Soundproofing a studio – Creating the optimal acoustic environment

Creating a well-balanced sound environment in a studio requires carefully planned sound absorption. Whether you work in a professional recording studio, a home studio, or a mixing room, acoustic control is crucial to ensuring that sound is reproduced neutrally and accurately. Without proper sound absorption, sound waves can reflect uncontrollably, leading to phase problems, resonances, and unwanted reverberations. This makes the sound image unreliable and negatively affects both recording and mixing.

One of the most important factors in studios is managing early reflections. When sound hits hard surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors, it bounces back and creates a colored sound image. By strategically placing sound absorbers on these surfaces, you can reduce reflections and achieve more controlled and even acoustics. Ceiling absorbers are particularly important because the ceiling is often one of the largest uninterrupted surfaces where sound can reflect freely. Wall absorbers also play a key role, especially on the side walls and behind the listening position, where they can dampen early reflections and minimize sound distortion.

In addition to dampening reflections, it is important to control low-frequency sound waves. Bass traps are used to address these issues by absorbing low-frequency sounds that can otherwise create standing waves and uneven bass response in the room. Without bass traps, certain frequencies can be unnaturally amplified while others are weakened, making it difficult to achieve a proper mix that sounds good in different listening environments. By placing bass traps in the corners and along the wall junctions, you can effectively dampen these problems and create a more balanced sound environment.

Another important aspect of sound absorption in a studio is finding a balance between attenuation and diffusion. Too much absorption can make the sound image dry and lifeless, while too little absorption creates room acoustics that do not reflect the true sound image. By combining sound absorbers with diffusers, you can maintain a natural space in the sound while controlling reflections. Diffusers spread sound waves evenly throughout the room instead of allowing them to bounce back and forth at right angles, resulting in more balanced and pleasant acoustics.

The placement of sound absorbers and other acoustic solutions should be adapted to the size and shape of the room. Smaller rooms tend to have more problems with unwanted resonances and often require more targeted sound attenuation, while larger studios can benefit from a combination of absorbent and reflective materials. If possible, it is also advantageous to work with a floating construction where sound insulation is combined with sound absorption to minimize both internal and external sound leakage.

By carefully planning the sound absorption in your studio, you can create a working environment where you hear the sound as uncolored as possible. This makes it easier to make the right mixing decisions, leading to a better end product that sounds good in all listening situations. An acoustically optimized room is not just a luxury but a necessity for anyone who wants to work professionally with sound.

The benefits of soundproofing a studio

Creating a well-balanced sound environment in a studio is crucial for achieving professional and accurate sound reproduction. Whether it's a recording studio, mixing room, or home studio, acoustic control is a key factor in ensuring that sound is reproduced as neutrally as possible. When a studio is not acoustically optimized, sound waves can be reflected in an uncontrolled manner, leading to phase problems, unwanted resonances, and reverberations. By sound-absorbing the room, these problems can be minimized and a more reliable sound environment created.

Reduced reverberation and better sound control
Reverberation can affect sound perception and make it difficult to achieve a clear and balanced sound image. When sound bounces between walls, ceilings, and floors, unwanted reflections are created that can distort the sound. By strategically placing sound absorbers on these surfaces, reverberation can be minimized and the sound can become more defined. This makes it easier to make the right mixing decisions and ensures that recordings and mixes sound the same in different listening environments.

Improved acoustics and more accurate sound reproduction
In a studio, it is crucial that the sound image is as uncolored as possible. If certain frequencies are amplified while others are attenuated due to the room's acoustics, this can lead to incorrect mixing decisions. By installing sound absorbers and bass traps, the frequency balance can be evened out and sound reproduction can become more accurate. This is especially important when recording, mixing, and mastering, where every detail in the sound must be clear and undistorted.

Prevents phase problems and resonances
Sound reflected from multiple surfaces can create phase problems, which means that some frequencies are amplified while others are weakened. This can result in an uneven mix where the sound varies depending on where you are in the room. By using sound absorbers at primary reflection points and installing bass traps in the corners of the room, these problems can be minimized, creating a more neutral and accurate sound environment.

Increased speech clarity and improved recording quality
When recording vocals, podcasts, or voiceovers, the clarity of voices is crucial. If the room has too much reflection, the recording can sound spacious and imprecise. By sound-absorbing the walls and ceiling where sound waves first hit, the recording environment can be more controlled, resulting in a cleaner and more professional sound quality. This is especially important for studios that work with speech production, where voice clarity is a key factor.

Better control over low-frequency sounds
Bass frequencies can be difficult to manage because they tend to accumulate in the corners of the room and create standing waves. This can lead to uneven bass reproduction where some tones sound exaggerated while others almost disappear. By installing bass traps in the corners of the room and along the wall junctions, these low-frequency problems can be effectively managed, creating a more balanced sound image.

