In this blog, I’ve reviewed some of the best acoustic panels for home offices that you can use to turn your home office into a fantastic audio recording studio.
I’ve also included a lot of information on what to look for in acoustical foam panels, how to use them wisely for effective sound absorption and acoustic treatment of your area, and other helpful hints to assist you to get your home office set up just as you want it for greater sound quality.
What are the best acoustic panels for home offices?
The best acoustic foam panels for your home office are given below. While there are many options available in the market, the panels in this list are the best in terms of materials, functionality, and aesthetics. Keep in mind that these are pre-fabricated panels. If you want custom panels, though, there are a variety of companies that can help.
- Pro Studio Acoustics Wedge Foam
- Studiofoam Wedges by Auralex
- Foamily Egg Crate Acoustic Panels
- IZO Acoustic Egg-Crate Tiles
- SoundAssured Acoustic Studio Foam
- JBER Pyramid Acoustic Foam Panels
- TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Absorption Panels
- Mybecca Hexagon Acoustic Panels
The Fact about Acoustic Panels and Soundproof Foam
The first and most crucial thing to understand is that acoustic foam panels and soundproofing foam are not the same things. Although they both regulate sound, their primary roles are different.
They’re used in acoustic treatments.
Foam acoustics treatments increase sound quality by minimising echo, reverberation, muffling, and absorbing noise in a room. They aren’t meant to be used for soundproofing.
Soundproofing is the practice of preventing sound from entering or departing an area by employing particular construction materials. That is, you lower the amount of sound that people outside a room can hear, as well as the amount of sound that comes in from outside the room.
It’s a misconception to call these panels “soundproof foam panels.” The sound-deadening foam in acoustic foam panels will not prevent noise from outside. Rather, they reduce echoes and sound reverberations within a space.
Acoustic panels, for example, can increase the audio quality of tracks by absorbing residual noise and guaranteeing that only the desired audio is picked up by the microphone in a music studio.
The quality of the material and how effectively it is installed determine how effective soundproofing is at reducing noise. Sound-deadening acoustic panels constructed of foam, on the other hand, do not render a room soundproof.
Because soundproofing materials are hard and dense, sound cannot pass through them. Instead, the sound reverberates off of them. Acoustic solutions, on the other hand, are often constructed of less dense materials like acoustic foam.
You’ll be disappointed if you put acoustic panels for soundproofing or if you install soundproofing and expect sound-dampening panels to work.
In Simple words, the sound is absorbed by acoustic panels incorporating “soundproofing” foam. This reduces echo and reverberations in a room, improving sound quality. It will not prevent sound from entering or leaving a room, unlike dense and hard soundproofing products.
How we can assess Acoustic Foam Panels?
You must know what attributes to look for when selecting the best acoustic panel to meet your specific requirements. Some of the parameters we use to select the most effective acoustic panels are listed below.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
NRC is also known as Sound Absorption Coefficient, as defined by ASTM C423 (SAC). This value reflects how well a substance absorbs or reflects sound. A material with a value of 0.00 is perfectly reflecting, while one with a grade of 1.00 is perfectly absorptive. The NRC value of the best acoustic panel products is between 0.70 and 1. The rating is dependent on how well they can muffle a certain percentage of frequencies. The majority of the top sound panels on our finest acoustic panels list have an NRC rating of 0.80 or above.
Physical Characteristics
When it comes to acoustic panels, size, thickness, and density are all crucial factors to consider. The more sound-deadening foam there is, the better. The majority of high-end panels are at least 2 inches thick. The size and density of the material are also significant since they determine how easy it will be to install the panels, and want to twist the material in a tight spot.
Appearance
Gray and black are the most popular hues for acoustic foam, however, depending on the company, these items come in a variety of colours and patterns. While choosing sound-dampening acoustic panels is crucial, it’s also important to choose panels whose colour best compliments the aesthetics of a room, particularly if it’s a commercial business where you want to create a positive first impression on customers.
Price
Acoustic panels come in several price ranges. The quality, size of the panel, quantity of panels in a pack, and other factors all influence the pricing. Choose an option that provides the best value without sacrificing features or quality. When evaluating the costs of items, keep in mind that thickness, not simply panel size, is important.
Pro Studio Acoustics Wedge Foam
My Best Pick is the Pro Studios Acoustics Wedge Foam. Although this product has a low NRC value of 0.65 it comes in a 12-pack with six blue and six black panels that you can mix up in your home office.
These acoustic foam tiles are two inches thick and offer the soundproofing that most offices require. Because of the inexpensive cost, you may easily obtain as many as you require.
These sound absorption tiles should be used in an alternating pattern of colour and alignment, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This results in a visually appealing checkerboard design with excellent sound absorption.
