DIY Acoustic Panels

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Ben Gingerich

Sophomore
Oct 19, 2012
188
0
16
Warner Robins Ga
Im getting ready to do another set of acoustic panels and thought i would get some others ideas on them.

Normally I use owen corning 1260 stacked 4in to 6in thick in a 2x6 wood frame and rated mounting hardware.

What have you used? What would work better? What do you take into consideration?
 
Re: DIY Acoustic Panels

Jordan Lahr said:
No, just no and this is why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOzfq9Egxeo
and
Club Owner, Band Members Questioned Over Brazil Fire | Music News | Rolling Stone
Click to expand...

It is quite possible to DIY acoustical absorbtion panels that will meet just about any fire code. The question comes down to the cost and hassle of doing so. Fiberglass batts are reasonably good, and you can usually get the flame spread and smoke ratings from the manufacturer. Wood can be treated, or you can use metal to contain it. Covering cloth can be IFR or treated to be flame retardant. But anything you treat will need to be tested, which adds cost and hassle.
 
Re: DIY Acoustic Panels

On a totally different aspect, "acoustic panels" could be referencing a pretty wide range of materials, goals and purposes. A sheet of gypsum board on studs is an acoustic panel and even has some desired acoustical characteristics if you want some higher frequency reflections and absorption around 125Hz (via diaphragmatic absorption). Diffusion, reflection and/or absorption, broadband or narrowband/tuned, 2-D or 3-D, etc. could all lead to different materials and constructions.

I have to wonder if you could get a good portion of the same absorption with just a 2" layer of fiberglass or mineral wool board with an additional 2" to 4" airspace behind it. That may save some cost, however it may not be as damage resistant as filling the full depth.
 
Re: DIY Acoustic Panels

I recently made a pile of panels with Roxol Stone Wool insulation batts; which I got at Lowes. I used furring strips and simple L brackets to make the frames. I covered them with fabric I got from the local Ocean State Job Lot, but would have had equally successful results at any place that sells fabric by the yard, I'm sure. As far as the posts about fire safe or code etc... These are for my home studio, which is by no means a commercial facility. So, the panels are no more or less (actually - probably much more) fire retardant then the couch behind my mix position or the mattress on my bed. I am OK with this. I am also stoked to have the satisfaction of making 6 very serviceable acoustic panels for an initial investment of about 60$.

Before I ran out of fabric, I was able to make 4 panels @ 48"x32" and 2 @ 48"x16". I still have enough batts to make a few more panels and plan on doing so as soon as I find more fabric that isn't denim...
 
Re: DIY Acoustic Panels

Roxul Mineral wool insulation is the best bet. It comes in sheets of 2"x24"x48" 4lb, 6lb or 8lb density. (the density is the weight of a cubic foot) go for 8lb. Contacting an industrial insulation company might get you a better price, if. They can point you to a supplier.

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