Preserves natural acoustics through a combination of absorption and diffusion
Too much sound absorption can make the sound image dry and lifeless. Therefore, it is important to balance absorption with diffusion, which spreads the sound waves in a natural way. By combining sound absorbers with diffusers, a studio can maintain a pleasant space in the sound while controlling reflections. This makes the sound environment feel natural and comfortable to work in during long sessions.

A more ergonomic and inspiring work environment
Studios are often spaces where long hours are spent concentrating on work. An environment with poor acoustics can lead to listening fatigue and difficulty perceiving details in the sound. Soundproofing the room creates a more ergonomic working environment where it is easier to focus on recording and mixing. This increases productivity and makes it easier to make creative decisions.

Higher professional standards and increased attractiveness
For commercial studios that rent out time to artists and producers, acoustics are a crucial factor in their attractiveness. A studio with poor acoustics can negatively affect recording quality, which can discourage professional customers. By investing in sound absorption, the studio can offer a high-quality sound environment that will make customers choose to return and recommend the studio to others.

Step-by-step: How to soundproof a studio for optimal acoustics

Creating a professional studio requires more than just good equipment—the room's acoustics are crucial to ensuring neutral and accurate sound reproduction. Without proper sound absorption, sound waves can reflect and create phase problems, resonances, and reverberation. This guide walks you through how to strategically place sound absorbers to achieve balanced and controlled sound.

Step 1: Soundproof the ceiling – Reduce reflections from above

The large, flat surface of the ceiling can cause strong reflections that negatively affect the sound image. These reflections can create an unbalanced mix and make it difficult to perceive sound correctly.

Step 1.1: Install sound absorbers in the ceiling

- Use SilentDirect PES Ceiling or SilentDirect PES Ceiling Fabric, which can be easily installed using the brackets provided.

- If the ceiling height allows, install suspended absorbers with an air gap between the ceiling and the material to increase the sound absorption of low frequencies.

Step 1.2: Place absorbers at primary reflection points

 -To identify the most important reflection surfaces, you can use the mirror method or a test recording where you listen for strong reflections.

- The first reflection points are particularly important because they directly affect the listening position.

Result
The ceiling absorbs reflections, reducing unwanted reverberation and improving the accuracy of the mix.

Step 2: Soundproof the walls – Control sound reflections

Walls are one of the biggest sources of early reflections in a studio. To create a balanced sound image, absorbers should be installed at strategic points.

Step 2.1: Install sound absorbers at primary reflection points

- Use SilentDirect PES Wall or SilentDirect PES Wall Fabric to absorb reflections on the side walls at the mixing position.

Step 2.2: Combine sound absorption and diffusion

- To avoid an over-absorbed and dry sound environment, diffusers can be mounted on the rear wall to spread the sound evenly.

- Diffusers are used to create more natural acoustics without making the sound seem lifeless.

Result
Wall absorbers and diffusers together create balanced acoustics, where reflections are controlled without the room becoming too dry.

Step 3: Manage low frequencies with bass traps and corner absorbers

Low-frequency sounds tend to accumulate in the corners of the room, which can create standing waves and uneven bass response.

Step 3.1: Install bass traps in the corners of the room

- Place thick bass traps in all corners, where low-frequency sounds build up.

- Use corner-mounted absorbers to capture bass resonances.

Step 3.2: Combine bass traps with diagonally mounted absorbers

- Diagonally mounted absorbers, attached between the ceiling and wall, can break up low-frequency sound waves.

- They also absorb reflections that can create room modes and unwanted resonances.

Result
The bass response becomes more even and controlled, creating a more reliable sound image when mixing and recording.

Step 4: Create an optimal recording environment

When recording vocals, instruments, or voice-overs, it is important to have controlled sound without reflections or coloration.

Step 4.1: Install sound absorbers in the recording zone

- If you are recording vocals or instruments, place SilentDirect PES Wall or SilentDirect PES Wall Fabric behind the singer/musician to reduce reflections.

Step 4.2: Create a portable recording environment

- A portable sound-absorbing screen, such as a movable sound absorber, can help create a more isolated recording space.

Result
Sound is captured with minimal reflections, resulting in cleaner recordings without coloration from the room.

Step 5: Check diffusion and reverberation for a natural sound image

A room with too much absorption can feel stuffy and lifeless. Diffusers are used to spread sound waves evenly and create more natural acoustics.

Step 5.1: Install diffusers on the rear wall

Diffusers are often mounted on the rear wall to disperse sound rather than absorb it.

Step 5.2: Combine absorption and diffusion

A balance between sound absorbers and diffusers creates a professional and precise sound environment.

Result
The sound image becomes natural and pleasant, creating a working environment where you can work longer without listening fatigue.

Step 6: Create an ergonomic and inspiring work environment

In addition to optimizing the sound, the studio's appearance and working environment are important factors.

Step 6.1: Match sound absorbers to the room's aesthetics

- SilentDirect PES Fabric products are available in a range of colors to match the studio's design.

Step 6.2: Optimize the listening position

- Position the mixing desk centrally in the room to achieve a balanced sound image.

- Use symmetrical placements of sound absorbers for the best possible acoustic environment.

