Whether you’re dealing with noisy neighbors, traffic noise, or simply don’t want to disturb your neighbors with the noise from your home studio, you’ll probably want to soundproof your home.
Soundproof pads are one of the best ways to soundproof your room. The tricky task is finding the best one, especially since most of them feel and look the same, and nobody has the energy to search the internet to help narrow down the selection.
What to Look for In Soundproof Pads
Before you purchase anything, you should know what characteristics you’re searching for in soundproof pads. This is because there is a large variety of soundproof pads that can be purchased today, so you need a defined plan to help you pick the best one for your needs.
There are a few things that you should take into consideration when searching for soundproof pads. A great purchase is dependent upon:
- Thickness
- Patterns
- NRC
- Quantity and Size
Thickness
Soundproof pads can have different thickness levels. You can probably guess that the soundproof pads that are thicker are more efficient at reducing sound.
If you’re looking to absorb mid- to high-range frequencies, you should be able to get by using 1- to 2-inch pads. However, you’ll need to find a thicker soundproof pad for sounds that have a low frequency. Before you go ahead and purchase the thickest pads that you find, it’s best if you consider where you’re going to be using them.
Thicker soundproof pads are a greatpick if you have the room for them, and you don’t care that they stick out from the wall. If, however, if you have very little space to accommodate soundproof pads, you might not have to go with a slimmer version.
Patterns
Wedges and pyramids are common soundproof pads. If you prefer something unique, you can buy other patterns or even plain pads. Keep in mind that you don’t need to constrain yourself when it comes to picking a pattern; you can let your creative side come into play.
Patterns don’t impact the functionality of the soundproof pads. Therefore, the only parameter that you need to pay attention to is the aesthetic of the soundproof pads in your room.
NRC
NRC is an acronym for “Noise Reduction Coefficient.” This rating represents the amount of sound that the soundproof pads can help reduce. Soundproof pads with high NRC ratings reduce more soundwaves than soundproof pads that have a lower NRC.
You can usually identify the NRC rating on soundproof pads in the product description of any reputable brand. The only thing that you need to remember is that the higher the rating, the greater the sound absorption.
Quantity and Size
Soundproof pads are typically sound in packs, how many pads are in each pack can vary between different brands that you’re purchasing. Packs typically contain 6, 12, or 24 pads.
When you think about the size of the soundproof pads, you can usually expect your soundproof pads to be 1- or 2-square feet or have dimensions of 2×4 ft. The pad’s size doesn’t matter that much. It will, however, affect the time and workload involved in putting up the pads.
Before you purchase any soundproof pads, you should measure the wall that you’re soundproofing. This will provide you with a rough estimate of the size and number of pads that you should purchase.
Now, let’s talk about the top four best soundproof pads that you can buy on the market today.
Mybecca Acoustic Foam Wedge Panels
The Mybecca panels come in a 1”/2” thickness – this is great if you’re working in larger areas. Putting thinner panels over a large wall area helps reduce the muffling and distortion of sounds. Plus, the wedge shape helps trap noise, while also alleviating the flutter echo.
These panels are perfect for spot-treating vocal booths, control rooms, practice rooms, and production studios. Plus, you won’t have to worry about these foam wedges deteriorating or falling apart over time.
Pros:
- Great sound absorption
- Durable
- Comes in a 12 pack
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Not flame retardant
Foamily Pyramid/Egg Crate Panels
The pyramid shape of these panels helps provide amazing sound control over walls and ceilings. This type of paneling is recommended when you need high sound deadening. The Foamily Pyramid Panels will help alleviate the echo and noise in the room. If you’re soundproofing a studio, place them directly next to the speakers and directly behind the microphone or listener for better performance.
Pros:
- Comes in a 1-, 2- or 4-pack
- 2.5” thick
- Quick installation
- High NRC
Cons:
- Highly flammable
Foamily Decorative Acoustic Foam Panels
This is an interesting choice, design-wise. They are decorative, stylish, and extremely functional! They are in the design of large waves on the surface that you’re soundproofing. With that being said, these panels will be a great addition to your room’s décor. With this purchase, you get a modern design that looks appealing while also providing moderate sound reduction.
Pros:
- Comes in a 6 pack
- Moderate sound reduction
- 2” thick
- Unique wave design
Cons:
- Colors aren’t consistent in the pack
Mybecca Decorative Foam Panels
You get to choose the thickness of these panels: 2”-thick or 3”-thick foam. Aside from the thickness level of these panels, what differentiates them is their pattern. As far as looks go, you get to choose between tile shaped and wedge-shaped foam. You can even combine the two designs in one!
These panels are efficient and are intended to be used in entertainment areas, such as theaters, vocal booths, recording rooms, and recording rooms. While they’re most frequently used in professional settings, you can also utilize them in your game room, living room, and comparable places.
Pros:
- Comes in a 2 pack
- Unique wedge shape
- Can be applied to doors and walls
- High sound improvement
- 3” thick
Cons:
- Poor quality
Strictly speaking, it is actually more accurate to call soundproof foam/pads “acoustic foam” because foam isn’t truly soundproof.