Sound absorption is a way of measuring how well a material can absorb sound energy. When sound waves hit a hard surface, like concrete, glass or plaster, they bounce back into the room, creating unwanted echo and reverberation. This is what makes spaces feel noisy, chaotic or uncomfortable.

Acoustic panels are designed to absorb those sound waves. When sound hits an absorbent surface, a portion is reflected, some passes through, and the rest is absorbed, usually converted into a small amount of heat or vibration. The more sound a material can absorb, the more it helps to reduce background noise, improve clarity and create a better acoustic environment.

How effective an acoustic panel is depends on its thickness, density and surface texture. Generally speaking, the thicker and more porous the panel, the more sound it absorbs. This helps create balanced, more usable spaces, whether it’s an office, a classroom or a community hall.

To compare how well different acoustic panels perform, they’re grouped into sound absorption classes, ranging from Class A (the most absorbent) to Class E (the least). Each product is tested across a range of frequencies and assigned an absorption coefficient, which indicates how much sound it absorbs.

Class A panels are highly effective at reducing reverberation and are the go-to choice for spaces with significant noise issues. Class E panels offer minimal absorption and are typically used in spaces with lower acoustic demands.

You might also come across the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating instead of a class. This number ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 means no absorption and 1 means nearly all sound is absorbed. For example, an NRC of 0.95 is equivalent to Class A.

At Resonics, we place a lot of importance on how well acoustic panels perform. That’s why we only work with manufacturers who carry out independent laboratory testing. This ensures the panels do exactly what they promise.

Not every space needs the same level of absorption. A lively school hall will need a very different approach than a small meeting room or open-plan office. Ceiling heights, surface finishes, furnishings and how the space is used all influence how much sound absorption is needed.

Too little absorption won’t make much difference. But too much can leave a space feeling dull or unnaturally quiet.

To take the guesswork out of your project, we offer FREE, no-obligation acoustic surveys, either in person or remotely. We’ll assess your space, calculate what’s needed, and provide a clear, tailored plan that includes recommendations for the best-suited acoustic treatments.

Whether you’re looking to reduce echo, improve speech clarity or just create a more comfortable environment, we’ll help you strike the perfect acoustic balance.