Acoustic Guide: Which Acoustic Panels? Rafts, Baffles, or Wall Panels

Acoustic treatment plays a crucial role in improving sound quality and controlling noise levels in various spaces, from open-plan offices to home studios. However, choosing the right type of acoustic panel can be daunting with the variety of options available. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between three popular acoustic products: Acoustic Rafts, Acoustic Baffles, and Acoustic Wall Panels. We’ll also look into the advantages of each and highlight our products at The Acoustics Store to help you make an informed decision.

1. Acoustic Rafts

What Are They? Acoustic Rafts are panels suspended from the ceiling, designed to absorb sound from all angles. They offer an effective solution for reducing reverberation in large, open spaces where wall space might be limited. Rafts can be used in a variety of settings, from offices and classrooms to restaurants and atriums.

Advantages:

• 360° Sound Absorption: Rafts are highly effective in spaces with hard surfaces where sound bounces around freely. They absorb sound from both sides, making them more efficient at reducing noise levels and improving clarity in the room.
• Design Flexibility: Available in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, acoustic rafts can be a visually appealing addition to your space, integrating seamlessly with your existing interior design.

Our Products:

• Sunda™ Raft: A fabric-wrapped raft with a glasswool core, providing superior sound absorption. The glasswool core offers excellent acoustic performance, making the Sunda™ Raft ideal for environments where reducing noise and echo is crucial, such as open-plan offices or educational settings.
• Tonus™ Raft: Made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), this raft is not only effective in absorbing sound but also environmentally friendly. PET is known for its durability and lightweight properties, making the Tonus™ Raft suitable for commercial spaces like restaurants or retail stores, where aesthetics and sustainability are important.

Best Suited For:

• Offices: Open-plan layouts, meeting rooms
• Educational Spaces: Classrooms, lecture halls
• Public Areas: Cafeterias, atriums

2. Acoustic Baffles

What Are They? Acoustic Baffles are vertically hanging panels, often suspended from ceilings, that provide targeted sound absorption in large, high-ceiling spaces. They are particularly useful in environments where horizontal ceiling space is needed for other fixtures, like lighting.

Advantages:

• Efficient Use of Space: Baffles take advantage of vertical space, making them ideal for large rooms where wall and ceiling space are limited. They help reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility, especially in environments with high ceilings.
• Customisable Design: Like rafts, baffles come in various designs, allowing them to blend into or stand out as part of the interior décor.

Our Products:

• Sunda™ Baffle: This fabric-wrapped baffle features a glasswool core, providing excellent sound absorption. The Sunda™ Baffle is perfect for areas where controlling sound reflection is critical, such as auditoriums or large conference rooms.
• Tonus™ Baffle: Constructed from PET, this baffle is a great choice for eco-conscious projects. The lightweight nature of PET makes installation easier while still delivering effective acoustic performance. It’s an ideal choice for spaces like museums or large halls where durability is key.

Best Suited For:

• Auditoriums: Enhancing sound clarity
• Industrial Spaces: Reducing noise levels
• Large Public Spaces: Museums, libraries

3. Acoustic Wall Panels

What Are They? Acoustic Wall Panels are mounted directly onto walls to reduce noise levels and prevent sound from bouncing around a room. They are one of the most common acoustic treatments due to their ease of installation and effectiveness in a variety of settings.

Advantages:

• Versatility: Wall panels can be installed in virtually any space and can be arranged in creative patterns to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room while improving its acoustic environment.
• Targeted Sound Absorption: By strategically placing wall panels, you can target specific areas where sound absorption is needed most, such as behind a desk in an office or on the walls of a recording studio.

Our Products:

• Sunda™ EasyFix Wall Panel: A fabric-wrapped, self-adhesive wall panel with a melamine foam core, making installation simple. This panel is perfect for quick acoustic fixes in small rooms or home studios where noise reduction is necessary.
• Sunda™ Wall: A fabric-wrapped wall panel with a glasswool core, offering robust sound absorption for more demanding environments. This panel is well-suited for professional settings like conference rooms or music studios where superior acoustic performance is essential.

Best Suited For:

• Home Studios: Enhancing sound recording quality
• Corporate Offices: Reducing noise distractions
• Hospitality: Improving ambience in hotels or restaurants

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Acoustic Solution

The right acoustic treatment for your space depends on several factors, including room size, layout, and the specific acoustic challenges you face. Acoustic Rafts are excellent for large, open spaces with limited wall space, while Acoustic Baffles are ideal for high-ceiling environments where vertical sound absorption is needed. Acoustic Wall Panels offer versatility and targeted sound control for a variety of room types.

At The Acoustics Store, we offer a range of high-quality acoustic solutions tailored to meet your needs. Whether you choose the environmentally friendly Tonus™ line or the high-performance Sunda™ line, you can rest assured that our products will not only improve the acoustics of your space but also enhance its design.

Our team is here and ready to give some inspiration on your acoustic project. Whether you’re looking to reduce the noise or minimise the echoes, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@theacousticsstore.co.uk.