Which is the best acoustic foam?

Choosing the right acoustic foam is fundamental in order to improve the quality of sound in recording studios, conference rooms and TV sets. In this guide, we will analyze the available options, their traits and how to choose the best one according to your needs, ensuring optimal acoustics in any environment.

Read on!

What is acoustic foam?

Acoustic foam is designed with the goal of optimizing the absorption of soundwaves. With a specific composition, width and shape which brings out the best acoustic control regardless of where it is used. Its main purpose is reducing reverberation and improving the quality of sound in recording studios, musical production spaces, podcasts, audiovisual broadcasts, classrooms and many more. Although acoustic foam is effective in absorption of sound, it must not be mistaken for an acoustic isolation material, which serves the purpose of preventing sound from traveling from one space to another.

Kinds of acoustics foams in the market

There are many different types of acoustic foams, classified mainly based on their composition. Next, we will explain the most common ones in detail:

• Polyurethane foam: Con una estructura de celda abierta, es ideal para estudios de grabación y salas de música. 
• Melamine foam: With open alveolar structure, it is light and resistant to high temperatures.
• Polyester fiber: Offers good absorption values and is adequate for public spaces.
• Mineral wool: Utilized in industrial and commercial applications because of its high absorption capacity and fire resistance.
• Stratocell Whisper: Closed cell structure, it is highly efficient in both interior and exterior applications.

Micrography: Melamine resin has a delicate alveolar

open structure with thin interconnections.

Stratocell Whisper closed cell structure

Functionalities of acoustic foam

The main purpose of acoustic foam is to improve the acoustic comfort in a space, reducing the reverberation time. This is achieved via the absorption of soundwaves, therefore resulting in better intelligibility of speech and a more pleasant auditive experience in meeting rooms, conferences and settings that are dedicated to music or cinema. It is crucial to remember that acoustic foams do not accomplish the purpose of isolating sound, meaning that they do not block it from traveling across other rooms or spaces. The purpose of these foams is to improve the quality of sound within the room that they’re placed in.

How to choose the best acoustic foam?

Al seleccionar la espuma acústica más adecuada, es esencial considerar varios criterios: When choosing the most adequate acoustic foam, it is essential to consider these criteria:

1. Absorption capacity: Evaluating the technical specifications which indicate its noise absorption value in different frequency bands. The closer the absorption criteria value comes to 1, the better its efficacy will be.
2. Safety instructions: Verifying that the material complies with the safety regulations, specially in terms of fire immunity. For public spaces, it is fundamental that the foam be fireproof or self-extinguishing.
3. Design and aesthetics: Considering the visual design and whether or not it is necessary to cover it with porous acoustic fabric. This not only has an effect on the aspect of the product, but also on its durability and correct functionality.

The 5 best ranked acoustic foam products

Based on our experience in the industry and, above all, keeping in mind the acoustic absorption capacity of each foam, we bring you our ranking of the best acoustic foams:

Polyurethane foam 

Available in a thickness range going from 5 cm to 10 cm and with a triangular shape (bass traps) for low frequency. Designed to be seen, although they can be covered in acoustic fabric if a visual change is desired after a while.

PROS: 

• Best absorption/cost ratio.
• Satisfying and diverse visual design, it can be installed without requiring any additional acoustic fabric, simply following the instructions included in the kit.
• Adequate proportion of 5 cm panels and bass traps. There are kits for each studio size which include the necessary adherents.

CONS: 

• Flammable, not designed for public spaces.

Polyurethane foam samples

Melamine foam

Available in clear gray and white. It is cut at 5 or 10 centimeters of thickness.

PROS: 

• Fire response, apt for public spaces.
• Very reduced weight.
• Can withstand both extremely high and low temperatures.
• Can be directly installed on walls or ceiling.

CONS

• Fragile, requires installation under acoustic fabric or isolated from contact with the public.

Melamine foam examples

Stratocell Whisper

Available in black or white and different thicknesses going from 2 to 10 centimeters. It can be cut down to 1,2 x 2,4 millimeters.

PROS: 

• It can be installed directly onto walls or ceilings.
• Can be cleaned with a wet cloth.
• Great fire response, can be utilized in public settings.
• Can be covered with acoustic fabric.

CONS

• Not designed for public spaces. Recommended for industrial settings or a place where these do not stand out because of their size.
• Although they were designed to be placed on exterior walls, it is advised to cover the sides to prevent rainwater from penetrating the foam, as that makes the foam heavier until the water dries out.

Stratocell Whisper samples

Polyester fibers

Usually comes in thicknesses between 2,5 and 5 centimeters.

PROS: 

• Fire resistant, ideal for public spaces.
• Can be installed directly on walls and ceilings or under acoustic fabric.

CONS:

• Visual design is not their strongest trait. Designed for industrial environments or places where they do not stand out.
• Cannot be applied onto the wall with screws. Use adhesives.

Polyester fiber foam

InsulQuilt 

Acoustic blanket composed of mineral wool, covered with micro perforated glass fiber fabric (either black or white) and a base aluminum plank on its rear part.

Its thickness is 5cm, with 120cm of width and 9cm of length. It is usually used in movie or TV sets, as well as any other large space.

PROS:

• Very good fire response (Bs1d0), recommended for any sort of environment.
• Easy to install and very effective on wide, open spaces
• The visual design is very elegant
• Apt for covering ventilation conducts or to be installed as a vertical baffle to reduce the reverberation on low frequencies.

CONS

• Its black color may leave or show remnants of other colors, it is advised to cover it with perforated planks or a metal grill of 1,5 to 2 meters from the ground.

Insul-Quilt acoustic foam sample in a TV studio

Our recommendation as experts on acoustics

Choosing the best acoustic foam depends on the specific needs of each occasion and the aforementioned criteria.
For personalized projects and special advising, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you choose the acoustic foam that molds to your needs and optimizes the acoustics of the room.