4in will absorb more freq, but will stick out from your wall further. I myself made 10 1in panels for my theater, which work great. Make yourself a couple of super chunks for the corners and that should get you going. Later on you can add or take away as needed and maybe put in some diffusers if you see fit. After you get your material just go to Lowes or Home Depot and grab a bunch of 1x1x8 spruce, There like a buck apiece. I made my panels with backing on them. I used precut 2x4 ft hardboard panels. Then go to Joann fabrics and get some speaker grill cloth. Cut your spruce, attach it to your hardboard, drop in your panel, trim to fit, cover with cloth, and staple. Your done! Just remember the thicker your panels the better low freq absorption but the more they will stick out from your wall. Thin panels absorb your mids and highs but have no affect on lows, but throw a super chunk in the corner and you should be golden. Oh, and make sure you buy naked panels (no foil or backing)

Regular insulation isn't dense enough.
 
Savant

Savant

Audioholics Resident Acoustics Expert
Cheapest And Best Stuff To Use Is Ceiling Tiles 34.00 For A Box Of 8
2ftx4ft. They Use This Stuff On Top Of Huge Printing Presses To Keep The Noise Down.
Cheapest, perhaps, but certainly not the best. Most ceiling tiles - especially those found at home improvement stores - are not going to give you the best possible results in a HT. Fine for noise / reverberation control in a commercial or industrial space - or even a residential space that isn't a dedicated HT or listening room, like a rec room - but not fine when above-average sound quality is desired.
 
PSWii60

PSWii60

Full Audioholic
No problem. Feel free to use the thanks button under the posts:D
 
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