For some background, I live in an apartment with an L-shaped living room as my listening room. The front wall is plaster/drywall, the back wall is concrete. Open on the left side, windows with curtains on the right side. I have a NAD M33 running Dirac Live. Two subs. The sound was quite good, but I had some issues with reverberation. Also, the speakers and my head are a bit too close to the walls, so there are - I assume - boundary effects in the 100-300 Hz region. This is what I wanted to fix.
Why slats? I first considered conventional acoustic absorbers from RPG, GIK, etc. Maybe mounted behind the speakers and behind the sofa where my listening position is. However, I was troubled by uncertainty about how effective they would be - at least in my use case. Besides, I find this kind of panels extremely ugly... Then somehow I came across slats. You can find a number of these slat panels on the internet, marketed as acoustic panels. Mine are from Fibrotech. The panels are 9 mm thick felt mats with slats in MDF glued on. A test sample I ordered looks like this:
Panels like this don't seem to be much discussed for audiophile purposes compared to conventional absorbers. The few discussions I have seen have been mixed. Anyway, even if they would not be as effective, they cover more wall - and look a lot better. So I figured that even if they would end up doing nothing for the acoustics they would look good enough to be worth it. Here is how my living room looks now:
OK, enough talk, lets see some measurements. Here is a graph of the RT60 before and after (Topt is shown):
The only things that changed from before to after are the wall panels. The position of furniture, mic, etc. are essentially the same. Dirac Live was used with the exact same filters for comparison. As you can see, the region from about 300 Hz and upwards has significantly reduced decay time. Now it doesn't exceed much above 500 ms.
Here is the frequency response (both measurements are volume adjusted to roughly 75 dB on the REW SPL meter):
Unfortunately, the troublesome region from 100-300 Hz is still troublesome, or maybe slightly less so. I'll know more when I get around to re-running Dirac and do the sub integration again from scratch. (The response looks somewhat bass heavy, but actually it doesn't sound as bad as it looks.)
And here are left and right speaker ETC curves:
So how does it sound subjectively? First of all the level of sound is lower. I need to turn up the volume a bit to play at the same perceived level. This makes sense to me, because some sound energy is removed by the absorption. Second, reverberation is perceivably lower. I would subjectively describe it as being "closer to the music" - especially for vocals. This also makes sense, I guess, since reverberation may be associated with large rooms, thereby distance. Finally, I think I can hear more details now, like in drumming and other "rapid impulse bursts". The first two of these effects, I feel certain to pick out in a blind test - the third, I *think* I would, but I don't know.
To conclude, I'm very happy with my new slat wall panels. They look good, and I think they solved at least some of my acoustic problems. They may be slightly less effective than conventional absorbers, but they work. My impression is that they are not highly regarded by audiophiles, but I really don't understand why. I think at least they should be in the toolbox.
OK, that's it. I hope this was useful.
Recently, I installed some acoustic panels in my listening room of the "slat wall" type, and I took the opportunity to make some before-and-after measurements. I'm posting it here as a service to the community, in case it is of interest.For some background, I live in an apartment with an L-shaped living room as my listening room. The front wall is plaster/drywall, the back wall is concrete. Open on the left side, windows with curtains on the right side. I have a NAD M33 running Dirac Live. Two subs. The sound was quite good, but I had some issues with reverberation. Also, the speakers and my head are a bit too close to the walls, so there are - I assume - boundary effects in the 100-300 Hz region. This is what I wanted to fix.Why slats? I first considered conventional acoustic absorbers from RPG, GIK, etc. Maybe mounted behind the speakers and behind the sofa where my listening position is. However, I was troubled by uncertainty about how effective they would be - at least in my use case. Besides, I find this kind of panels extremely ugly... Then somehow I came across slats. You can find a number of these slat panels on the internet, marketed as acoustic panels. Mine are from Fibrotech. The panels are 9 mm thick felt mats with slats in MDF glued on. A test sample I ordered looks like this:Panels like this don't seem to be much discussed for audiophile purposes compared to conventional absorbers. The few discussions I have seen have been mixed. Anyway, even if they would not be as effective, they cover more wall - and look a lot better. So I figured that even if they