Characteristics
- Blue and charcoal are the two hues available.
- The tiles are two inches thick and 12 inches square.
- There are six of each colour in a 12-pack.
What makes these acoustic foam tiles unique?
- In-home studios, these soundproof panels diminish standing sound waves and flutter echoes.
- It arrives in a box uncompressed, so there’s no warping or days of waiting for compacted vacuum packaging to expand.
- The foam distorts many forms of noise and is excellent at sound absorption because of its thick shape.
- They’re best for covering a whole wall or for spot treatments in the acoustic environment.
| Materials Needed |
| Pro Studios Acoustics Wedge Foam |
Studiofoam Wedges by Auralex
The NRC rating of Studiofoam Wedges by Auralex ranges from.75 to.80. When it comes to removing sound reverberation, they work admirably. They’re also a good deal due to the low price and large quantity of panels included in each pack.
Characteristics
- Each pack includes 24 2-inch thick, 12-by-12-inch panels that can be mounted on several surfaces. The 24-pack is enough to cover a surface area of 24 square feet.
- An 18-pack is also available.
- Because of their tiny size, the panels are a versatile installation option that may be used on any surface. The panels are also resistant to fire.
- The fact that this product is only available in charcoal grey is the only major drawback.
| Materials Needed |
| Studiofoam Wedges by Auralex |
Foamily Egg Crate Acoustic Panels
The Foamily Egg Crate Acoustic Panels, which are 2.5 inches thick, are almost as good as my top pick.
Not only can you choose from packs with two or four panels, but you can also choose from three different colours to compliment your studio’s attitude and ambience.
Choose from a variety of colours and sizes to make these panels work in your studio.
However, these acoustic foam sound dampening panels don’t simply look good; they also work well in terms of sound absorption.
Characteristics
- For effective noise absorption, these big acoustic sound dampening panels measure 24 inches by 48 inches and are two and one-half inches thick.
- They’re available in charcoal, burgundy, and red.
- There are two options: a two-pack or a four-pack.
What makes these foam panels unique?
- In comparison to a pyramid shape for sound absorption materials, some sound recording professionals favour the aesthetic of the egg-crate design and its softer, rounded corners.
- Absorbs sounds and noises well, allowing you to hear and record well.
- I can’t tell the difference in aesthetic design between the Foamily goods, but these sound dampening panels are 1/2 inch thicker than the two-inch acoustic panels. When it comes to sound capture, thickness matters. It is normally preferable to use thicker sound absorption panels with denser foam.
Best used for reducing sound reflections in an office to get rid of unwanted reverb and echoes. This device does not offer much in the way of soundproofing. The sound loudness will remain mostly constant. Nevertheless, the sound quality will improve. All of the acoustic tiles in this class are the same.
| Materials Needed |
| Foamily Egg Crate Acoustic Panels |
IZO Acoustic Egg-Crate Tiles
IZO Acoustic Egg-Crate Tiles sound treatment tiles have an egg crate shape that absorbs sounds to stop noises from exiting the facility. Use them on your office walls or ceilings to enhance sound clarity.
Characteristics
Two inches thick, when evaluated from the peak of the edge of the foam to the base.
Sizes range from 12 inches to 36 inches.
Charcoal grey is one colour.
What makes them unique?
The sound absorption efficiency of the egg-crate design is excellent.
You can simply connect the foam tiles to your walls or ceiling
The two-inch thickness lessens reverb and reflections, particularly in the mid-to high-frequency range.
Because of the angular reflection of sound that will be bouncing back from the ceiling to the walls, it is best for covering the ceiling, especially if it is not parallel to the floor. Because of their lightweight, they are simple to install on the ceiling or any other surface.
| Materials Needed |
| IZO Acoustic Egg-Crate Tiles |
SoundAssured Acoustic Studio Foam
The wedge shape of these SoundAssured Acoustic Studio Foam allows for additional surface area for sound absorption. As a result, your home office will have reduced echo and reverberations, resulting in better recording and playback quality.
Characteristics
- This studio foam comes in a four-pack and comes in over a dozen different colours.
- The size is 12 inches by 12 inches square with a two-inch thickness.
- With an ASTM E 84 rating, it’s fire-resistant.
What makes this studio wall foam unique?
- It’s simple to figure out how many packets you’ll need to cover the walls of your home office.
- Simply measure the wall space’s square footage and split it by four, as each package covers four square feet.
- This studio wall foam is simple to put up. You can use normal scissors to trim them as required.
- You can use sticky tape or spray to make the installation permanent, or you can use push pins or Velcro to attach them temporarily.
