How do acoustic panels work?

± 6 minutes

At a glance: Discover how felt-backed wood slat panels absorb sound reflections, why mounting matters and how absorption differs from soundproofing.

Why a room sounds echoey

Sound reflects from hard surfaces such as glass, plaster, tiles and bare floors. In a room with little absorption, those reflections continue after the original sound and make conversation less clear. Acoustic treatment introduces surfaces that absorb some of this reflected energy. The aim is a more comfortable sound within the room.

What happens inside a felt-backed panel

Adeqo Akupanels combine MDF slats with real veneer on three sides and a 9 mm recycled PET felt backing. Sound reaching the porous felt moves through its fibres, where friction converts part of the acoustic energy into a very small amount of heat. The slat spacing lets sound reach the absorbent backing. The complete construction and its installation determine the measured result.

Class A and NRC describe tested performance

Class A is an absorption classification; NRC is a numerical measure based on sound absorption at selected frequencies. The Akupanel achieves Class A and NRC 0.90 in the tested installation configuration. NRC 0.90 does not mean every frequency is reduced by 90%, nor that your room becomes 90% quieter. Ask for the test report and mounting details when comparing products.

Absorption does not replace sound insulation

Panels can reduce reverberation inside a room. They are not a substitute for a sound-insulating wall or ceiling when the problem is noise from neighbours, traffic or another floor. That requires attention to the building construction, openings and transmission paths. Identify the problem first so you choose the right treatment.

Plan coverage and placement together

As an initial guide, consider treating 30–40% of the wall area, then adjust for the room size, furnishings and intended use. Avoid assuming that one decorative strip will solve every acoustic problem. Offices and large hospitality spaces may need professional acoustic design. Adeqo can help you plan panel quantities and explain the tested mounting configuration.