Want to improve your studio sound? Here’s a quick guide to the best acoustic materials in 2025.
Proper acoustic treatment is essential for a professional studio setup. Without it, you’ll face problems like uneven frequencies, echoes, and low-frequency build-up. This guide highlights three top solutions to tackle these issues:
- Sound of Silence Acoustic Solutions: Customised treatments for professional studios, offering detailed consulting and installation services.
- EcoPanel Pro Acoustic Panels: Budget-friendly panels with a high NRC rating (1.15) for mid-range clarity and safety (Class A fire rating).
- WaveTrap Hybrid Bass Traps: Designed for low-frequency control, with absorption from 40 Hz–250 Hz and hybrid diffusion for natural sound.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound of Silence | Professional studios | Customised solutions, full service | £1,500–£3,000+ |
| EcoPanel Pro | Smaller studios | High NRC, fire-safe, fabric options | £1,000–£2,500 |
| WaveTrap Hybrid Bass Traps | Bass-heavy setups | Low-frequency absorption, hybrid design | £1,500–£2,500 |
For smaller studios, focus on first reflection points and corners. Medium and large studios benefit from balanced absorption and diffusion. Investing in proper acoustic treatment ensures accurate sound and better recordings.
Studio Acoustic Treatment Explained
1. Sound of Silence Acoustic Solutions
Sound of Silence begins with detailed acoustic testing to pinpoint studio-specific challenges and provide tailored recommendations. This initial step ensures their acoustic treatments are designed to address unique needs effectively.
Their Advanced Solutions package includes soundproofing, vibration testing, and numerical analysis to fine-tune material placement and improve sound quality across various studio setups.
They operate on a tiered model: Basic Consulting focuses on initial analysis and recommendations, while Premium Execution offers a complete service, covering design, installation, and post-installation testing.
With their customised and thorough approach, Sound of Silence is a trusted option for professional studios seeking high-quality acoustic solutions.
2. EcoPanel Pro Acoustic Panels
EcoPanel Pro panels are designed to improve studio acoustics with a fibreglass core wrapped in customisable fabric. They deliver an impressive NRC of 1.15 at a thickness of 5.08 cm. The hardened edges make them durable enough for busy studio environments, while the Class A fire rating ensures they meet strict safety requirements without sacrificing performance.
Installation and Placement
Proper placement of these panels is key to achieving the best acoustic results:
-
Behind Studio Monitors
Use 7.62 cm (3-inch) panels to manage low frequencies and prevent immediate reflections. -
First Reflection Points
To locate first reflection points, sit in your listening position, hold a mirror against the side wall, and move it until you see the tweeter in the reflection. Mark that spot for panel placement. -
Opposite Wall Treatment
Treat the wall opposite your speakers to minimise echo and reverberation, creating a more controlled listening area.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Core Material | Fibreglass |
| NRC Rating | 1.15 (at 5.08 cm thickness) |
| Fire Rating | Class A |
| Edge Treatment | Hardened reinforcement |
| Mounting Options | Construction adhesive, Rotofast anchors |
| Customisation | Multiple fabric options and sizes |
The panels are available in various fabric finishes, allowing them to blend seamlessly into your studio’s design. They deliver consistent performance across all frequencies, with a focus on mid-range clarity. To maintain a natural sound, balance absorptive panels with reflective surfaces in your studio setup.
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3. WaveTrap Hybrid Bass Traps
WaveTrap Hybrid Bass Traps are designed specifically to tackle low-frequency issues in studios. These traps focus on controlling bass frequencies that often cause problems in untreated spaces.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 40 Hz – 250 Hz |
| Core Material | Multi-density mineral wool |
| Absorption Coefficient | 0.95 at 125 Hz |
| Dimensions | 60 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm |
| Surface Treatment | Transparent fabric |
| Mounting System | Corner brackets with isolation mounts |
| Weight | 8.5 kg per unit |
To get the most out of these features, proper placement is essential.
Placement Tips
Where you place the WaveTrap bass traps makes all the difference in their effectiveness. Here are the best spots to consider:
- Corners: Bass tends to accumulate in corners. Placing the traps here can significantly reduce low-frequency build-up.
- Wall-Ceiling Edges: Installing traps along the top edges where walls meet the ceiling helps manage sound waves across the room’s upper boundaries.
- Rear Wall: Mounting traps on the wall behind your mixing position absorbs bass energy and minimises unwanted reflections.
Key Features and Benefits
The hybrid design of WaveTrap combines absorption and diffusion, offering effective bass control while keeping the room’s sound natural. Its core material provides balanced absorption across the targeted frequency range, avoiding the risk of over-dampening.
The traps also come with isolation brackets in their mounting system. These brackets minimise vibration transfer to the studio structure, improving the overall efficiency of the bass traps.
Features Comparison
When setting up a studio, balancing cost and performance is key. Here’s a look at how different acoustic materials compare in terms of price, durability, and upkeep. Each option is suited to different studio requirements.
- Sound of Silence Acoustic Solutions: Falls in the mid-to-high price range, offering solid performance for diverse needs.
- EcoPanel Pro: A budget-friendly choice, ideal for smaller studios.
- WaveTrap Hybrid: Specialises in controlling low frequencies, making it a standout for bass-heavy setups.
Studio investments often depend on the size of the space and specific requirements. Prices range from affordable basic panels to high-end options designed for better bass control, clarity in the mid-range, and added durability. Buying in bulk can save money, and professional installation ensures optimal results. Spending on long-lasting materials can also reduce maintenance expenses over time.
Recommendations
For smaller studios (under 20 m²), focus on treating first reflection points and corners. Using Sound of Silence Acoustic Solutions’ broadband absorbers at first reflection points, paired with WaveTrap Hybrid bass traps in the corners, can help control low frequencies while keeping mid-range clarity intact. This setup usually costs between £1,500 and £2,000.
For medium-sized studios (20–40 m²), a balanced treatment approach works best. Here’s an example:
| Studio Area | Primary Treatment | Secondary Treatment | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Room | EcoPanel Pro (4 panels) | WaveTrap Hybrid Bass Traps | £2,000–£2,500 |
| Live Room | Sound of Silence Panels | Acoustic Diffusers | £2,500–£3,000 |
| Isolation Booth | EcoPanel Pro (2 panels) | Corner Bass Traps | £1,000–£1,500 |
For larger studios (over 40 m²), the treatment plan needs to address the challenges of bigger spaces. Strategic placement of diffusers helps maintain a natural acoustic environment. Incorporating nanofibrous membrane technology, which offers absorption rates of 0.6–0.8 at 300 Hz [1], delivers excellent results without taking up much space – ideal for studios with limited room or weight restrictions.
Strive for a balance between absorption and diffusion to retain the room’s natural sound. The dimensions and purpose of the space will guide material choices.
For complex setups, Sound of Silence’s Advanced Solutions package provides professional installation, ensuring treatments are placed for maximum effectiveness.