would end up doing nothing for the acoustics they would look good enough to be worth it. Here is how my living room looks now:OK, enough talk, lets see some measurements. Here is a graph of the RT60 before and after (Topt is shown):The only things that changed from before to after are the wall panels. The position of furniture, mic, etc. are essentially the same. Dirac Live was used with the exact same filters for comparison. As you can see, the region from about 300 Hz and upwards has significantly reduced decay time. Now it doesn't exceed much above 500 ms.Here is the frequency response (both measurements are volume adjusted to roughly 75 dB on the REW SPL meter):Unfortunately, the troublesome region from 100-300 Hz is still troublesome, or maybe slightly less so. I'll know more when I get around to re-running Dirac and do the sub integration again from scratch. (The response looks somewhat bass heavy, but actually it doesn't sound as bad as it looks.)And here are left and right speaker ETC curves:So how does it sound subjectively? First of all the level of sound is lower. I need to turn up the volume a bit to play at the same perceived level. This makes sense to me, because some sound energy is removed by the absorption. Second, reverberation is perceivably lower. I would subjectively describe it as being "closer to the music" - especially for vocals. This also makes sense, I guess, since reverberation may be associated with large rooms, thereby distance. Finally, I think I can hear more details now, like in drumming and other "rapid impulse bursts". The first two of these effects, I feel certain to pick out in a blind test - the third, I *think* I would, but I don't know.To conclude, I'm very happy with my new slat wall panels. They look good, and I think they solved at least some of my acoustic problems. They may be slightly less effective than conventional absorbers, but they work. My impression is that they are not highly regarded by audiophiles, but I really don't understand why. I think at least they should be in the toolbox.OK, that's it. I hope this was useful.
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Welcome To The JMT Trade Blog
As we increasingly spend more time indoors, whether in our homes or office spaces, the importance of creating a comfortable and pleasant environment cannot be overstated.
One often overlooked aspect of interior design is the acoustics of a room, which can greatly impact our overall experience and well-being.
In this post, we will explore the use of slat wall panels as an effective and stylish solution for enhancing acoustics in any space.
With their unique design and versatile applications, slat wall panels not only improve the sound quality but also elevate the visual appeal of a room, making it an ideal choice for homeowners and professionals alike.
So, let's delve into the world of slat wall panels and discover how they can transform your space into an acoustically pleasing haven.
Are Slat Wall Panels Good for Acoustics?
Yes, slat wall panels are indeed good for acoustics.
These panels are designed to effectively absorb and diffuse sound waves, leading to improved sound quality within a room.
They are particularly useful in spaces where echo and reverberation can be problematic, such as large living areas, open-plan offices, or home theatres.
By enhancing the acoustic properties of a room, slat wall panels can significantly contribute to a more comfortable and pleasant environment.
Additionally, they are available in various styles and materials, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your interior design.
Overall, slat wall panels are an excellent choice for those looking to improve the acoustics of their space without compromising on aesthetics.
Where Can You Buy Slat Wall Panels for Acoustics?
You are in the right place.
We have designed and crafted our own range of stylish acoustic wall panels.
Click here to view our in-house range of Wood Slat Acoustic Wall Panels.
The Wilson decorative acoustic wall panels enable you to infuse your home or workplace with an added dimension of interior design, comfort, texture, and warmth in any room.
Each of our Wilson wall panels is sustainably sourced, sound-dampening, and available in a variety of colours.
All Acoustic panels are available in a single size: mm x 573mm x 19mm.
Our Wilson Wall panels are equipped with a 9mm-thick acoustic backing layer, comprised of PET fibres containing up to 60% recycled content (recycled PET bottles).
When installed directly onto a solid wall, these panels offer noise absorption in accordance with ISO , boasting an aw value of 0.25.
What Are the Benefits of Slat Wall Panels?
Slat wall panels offer numerous benefits for both the aesthetics and functionality of a room.
They are a versatile solution that can improve the acoustics, appearance, and atmosphere of any space.
When it comes to acoustics, slat wall panels are highly effective in reducing sound transmission and echo.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels.
