Archives: FAQs

Do acoustic panels work in churches?

Yes. Acoustic panels play a crucial role in improving acoustics in churches and fellowship halls by enhancing overall sound quality, speech and music clarity.  They are especially beneficial in large sanctuaries, multi-purpose rooms, and social halls with high ceilings, large expanses of glass and other hard surfaces that reflect sound. By controlling unwanted sound reflections, sound-absorbing acoustic panels help congregants hear sermons, prayers, and music more clearly from the front pew to the back row.

For effective sound absorption, look for acoustic products with a high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating, such as our fabric-wrapped acoustic panels and suspended ceiling clouds. These products absorb sound and help reduce reverberation and echo throughout the space.

Want to learn more about house of worship acoustics? Read our guide, 3 Ways to Improve Acoustics in Your House of Worship, for practical tips on creating a better listening experience. You can also explore our house of worship space to find products designed specifically for churches.

Can acoustic panels be installed on concrete, brick, or cinder block walls?

Yes. Our acoustic panels can be installed on concrete, brick, cinder block, wood, and most other wall surfaces.

Our Fiberglass Rotofast Snap-On Anchors and Polyester Rotofast Snap-On Anchors are designed to work with a wide variety of wall substrates. The wall anchors and screws included with these products are intended for standard drywall installations. The same mounting system can be used on concrete, brick, cinder block, wood, and other surfaces by replacing the included wall anchors and screws with hardware that is appropriate for the wall type.

If you are unsure which fasteners are required for your wall surface, contact us and we’ll be happy to recommend the appropriate hardware for your project.

Do acoustic panels work in restaurants?

Absolutely. Acoustic panels are one of the most effective ways to reduce echo and improve the acoustics in restaurants. Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels are a popular solution among restaurant owners and managers because they improve speech intelligibility and help create a more conversation-friendly environment.

When installed on walls or ceilings, acoustic panels absorb unwanted sound reflections that cause echo, creating a more comfortable experience for restaurant patrons. Acoustic wall panels, ceiling clouds, and acoustic baffles help absorb sound reflections from hard surfaces such as floors, tables, and windows. The result is a more enjoyable dining experience.

For the best performance, look for acoustic products with a high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating, as they absorb more sound and deliver greater noise reduction throughout the space.

Want to learn more about restaurant acoustics? Read our guide, How to Optimize Acoustics in Your Restaurant, for expert tips on reducing noise and creating a better guest experience. You can also explore our restaurant space to find products designed specifically for dining spaces.

What is the difference between sound blocking and sound absorption?

Sound blocking often called soundproofing prevents sound from entering or leaving a room. Sound absorption improves sound quality in a room by reducing reverberation and echo.

If your goal is to reduce noise coming from adjacent spaces such as an office, apartment or classroom, you need sound-blocking materials.  Common soundproofing solutions include:

  • Mass loaded vinyl (MLV)
  • Additional layers of drywall
  • Specialized wall and ceiling assemblies

Acoustical panels are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce the amount of sound reflected back into the room, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment. While sound-absorbing panels may slightly lessen the perception of noise from adjacent areas by reducing reflected sound within the room, they are not designed to block sound transmission and should not be considered a primary soundproofing solution.

If your room is echoey or conversations are difficult to understand, sound-absorbing products such as fiberglass or polyester panels, ceiling clouds, baffles or acoustic shapes are the right solution.  If you need to prevent sound from traveling between rooms, soundproofing materials are required.

For additional information, watch our video on Sound Blocking vs Sound Absorption.

How do I choose the right Black Acoustic Board for my project?

Need the highest NRC performance available? Choose SelectSound®

  • Best for theaters, studios, and environments where sound absorption is the top priority.

Need a balanced, reliable commercial solution? Choose Whispertone®

  • Ideal for offices, restaurants, and general commercial spaces needing consistent acoustic control.

Need the best combination of performance, flexibility and value? Choose SoundControl Pro™

  • A versatile solution offering strong acoustic performance, multiple density options, and cost-efficiency. SoundControl Pro black theater board is ideal for large-scale and budget-conscious projects.

What is Black Acoustic Board?

Black acoustic board, also known as Black Theater Board, is a rigid fiberglass sound absorbing panel designed to reduce noise and control reverberation. Unlike fabric-wrapped acoustic panels, these boards are often used when you need the product to be barely visible, such as in:

  • Open dark ceilings
  • Theater walls
  • Industrial interiors
  • Behind perforated surfaces

The matte black surface and solid black core help the panel blend into dark environments while still delivering high acoustic performance.

Common uses for Black Theater Board:

  • Movie Theaters & Performance Venues
    • Reduces echo and enhances sound clarity
    • Visually disappears in dark environments
  • Restaurants, Bars & Hospitality Spaces
    • Improves conversation quality
    • Reduces background noise buildup
  • Open Offices & Commercial Spaces
    • Controls reverberation in large, open layouts
    • Creates quieter, more productive office environments
  • Industrial Buildings
    • Helps manage echo in spaces with high, open ceilings

If you’re unsure of the quantity needed for your space and budget, complete our inquiry form and our customer support team will help you evaluate the most efficient solution.

Is there an acoustical advantage to hanging a fabric-wrapped acoustic panel horizontally or vertically on a wall?

No. The orientation of our fabric-wrapped acoustic panels does not affect their sound absorption performance. Our high-density acoustic panels deliver the same acoustical benefits, regardless of the direction they are mounted on walls.

What matters most is having adequate coverage in your space to reduce echo and reverberation. In furnished rooms where people sit or stand, panels should generally be placed a bit higher on the wall or near ear level. In spaces with bare reflective walls, you may benefit from placing sound absorbing panels lower on a wall. Taller wall areas may also benefit from adding coverage in the upper areas. The goal is to distribute sound-absorbing panels throughout the space to create balanced sound control.

Placement Tips:

  • Rooms with furniture and people: Position panels near ear level.
  • Rooms with bare walls or minimal furnishings: Position panels lower on a wall with optional coverage added in upper wall areas.

Fabric Note: Some fabric patterns are directional and may look different when rotated. Always check pattern orientation before installation. Consult our Acoustics America team for more assistance.

Interested in ordering fabric-wrapped acoustic panels for your space but unsure where to begin? Complete our inquiry form and our customer support team will answer your questions and walk you through the ordering process.

How much Loctite Powergrab Adhesive do I need to apply to each impaling clip included with my fabric-wrapped acoustic panel purchase?

We recommend a golf ball sized amount of Loctite Powergrab Adhesive to each impaling clip.  According to our installation guide:

  • A 120″ x 48″ acoustic panel includes 10 impaling clips
  • A 60″ x 48″ fabric-wrapped panel includes 6 standard impaling clips

A single 9 oz. tube typically covers 10-15 impaling clips.

Unsure how many 9 oz. tubes of Loctite you need for your acoustic panels? Complete our inquiry form and our customer support team will answer your questions and walk you through the ordering process.

How do I clean my polyester recycled felt purchase?

Our polyester acoustic products are cleanable with mild cleaners. You can find more information in our polyester acoustics cleaning guide.

Does polyester felt absorb sound?

Yes! The polyester fibers trap and dissipate sound energy, minimize reverberation and echo.  Polyester felt is an effective material for sound absorption in a variety of settings, including but not limited to offices, restaurants, houses of worship, home theaters and auditoriums.

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