Soundproofing vs Sound Absorption

Soundproofing is the process of insulating a space so that sound cannot enter or leave. It involves adding dense, solid materials that are strong enough to reflect sound waves, keeping noise contained within a room or preventing external noise from entering.

• • Purpose → Stops sound transfer through walls, ceilings, floors, doors, or windows.
  • How it works → Adds mass, insulation, or isolation to block noise.
  • Best For → Keeping out traffic, neighbour noise, or preventing sound leakage from music rooms and offices.

Spaces that generally require soundproofing include:

• • • Theatres
    • Cinemas
    • Recording studios
    • TV studios
    • Flats with many shared walls

In these environments, controlling the transmission of sound between spaces is desirable if not essential. Soundproofing does not change the room user’s acoustic experience but it does give more privacy by blocking external disturbances. 

Sound absorption is at the heart of what we do. It focuses on improving the internal acoustic environment by addressing problems like high reverberation times (where sound lingers because it isn’t absorbed) and echo. When sound-absorptive materials are installed on the walls or ceilings, they work to absorb sound waves that would otherwise bounce around the room, resulting in reduced noise levels and a clearer, more pleasant environment.

• Purpose →Reduces echo and reverberation inside a room.
• How it works → Uses soft, porous materials like acoustic panels to soak up sound waves.
• Best For → Improving speech clarity, lowering background noise, and creating comfortable sound environments.

Sound absorption is crucial in spaces like:

• Open-plan offices
• Classrooms
• Village halls
• Restaurants

In these spaces, creating a more comfortable environment is essential. Reducing the time sound lingers in a space makes it easier for people to communicate and improves speech intelligibility, creating an acoustically balanced environment.

• Soundproofing = keeping noise out (or in).
• Sound absorption = making sound inside a room clearer and more comfortable

Both are important—but they solve different problems.

Resonics provides expert advice and tailored solutions in both soundproofing and sound absorption to create the perfect acoustic environmen