By breaking up sound waves and absorbing excess noise, they create a more peaceful and comfortable environment.
This is particularly valuable in spaces where sound quality is crucial, such as home cinemas, recording studios, or busy offices.
In addition to their acoustic advantages, slat wall panels contribute to the overall design and feel of a room.
They are available in various colours, textures, and materials, allowing you to customise the look to suit your personal style or match existing décor.
The panels can be installed in creative patterns, making them an eye-catching and stylish feature in any space.
Moreover, slat wall panels provide a practical way to enhance the atmosphere of a room.
By adding warmth and texture, they can transform an otherwise plain space into a more inviting and cosy area.
Their visually appealing design can also enhance the perceived value of a property.
In summary, slat wall panels are a multifaceted solution for those looking to improve both the acoustics and aesthetics of a room, making it a more comfortable and enjoyable space for all.
How Do You Install Slat Wall Panels?
Installing slat wall panels is a relatively straightforward process that can be accomplished with some basic tools and a bit of DIY know-how.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you install slat wall panels in your space:
- Measure and plan: Begin by measuring the dimensions of the wall where you intend to install the slat wall panels. Sketch out a plan, taking into account the size and layout of the panels, ensuring they fit well and achieve the desired pattern or design.
- Gather materials and tools: You will need the following materials and tools for the installation: slat wall panels, mounting brackets or cleats, screws or nails, a drill, a level, a tape measure, a pencil, a saw, and safety gear such as gloves and goggles.
- Prepare the wall: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and free of any debris or dust. If necessary, repair any damage or imperfections on the wall surface before proceeding.
- Mark and attach mounting brackets: Following your plan, use a pencil and a level to mark the locations of the mounting brackets or cleats on the wall. Drill pilot holes at these marks, and then securely attach the brackets using appropriate screws or nails.
- Cut panels to size (if necessary): If your slat wall panels need to be trimmed to fit the wall, measure and mark the required dimensions on the panels. Use a saw to carefully cut the panels to size, ensuring a clean and straight edge.
- Attach panels to brackets: Starting from one corner of the wall, align the first panel with the mounting brackets, ensuring it is level. Secure the panel in place using screws or nails, making sure they are flush with the surface of the panel. Repeat this process for the remaining panels, ensuring they fit tightly together and maintain the desired pattern.
- Check for level and alignment: As you progress with the installation, periodically check that the panels are level and correctly aligned with one another. Make any necessary adjustments before moving on to the next panel.
- Finish and clean up: Once all the panels have been installed, double-check the alignment and level of the entire installation.
Wipe down the panels to remove any dust or debris, and your slat wall is now ready to use.
By following these steps, you can successfully install slat wall panels in your space, enhancing both the acoustics and aesthetics of the room.
Final Notes On Using Slat Wall Panels for Acoustics
Slat wall panels are an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the acoustics and aesthetics of a room.
They effectively absorb and diffuse sound waves, reducing echo and reverberation, and contribute to a more comfortable and pleasant environment.
With their stylish design, slat wall panels can be customised to suit various interior styles and transform a space into a more inviting and cosy area.
The installation process is straightforward and can be accomplished with basic tools and DIY skills.
By incorporating slat wall panels into your home or office space, you'll be taking a significant step towards creating an acoustically pleasing and visually appealing environment for everyone to enjoy.
Click here to see our Contemporary TV Media Wall Panels.
More Great Advice From the JMT Trade Blog
Author - Phil Tuddenham
Philip Tuddenham is the force behind JMT Trade Ltd. Philip stepped into the family business in , and has taken JMT to new heights.
He has decades of expertise and experience in designing, manufacturing and installing kitchens, bathrooms, domestic and commercial furniture.
In , Philip broadened JMT's horizons. Introducing new ranges and diversifying into new territories such as media walls and school furniture.
While embracing this innovation, JMT remained true to its origins, continuing to provide excellent bedrooms and bathrooms.
Under Philip's leadership, the company continues to uphold its long-standing tradition of exceptional customer service and high-quality products.
The company is the world’s best Sound Absorption Material supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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