Result
The studio becomes ergonomic and inspiring, improving both productivity and creativity.

Did you know that..

A studio can have perfect sound insulation but still sound terrible? Many people believe that if no sound gets in or out, the room is optimal—but without the right sound absorption, the sound inside the studio can become unbalanced, unclear, and difficult to mix. In fact, an overly dampened room can be just as bad as an undamped one, because the sound then feels unnaturally dead and without space.

Not all sound absorbers work equally well at all frequencies. Many people put thin foam absorbers on the walls and think that solves the acoustics, but these mainly capture high-frequency sounds. Low-frequency sounds require thicker materials or special bass traps, otherwise you risk ending up with a room where the bass becomes muddy while the treble feels unpleasantly sharp.

How you place the sound absorbers is more important than how many you use. To really balance the room, you need to identify the first reflection points, i.e., where the sound first bounces off the walls from your speakers. Absorbers in the wrong place can do more harm than good and create an uneven sound image where some frequencies are attenuated more than others.

So if your studio still sounds unbalanced despite sound absorbers, remember that it's not just about covering the walls, but about controlling the sound in the right way. The right materials and strategic placement can transform the acoustics and give you the sound quality you're looking for!

Products that are good for sound absorption in a studio

Creating professional and well-balanced acoustics in a studio is crucial for achieving high sound quality during recording, mixing, and production. Unwanted sound reflections, reverberations, and resonances can disrupt the sound image and make accurate sound reproduction difficult. By using effective sound absorbers, you can control the acoustics and optimize your studio for the best possible sound environment. Here are our recommended products for soundproofing a studio.

SilentDirect PES Ceiling
SilentDirect PES Ceiling is a high-performance sound absorber that effectively reduces reverberation and dampens unwanted sound reflections. With a thickness of 50 mm, it absorbs sound waves before they are reflected further, creating a clear and balanced sound image in the studio. It is made from at least 50% recycled polyester and is free from adhesives and binders, making it safe for indoor use. SilentDirect PES Ceiling does not release irritating fibers and is therefore an excellent choice for professional sound environments. It is easily mounted on the ceiling with brackets and works in both small and large studios.

SilentDirect PES Ceiling Fabric
SilentDirect PES Ceiling Fabric has the same excellent sound-absorbing properties as PES Ceiling but is covered in stylish fabric for a more professional and aesthetic look. The fabric-covered surface allows it to blend in with the studio's interior while optimizing the sound image. With a thickness of 50 mm, it provides high sound attenuation and is easily installed with brackets on the ceiling.

SilentDirect PES Wall
SilentDirect PES Wall is a wall-mounted sound absorber that reduces sound reflections and echoes in a studio. By absorbing sound waves before they are reflected, it contributes to a more accurate and controlled sound environment, which is crucial for mixing and recording. It is 50 mm thick, made from at least 50% recycled polyester and free from adhesives and binders. This makes it both environmentally friendly and safe for indoor use. SilentDirect PES Wall is easily mounted with brackets or with hidden keyhole fasteners on the back for a seamless and professional installation.

SilentDirect PES Wall Fabric
SilentDirect PES Wall Fabric is the fabric-covered version of PES Wall and offers a combination of effective sound absorption and aesthetic design. It reduces sound reflections and contributes to an optimal acoustic environment in a studio. With a thickness of 50 mm and a construction of recycled polyester, it is both durable and effective. The product can be mounted on walls with brackets or concealed keyhole fasteners for an aesthetically pleasing and functional installation.

SilentDirect Wall
SilentDirect Wall is a versatile and high-performance sound absorber specially developed to improve studio acoustics. The product consists of five separate parts and can be easily customized to create a unique and professional sound environment. It is made from environmentally friendly materials and offers a combination of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. SilentDirect Wall reduces reverberation and improves the sound image, making it ideal for recording studios where sound control is crucial. SilentDirect Wall is hand-built in Skåne and constructed from a sturdy MDF frame, a sound-absorbing core of recycled polyester, and an elegant fabric cover. The fabric is available in several colors, making it possible to customize the product to the studio's design. The product is available in several thicknesses—20 mm, 40 mm, and 60 mm—to provide different levels of sound absorption depending on the need. The thicker the material, the better the absorption of low-frequency sounds. SilentDirect Wall is easily mounted with CNC-milled keyhole brackets, ensuring a stable and secure installation.

SilentDirect Egg
SilentDirect Egg is a high-performance sound absorber made from NBR rubber (nitrile rubber), a material known for its exceptional sound-absorbing properties. Its unique egg-shaped structure breaks up sound waves and reduces reflections, making it ideal for mounting directly on walls and ceilings in a studio. By installing SilentDirect Egg in the studio's reflection points and on strategic surfaces, you can effectively reduce reverberation and control sound dispersion. The product provides particularly good attenuation of midrange and treble frequencies, which is crucial for creating an accurate and balanced sound image. For best results, a thickness of at least 35 mm is recommended, but 50 mm provides even better sound absorption, especially in studios where precision and clarity are important.