Installation methods

There are 4 main methods to ensure correct installation…

Staple Gun: SoundAcoustics studio panels feature the patented “Staple T” staple gun channel for hidden stapling. This is allows for quick and simple installation on to plasterboard (gyprock) or any surface that will adequately hold a staple. A inexpensive staple gun can be bought from the large hardware chains for around $20. A better quality staple gun can be bought for around $50 (Rapid brand). Use at least 10mm staples and push the staple gun firmly into the staple channel compressing the foam and pull the trigger. Generally three staples per channel will hold the panels securely. The staple gun channels can also be used for other fasteners such as plaster nails, pins etc

Removable Hooks: For easily removable installation 3M manufacture removable hooks which can be attached and removed without wall damage. The only issue with these hooks is they require a good quality painted surface. Simply use the staple gun channel to poke a small through the panel, and use this hole to place the panel on the hooks.

Some SoundAcoustics panels feature an air-gap design which is also useful for hanging the panel on hooks.

Adhesive: For installation requiring the use of adhesive it is necessary to only use a water based adhesive. For acoustic panels up to 90mm thick you can actually use Bostik gap filler which makes an effective and economical adhesive. This is also quite effective on irregular surfaces such as painted brick.

Velcro: Panels can also be attached to the wall with velcro tape, even though it is best to use additional adhesive to attach the velcro to the acoustic panel, as the velcro adhesive will not hold to the panel for very long. Silicone bathroom sealer will work quite well as a flexible adhesive for this purpose. It is best to allow the silicone to fully cure over 24 hours before attempting to install the panel.

AT600/40 Acoustic Panel

Frequency Range: 500Hz and above
Dimensions: 600 x 600 x 40mm

Application: Voiceover booths, Isolation Rooms, Mid/High frequency reverb, flutter and reflection control.
RRP: $32

SA600/75 Broadband Acoustic Panel

Frequency Range: 200Hz and above
Dimensions: 600 x 600 x 75mm

Application: Recording Studios ,Listening rooms / Home Theatre, often installed in conjunction with bass traps.

RRP: $48

SA600/150 Broadband Acoustic Panel

Frequency Range: 100Hz and above.
Dimensions: 600 x 600 x 150mm

Application: Recording Studios ,Listening rooms / Home Theatre, Broad frequency absorption applications

RRP: $79

BA600/60 Willtec acoustic panel

Application: Class 1 fire rated high performance acoustic panel. Controls broad frequency reverb and reflection.
Light weight panel ideal for ceiling application in demanding environments.
Colours: Arctic white or Silver grey
Frequency Characteristics:  300Hz – 20Khz
Installation: Water based adhesive
Dimensions: 600 x 600 x 60mm, border 40mm

HA600/75 Hybrid Diffuser

Freq absorption: 150Hz – 20 Khz
Dimensions: 600 x 600 x 75mm
Colour: Charcoal Grey or flock colour coated
Applications: Absorber or Hybrid Absorber/Diffuser
Diffusion above 400Hz, absorption down to 150Hz

The HybridAcoustic HA600/75* is a versatile acoustic panel that can function purely as an simple absorber or alternatively, as a hybrid diffuser/absorber.
The HA600/75 acoustic panel is designed to receive a polycarbonate diffuser insert for the purpose of modifying the acoustic characteristics of the panel. Forming a smooth radius, the diffuser effectively scatters high frequencies. The diffuser insert also provides the additional benefit of extending the low frequency absorption of the panel.

Diffusion and absorption.
In most listening and music production environments, its is desirable that the acoustic treatment provides both absorption and diffusion. Reflected high frequencies give a room a sense of space and proportion, a necessary component of creating a pleasing acoustic environment. Diffusion prevents harsh reflections, while allowing sound to dissipate in a more natural way. Lower frequencies (below 300Hz) tend to create more problems than high frequencies in regards to the harmonic characteristics of a room. Certain frequencies can appear louder and others quieter, creating accuracy issues in both the recording and reproduction of music. The HA600/75 has been developed to help address both these issues.
A perfect balance of absorption and diffusion.
Without the insert (see graph) the HA600/75 functions as a quality broadband absorber, providing the performance expected of a 75mm thick panel. The ability of acoustic foam to absorb lower frequencies is directly related to thickness. With the diffuser insert installed a smooth roll-off of high frequencies occurs above 400Hz, down to a continuing flat absorption co-efficent of .5 (50%). Above 400Hz the HA600/75 provides a useful and controlled balance of absorption and diffusion. The diffuser insert also behaves as a resonator panel, significantly increasing the performance of sound absorption below 400Hz ,achieving a considerable 70% absorption at 160 Hertz. The HA600/75 also complements the BT600/150 bass trap, providing a complete acoustic solution.

Extract from RMIT test report. Original report available on request.