When soundproofing and ambiance are considered for commercial spaces, people usually think about barriers such as cubicles, walls, white noise, or audio distribution so that music can be played or announcements made more easily.  But, an often overlooked tool in commercial soundproofing is acoustic panels. You have probably seen acoustic panels in use in movie theaters but did you know they can be extremely beneficial in a myriad of commercial applications?

Acoustic panels absorb sound and prevent it from reverberating off of walls.  This is so important for reducing noise pollution in the workplace which can be distracting and reduce productivity.  Additionally, it helps business owners have better control over the ambiance of their workplace, retail space, or other commercial application. Soundproofing with acoustic paneling in your commercial space also helps enhance privacy so that conversations and sensitive information are not inadvertently overheard.

In addition to providing a number of benefits to your commercial space, commercial acoustic panels also come in many different shapes and colors which can enhance the aesthetic appeal to your space.  There is no need to sacrifice beauty to utilize the benefits of acoustic panels. You can create unique and visually interesting patterns or choose panels that blend seamlessly with your decor and disappear into the background.

How to use acoustic panels in commercial applications?

Most businesses underestimate the significance of room acoustics when designing their space. As a result, their workers are frustrated with unwanted noises from external sources. It affects their concentration and productivity. One surefire of avoiding these problems is using acoustic panels to soundproof the room. Acoustic treatment, in general, involves using acoustical engineering techniques to control reverbs in a room. There are some simple concepts for businesses to start with.

Sound travel

Studies reveal that sound always travel in outward directions starting from the source. A small portion known as direct sound will travel in a straight line and the remaining reflected sound will bounce between different surfaces. Depending on the size of a room, these reflective elements vary in its tone.

Poor acoustics

Most commercial spaces are designed to optimize functionality. The aesthetic choices do not prove ideal for sound travel. As a result, they are prone to producing echoes and unwanted reverbs. Redesigning a space completely will prove effective to achieve great acoustics inside a premise.

Natural reverb

Acoustic foam panels are an excellent addition to reduce natural reverb of a room. They also look attractive in design and merges with existing aesthetic elements. The purpose of these panels is to absorb sound and reduce reflections. Therefore, only direct sound passes through the room.

Diffusion

In most cases, adding acoustic panels will remove all the reflections from the room. Hence, it may sound dead. One solution to this problem is adding diffusors that enhance the travel of reflections by scattering them evenly. Businesses should focus on creating the right balance of absorption and diffusion to greatly improve acoustics. It is a fundamental step for any commercial setup.

Bare room

Most businesses fail to evaluate their problem when buying acoustic panels and other materials. This lack of diagnosing only leads to more problems and affect the existing acoustics in a room. Thus, check the reverberations in a room and decide the best acoustic treatments. One need to know the difference between good and bad acoustic levels. A simple clap test will prove necessary to understand the sound levels of different rooms. Moreover, before installing any acoustic panels, observe the sound differences to identify the prominent vibrations in the space.

What are the key elements?

The first element is commercial acoustic treatment is bass traps. These are affordable tools that can absorb base frequencies. In small commercial spaces, bass frequencies can prove to be a problematic factor. Reducing them is a must for achieving the best sound results. Make sure to buy only the recommended amount.

The most important element in this process is acoustic panels. It is a supplemental tool that can be a great addition for bass traps. The thin foam surface ensures maximum coverage for surfaces and eliminate any standing waves from the space. One should install them in primary corners of the room.

Lastly, diffusers are effective in providing an ideal level of reflection to the room. The good news is that there is no need to spend lavishly on new diffusers, as there are some reasonably-priced ones available on the market.