Are wood slats good for acoustics?

For some background, I live in an apartment with an L-shaped living room as my listening room. The front wall is plaster/drywall, the back wall is concrete. Open on the left side, windows with curtains on the right side. I have a NAD M33 running Dirac Live. Two subs. The sound was quite good, but I had some issues with reverberation. Also, the speakers and my head are a bit too close to the walls, so there are - I assume - boundary effects in the 100-300 Hz region. This is what I wanted to fix.

Why slats? I first considered conventional acoustic absorbers from RPG, GIK, etc. Maybe mounted behind the speakers and behind the sofa where my listening position is. However, I was troubled by uncertainty about how effective they would be - at least in my use case. Besides, I find this kind of panels extremely ugly... Then somehow I came across slats. You can find a number of these slat panels on the internet, marketed as acoustic panels. Mine are from Fibrotech. The panels are 9 mm thick felt mats with slats in MDF glued on. A test sample I ordered looks like this:


Panels like this don't seem to be much discussed for audiophile purposes compared to conventional absorbers. The few discussions I have seen have been mixed. Anyway, even if they would not be as effective, they cover more wall - and look a lot better. So I figured that even if they would end up doing nothing for the acoustics they would look good enough to be worth it. Here is how my living room looks now:


OK, enough talk, lets see some measurements. Here is a graph of the RT60 before and after (Topt is shown):


The only things that changed from before to after are the wall panels. The position of furniture, mic, etc. are essentially the same. Dirac Live was used with the exact same filters for comparison. As you can see, the region from about 300 Hz and upwards has significantly reduced decay time. Now it doesn't exceed much above 500 ms.

Here is the frequency response (both measurements are volume adjusted to roughly 75 dB on the REW SPL meter):


Unfortunately, the troublesome region from 100-300 Hz is still troublesome, or maybe slightly less so. I'll know more when I get around to re-running Dirac and do the sub integration again from scratch. (The response looks somewhat bass heavy, but actually it doesn't sound as bad as it looks.)

And here are left and right speaker ETC curves:


So how does it sound subjectively? First of all the level of sound is lower. I need to turn up the volume a bit to play at the same perceived level. This makes sense to me, because some sound energy is removed by the absorption. Second, reverberation is perceivably lower. I would subjectively describe it as being "closer to the music" - especially for vocals. This also makes sense, I guess, since reverberation may be associated with large rooms, thereby distance. Finally, I think I can hear more details now, like in drumming and other "rapid impulse bursts". The first two of these effects, I feel certain to pick out in a blind test - the third, I *think* I would, but I don't know.

To conclude, I'm very happy with my new slat wall panels. They look good, and I think they solved at least some of my acoustic problems. They may be slightly less effective than conventional absorbers, but they work. My impression is that they are not highly regarded by audiophiles, but I really don't understand why. I think at least they should be in the toolbox.

OK, that's it. I hope this was useful.

Recently, I installed some acoustic panels in my listening room of the "slat wall" type, and I took the opportunity to make some before-and-after measurements. I'm posting it here as a service to the community, in case it is of interest.For some background, I live in an apartment with an L-shaped living room as my listening room. The front wall is plaster/drywall, the back wall is concrete. Open on the left side, windows with curtains on the right side. I have a NAD M33 running Dirac Live. Two subs. The sound was quite good, but I had some issues with reverberation. Also, the speakers and my head are a bit too close to the walls, so there are - I assume - boundary effects in the 100-300 Hz region. This is what I wanted to fix.Why slats? I first considered conventional acoustic absorbers from RPG, GIK, etc. Maybe mounted behind the speakers and behind the sofa where my listening position is. However, I was troubled by uncertainty about how effective they would be - at least in my use case. Besides, I find this kind of panels extremely ugly... Then somehow I came across slats. You can find a number of these slat panels on the internet, marketed as acoustic panels. Mine are from Fibrotech. The panels are 9 mm thick felt mats with slats in MDF glued on. A test sample I ordered looks like this:Panels like this don't seem to be much discussed for audiophile purposes compared to conventional absorbers. The few discussions I have seen have been mixed. Anyway, even if they would not be as effective, they cover more wall - and look a lot better. So I figured that even if they would end up doing nothing for the acoustics they would look good enough to be worth it. Here is how my living room looks now:OK, enough talk, lets see some measurements. Here is a graph of the RT60 before and after (Topt is shown):The only things that changed from before to after are the wall panels. The position of furniture, mic, etc. are essentially the same. Dirac Live was used with the exact same filters for comparison. As you can see, the region from about 300 Hz and upwards has significantly reduced decay time. Now it doesn't exceed much above 500 ms.Here is the frequency response (both measurements are volume adjusted to roughly 75 dB on the REW SPL meter):Unfortunately, the troublesome region from 100-300 Hz is still troublesome, or maybe slightly less so. I'll know more when I get around to re-running Dirac and do the sub integration again from scratch. (The response looks somewhat bass heavy, but actually it doesn't sound as bad as it looks.)And here are left and right speaker ETC curves:So how does it sound subjectively? First of all the level of sound is lower. I need to turn up the volume a bit to play at the same perceived level. This makes sense to me, because some sound energy is removed by the absorption. Second, reverberation is perceivably lower. I would subjectively describe it as being "closer to the music" - especially for vocals. This also makes sense, I guess, since reverberation may be associated with large rooms, thereby distance. Finally, I think I can hear more details now, like in drumming and other "rapid impulse bursts". The first two of these effects, I feel certain to pick out in a blind test - the third, I *think* I would, but I don't know.To conclude, I'm very happy with my new slat wall panels. They look good, and I think they solved at least some of my acoustic problems. They may be slightly less effective than conventional absorbers, but they work. My impression is that they are not highly regarded by audiophiles, but I really don't understand why. I think at least they should be in the toolbox.OK, that's it. I hope this was useful.

