The most common types of acoustic panels are fiberglass panels with a fabric cover and foam panels. Knowing the differences between these types of panels will aid you in choosing the best option for your project. As a one-stop shop for your acoustical needs, ATS Acoustics carries both fabric-covered fiberglass acoustic panels and foam acoustic panels.

Here are some guidelines when choosing between our foam panels and our fabric covered panels.

1. Cost
Foam: For simple noise control, foam panels absorb the most sound per dollar invested. If the factors mentioned below are not a concern, foam panels will do the job for about half the price.

Fabric: These panels cost more due to factors listed below. Decide what’s best for your situation based on your budget and the factors below.

2. Appearance
Foam: These have a technical look suitable for control rooms, informal practice areas, and utilitarian spaces.

Fabric: These have an architectural look suitable for any space including living areas, home theaters, auditoriums, etc. More appearance options are available including custom-printed art acoustic panels.

3. Frequency Absorption
Foam: High and mid-range frequencies, down to 500Hz are most effective. Bass frequencies are not preferred for this type of panel.

Fabric: Our fabric-covered fiberglass panels have a broader and more even absorption across frequencies. The 2-inch panels are effective down to 250Hz, while the 4-inch panels are effective down to 100Hz.

4. Wall Coverage
Foam: These take almost twice the wall coverage as fabric panels to achieve the same sound absorption at mid-range frequencies. Plan on covering more empty wall space.

Fabric: These require about half the coverage as foam panels, leaving more wall space open.

5. Installation and Removal
Foam: Install foam panels involves an adhesive spray. It is as easy as “Spray and Stick”. However if you plan to move out or take the panels down, adhesive residue could be an issue.

Fabric: Install these panels with screws and z-clips. Our packages include a handy full-size installation template that takes the measuring out of the job, resulting in more work than foam panels. On the up side, z-clips leave no more wall damage than hanging pictures.

Shop now for fabric covered panels or foam panels today!