Sound Absorbing Vs Soundproofing- Analyzing The Difference

From recording studios to corporate offices, acoustics play an integral part in the experiences of people. Too much noise in the wrong environment creates distractions, while inferior audio quality can impact the sound clarity, whether through reverberations or echoes.

Therefore, the requirement for designer friendly sound absorber and soundproofing materials is felt. Still while looking for audio solutions; it is common to not know the difference these two terms.

Is there any difference after all? The answer is yes. And if you blend them up, you might end up with the wrong sound treatment for your goals.
Keeping that in mind, let us clarify the differences between sound absorbing and soundproofing. We will also discuss some true and tried acoustic treatment options from both categories.

What is sound?

Before we delve into the details regarding sound blocking vs. sound absorbing, let us define what sound is.

Sound is a type of energy that is created when an object sends out sound waves, also called vibrations. When these vibrations reach our eardrums, they osculate. Our auditory nerves send this information to the brain, which interprets these oscillations as sound.

The attributes of sound depends on an assortment of factors, including:

1. Medium- The medium that sound waves travel through can impact how they sound, no matter that is water, mass or air.

2. Nearness- The closer the source of a sound wave, the louder we perceive it to be.

3. Speed- Faster sound waves have higher pitches than slower sound waves.

4. Strength- Stronger sound waves sound louder than the weaker ones.

The fundamentals of sound waves

By realizing the way that sound waves behave, sound experts can calculate these waves to produce particular results, no matter that are uninterrupted serenity and peace or balanced acoustics.

This process generally involves putting sound treatments in planned locations in a space.

How sound travels

As mentioned above, sound waves can travel through various mediums. Sound travels much faster through hard materials, like columns, beams, flors, and walls, than it does through air.

While sound waves move fast through solid materials, they lose their energy and intensity faster. If a material is thick enough, it might drain a sound wave with so much energy that it is inaudible on the other side.

When to blend sound absorbing and soundproofing treatments

In many cases, you might want to use a blend of sound absorbing and soundproofing solutions.

Both can come in handy if you have a room that need stop quality acoustic sound panels, along with sound containment.

Solve your sound problems with acoustical surfaces

In a nutshell, sound absorbing and soundproofing are two different, but modern procedures. Regardless which treatment type you require the sound experts at O’Neill Engineered Systems are happy to assist. Once we know your goals, we can ascertain your space, chalk out how sound moves within it, and recommend the best solutions.