- This device performs admirably in terms of sound absorption for mid to high frequencies.
It’s best for reducing sound deadening and controlling or eliminating echoes.
| Materials Needed |
| SoundAssured Acoustic Studio Foam |
JBER Pyramid Acoustic Foam Panels
When this pyramid foam is used properly as a sound treatment, you can hear the difference. With just a few JBER Pyramid Acoustic Foam Panels strategically positioned in your studio, you’ll be shocked at how much sound enhancement is achievable.
Characteristics
- These foam panels have a pyramid-cone design and are two inches thick.
- They’re available in three colours: charcoal, blue, and red, and come in a 24-pack.
- They measure 12 inches by 12 inches.
- To reduce outside noises, they add some soundproofing.
- They are compacted and shipped.
What makes this studio wall foam unique?
- Depending on the size of your studio, you can pick between six-pack and 24-pack alternatives.
- Both echos and background noises are reduced.
- The sound dampening panels can be trimmed and shaped without impacting their noise reduction.
- In a home studio, this is ideal for acoustic correction.
Best for reducing reverb, flutter echo, and undesirable reflections in home studios.
| Materials Needed |
| JBER Pyramid Acoustic Foam Panels |
TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Absorption Panels
TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Absorption Panels with a groove structure for increased absorption provide the soundproofing and removal of ambient noises that you require.
Characteristics
- They’re 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and two inches thick.
- They’re available in six different colours: black, blue, and purple.
- For individuals who require additional coverage, a special 18-pack is also available.
- Sound absorption is exceptional.
What makes them unique?
- The panels are both fire-resistant and environmentally friendly.
- They’re simple to cut and put together in your space.
- The high NRC rating of these panels makes them an excellent alternative for covering a piece of a wall that creates undesired sound reflections.
Best for treating specific areas that require more soundproofing and acoustic treatment.
| Materials Needed |
| TroyStudio Acoustic Studio Absorption Panels |
Mybecca Hexagon Acoustic Panels
These Mybecca hexagonal acoustic panels can be used to attenuate sound and increase clarity in an office environment.
Characteristics
- They measure 12′′ x 12′′ x 2′′.
- They are incredibly cost-effective and cheap.
- They are both attractive and functional because of their unique hexagonal form.
What makes them unique?
- They prevent standing waves, limit unwanted sound reflection, and assist reduce outside noise, much like all good acoustic panels.
- Examine all of the room’s hard surfaces. Those will act as sound reflectors. Because of the echoes, recordings, particularly voice-overs, will sound odd and hollow. These issues will be reduced or eliminated by covering reflecting surfaces with these panels.
- Typical ambient noises and sounds are reduced by 80 to 90% using the panels.
- They comply with all flammability regulations.
- The panels can be used in both small and large spaces.
| Materials Needed |
| Mybecca hexagonal acoustic panels |
Conclusion
It’s a wise option to upgrade your home studio, music room, or theatre, both figuratively and literally. You may substantially reduce echo and reverberation by investing in the greatest acoustic foam, resulting in a cleaner, more robust sound profile.
You’ll be astounded by the depth of sound that can be achieved with a small investment of time and money in acoustic tiles for sound treatment in your home offices. This will transform your home office into a fantastic location for voice-over recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Best acoustic panels for home office.
In a home office, where should acoustic panels be placed?
Acoustic Panels should be placed near the principal points of reflection in your office to get the most out of your wall treatment. These points vary depending on the area, but in offices, placing them near face level across the office to effectively absorb spoken sound is a good idea.
What is the best way to soundproof my home office?
Adding dense materials to your workplaces, such as carpets, plush furniture, wall art, or even acoustic panels, helps block noise from the rest of your house from intruding. Small noises are also kept from soaring through the air between your office door and the floor with door snakes and door sweeps.
Is it worthwhile to invest in soundproof panels?
If you wish to dampen airborne sound waves, acoustic foam is a good investment. You can regulate overall vibration, noise levels, and echoes by installing acoustic foam to ceilings, doors, and walls. If you want to soundproof a space, however, the acoustic foam will fall short.
How many soundproof panels do I need?
While the exact number of panels you’ll need depends on the purpose of your area, a good starting point is 8-10. For situations requiring more sound control, that number can be increased to 20-25 panels.
In an office, what is a tolerable noise level?
To prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that all worker noise exposures be kept below 85 decibels for at least 8 hours.
What happens to sound-absorbing panels?
When a panel is positioned in or near a corner, it absorbs more sound per square foot. It’s better to arrange the panels at first reflection locations if the room has a major source of the sound, such as surround-sound speakers. These are the locations where sound reflects off the panel and reaches the listener.