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Ah, the sweet sound of silence! In today's noisy world, it's a luxury we all crave. Enter Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels – the perfect solution to dampen noise and elevate your space's design. These panels not only offer excellent sound absorption, but they also add a touch of elegance to any room. This comprehensive guide will delve into the ins and outs of these game-changing panels, including their benefits, installation process, and maintenance tips. So, let's cut to the chase and dive right in!

Perks Galore: Benefits of installing acoustic slat wood wall panels.

1. Sound Absorption: Like a sponge for sound, these panels absorb unwanted noise, creating a peaceful environment where you can focus or relax.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: Their sleek design and natural wood finish add warmth and sophistication to any room.
3. Eco-Friendly: Made from sustainable materials, these panels are a green choice for the environmentally conscious.
4. Versatility: Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels can be customized to suit any space, from homes to offices, studios, or commercial spaces.

Noise Be Gone! How acoustic slat wood wall panels work.

These panels work their magic through a clever combination of materials and design. Slats made of luxury wood veneered medium-density fiberboard are spaced apart, creating gaps that trap sound waves. Behind the slats, an acoustic fabric and insulation layer further absorb and diffuse sound. The result? A dramatic reduction in noise levels and an overall improvement in sound quality.

From Blueprint to Reality: Installing acoustic slat wood wall panels.

Prepping the walls.

Before getting down to business, you'll need to ensure your walls are smooth and clean. Remove any wallpaper or debris, and repair any cracks or holes.

Sizing up your panels.

Measure your walls carefully to determine the number of panels required. Panels can be cut to size, so you'll have a snug fit.

Putting up your panels.

Once your walls are prepped and your panels are sized, it's time to install! Choose from three different installation options to suit your needs:

Option 1: Gluing straight onto the wall.

For a quick and easy installation, use construction glue or grab adhesive to attach the panels directly to the wall. This method requires no screws or additional support structures.

Option 2: Screwing directly into the wall.

This method involves securing the Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels to the wall through the acoustic felt using screws. Choose black screws for black-backed panels or silver/grey screws for grey-backed panels. We recommend using a minimum of 9 screws per panel, spaced at regular intervals across the width and down the length of the panel.

If you're installing panels on the ceiling, ensure they are screwed into the ceiling joists. Always use the correct fixings for your wall type, such as plasterboard anchors for plasterboard walls.

Option 3: Screwing the panels into 45mm timber battens.

For optimum sound absorption, this method is your best bet. Begin by screwing 45mm timber battens to the wall. Next, secure the panels to the battens through the acoustic felt. To achieve Class A sound absorption, place an insulation material like Rockwool between the battens and behind the panels.

With these installation options in mind, you're ready to put up your Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels and transform your space.

Keeping Up Appearances: Maintenance tips for acoustic slat wood wall panels.

The basics.

Dust your panels regularly using a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment. Avoid using water or harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the wood.

Want more information on 3d acoustic panels supplier? Feel free to contact us.

Dealing with stains.

If your panels become stained, use a damp cloth and mild soap to gently remove the blemish. Dry the area thoroughly afterwards.

Sealing the deal.

To protect your panels and maintain their appearance, consider applying a wood sealant or oil every few years.

FAQs: Answering your questions about our luxury wood wall panels.

Q: How are the panels packaged upon arrival?
A: Each box conveniently contains two panels, with each panel measuring 94.49" x 12.60".

Q: Can I get larger-sized acoustic slat wood wall panels?
A: Though the panels are available in a standard size, they can be seamlessly joined both horizontally and vertically to fit any space you desire. Note that when installing vertically, there may be a small visible join line. Don't hesitate to contact us for visual examples if needed.

Q: What is the lead time for the acoustic slat wood wall panel range?
A: Since the panels are typically in stock, delivery takes 5-10 days. However, if a new production run is necessary, it may take 2-3 weeks. We recommend checking our shipping information page at the point of order for a more accurate estimate.

Q: Are the slat panels suitable for bathrooms or kitchens?
A: Yes, as long as the panels do not come into direct contact with water. We recommend applying a water-resistant finish to the slats for added protection against moisture and humidity.

Q: Do the wall panels come with a finish?
A: The panels are delivered unfinished, allowing you to choose and apply the finish that best suits your needs. Options include oil, wax, lacquer, or varnish, which not only protect the wood but also enhance the grain and colors.

Q: What types of surfaces are suitable for the wood wall panel installation?
A: The panels can be mounted on various surfaces, including brick, concrete, and plasterboard.

Q: Can I hide wires behind the panels?
A: Yes, you can easily conceal wires behind the panels.

Q: Are samples of acoustic slat wood wall panels available?
A: Yes, you can purchase a sample box by clicking here.

 

Conclusion

Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels are the perfect blend of form and function, providing both aesthetic appeal and effective noise reduction for any space. By understanding their benefits, installation process, and maintenance requirements, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about whether these panels are the right choice for your home or commercial space. So, go ahead and embrace the sound of silence with Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels – your ears (and eyes) will thank you!

The company is the world’s best acoustic wood wall panels supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.