Home Theater Soundproofing
What You're Missing by Not Having Home Theater Soundproofing
In recent years, home theater systems and big-screen HDTV's have exploded in popularity.
Like any true entertainment guru knows, the ultimate entertainment experience is a home theater. It's your own private area for you to enjoy your favorite TV show. It's where you gather the family for movie night.
But it's also the reason others are complaining about the ear-splitting noise of special effects, heard all throughout the house. And while the picture may be crystal clear, the sound isn't. After you've invested in the space, you don't want to lose your joy because you notice it doesn't sound as good as it looks.
What Home Theater Soundproofing Can Do for You
Home theater soundproofing products:
- Keep loud sounds inside the room, so you don't bother other family members in the house
- Prevent outside noise from coming in, keeping you where you should be: in the movie
- Improve sound quality within the home theater itself, so the sound quality matches the picture quality
Unfortunately, 99% of home theater buyers don't think about acoustics until they actually sit down to watch their first movie or game.
Each home theater configuration has its own acoustical challenges. But most can be met with one of two types of products: Home theater soundproofing or sound absorption materials.
Home Theater Soundproofing and Sound Absorption: What's the Difference?
Sound is like water. It doesn't have a shape or form, but molds itself to its surroundings. And like water, sound can be absorbed by some materials and contained by others. Click here to learn more sound basics.
Home Theater Sound Absorption Products soak up sound. They absorb sound waves and prevent them from bouncing back off the walls. They improve the quality of the sound within the home theater. Click here to learn more sound absorption basics
Home Theater Soundproofing Products trap the sound. They contain the sound within the theater, making it impossible for the sound to move to other parts of the house. They also stop unwanted sound from entering the theater. Click here to learn more soundproofing basics.
How Do I Know which Type of Home Theater Soundproofing I Need?
Here's an easy 2-step process to determine which you need:
Step 1: Identify WHAT the problem is.
Is your wife constantly asking you to turn down the volume so she can sleep? Is the movie sound muffled and not clear? Do you hear outside traffic noise while trying to watch your favorite flick?
Step 1: Identify WHERE the sound is coming from that you want to fix.
Do you want to fix the sound of the theater? Or do you want to fix the sound outside the theater?
Sound absorption products increase the sound quality of the home theater.
Home theater soundproofing products stop sound from entering or leaving.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Home Theater Soundproofing Needs
Home Theater Sound Absorption Products
Sound absorption materials stop noise from bouncing off the walls and back into the space. This means the quality of your sound system is improved.
The result? You enjoy your movies more. You take full pride in your home theater.
To be able to compare the performance of different sound absorption products, we rate them by how much sound they can take in. This rating is called NRC, which stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient. Click here to learn more about NRC ratings.
Sound absorption products are typically mounted to the walls as an Acoustic Panel or hung from ceilings as an Acoustic Baffle.
Since the look of your home theater is important, these products are a good fit because they can match any décor. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and designs that can blend with or enhance the look of your home theater.
Click on product titles for more details.
Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels
These panels appear decorative but are really working hard to improve sound quality and speech clarity. Made of a lightweight fiberglass core, they are covered by a soft designer fabric. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are available as a wall panel or a baffle that can be hung from the ceiling.
Features & Benefits:
Superior Acoustic Performance - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are our premium sound absorption product that can be used anywhere reverberation (echo) is an issue. Our acoustic panels will improve speech intelligibility, improve production and improve any listening or recording environment. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels absorbs noise generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. Basic hand tools and a limited amount of construction know-how is all that is needed to ensure a proper installation.Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels can be cut or trimmed on the job site with simple hand tools. Our Acoustic Panels can be mounted permanently with adhesive or temporarily with Hook & Loop or Z-Clips.
Durability - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are available with resin hardened edges or, for areas with high traffic, aluminum framing. The fiberglass core of our acoustic panels is firm and resists impacts well; however, we offer an impact-resistant model for areas with high traffic.
Excellent Flammability Rating - Our Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels have a Class A™ flammability rating. This product passes most building code flammability requirements for exposed materials.
Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foam
Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are a premium grade, sound absorption, studio foam product for applications requiring a Class A™ flammability rating. They are designed to improve sound quality within a studio or recording environment by reducing reverberation (echo). Excellent acoustic performance combined with a variety of architectural textures, sizes and colors offers endless design potential. Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are for environments where sparks or other hot materials may come in contact with the material. Due to its excellent flame resistant qualities, it’s perfect for areas where large numbers of people congregate.
Features & Benefits:
Engineered for performance - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foam absorbs sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies and has an equal to or higher Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) then polyurethane anechoic products.
Quality - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are made with high quality melamine foam. The foam is consistent in density and firmness so acoustic performance will also be consistent.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are light weight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed.
Not just for Professional Studios - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams can be used almost anywhere reverberation (echo) is an issue and heat or potential sparks are a concern. This product is heat resistant to 482°F and is able to withstand constant temperatures up to 320°F.
Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam
Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam is an acoustical, flame resistant foam covered with flame resistant, non-woven fabric. It is a noise absorbing acoustic panel that is used to improve the acoustics within a room by minimizing reverberation (echo) within the low, middle and high frequencies. Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam is a Class “A” fire rated product and will meet or exceed most building code flammability requirements.
Features & Benefits:
Excellent Acoustic Performance - Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam can be used almost anywhere reverberation (echo) is an issue. Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam absorbs sounds generated at low, mid and high frequencies and has an equal to or higher Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) then fabric wrapped fiberglass products.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam is light weight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. Basic hand tools are all that is needed to install this product.
Value - With an array of vibrant colors available, Soft Sound® Fabric Covered Foam can be used to achieve the desired acoustic result while improving the aesthetic value of a space. Choose the fabric color that best matches your existing decor.
Soft Sound® Studio Foam
Soft Sound® Studio Foams are designed to improve sound quality within a studio or recording environment by reducing reverberation (echo). Our Soft Sound® Studio Foams are professional grade sound improvement products for use in commercial or home recording / listening settings. Excellent acoustic performance combined with a variety of architectural textures, sizes and colors offers endless design potential. Soft Sound® Studio Foams are designed to absorb sound from low to high frequencies and will improve the sound quality of any environment that suffers from poor acoustics. Soft Sound® Studio Foams are available with a Class A™ flammability rating that will pass most building code requirements for exposed materials. All of our Studio Foam products are made with the highest grades of acoustic foam.
Features & Benefits
Engineered for performance - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are manufactured with a variety of textural patterns that increase surface area, ultimately increasing the acoustic performance. Soft Sound® Studio Foams absorb sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Quality - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are made with flexible, professional grade acoustic polyurethane foam. The foam keeps its color better and longer then other lower quality foams. Soft Sound™ Studio Foams are firmer then other studio foam products on the market which adds protection against rips or tears.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are light weight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed.
Personalization - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are available in a variety of colors and sizes. Choose the color that best matches your personal décor.
Home Theater Soundproofing Products
Home Theater Soundproofing products trap sound. They keep sound you want in the theater and the sound you don't want out. This means your action movies aren't waking your family members.
The result? Sound is kept where it should be and your movies aren't interrupted.
There are four common approaches used to soundproof a Home Theater. The four ways are: adding mass, increasing or adding air space, decoupling or creating a structural break within the wall assembly, and adding sound absorption material within the wall/ ceiling cavities. Click here to learn more soundproofing basics.
To be able to compare the performance of different home theater soundproofing products, we rate them by how much sound they can block. This rating is called STC, which stands for Sound Transmission Class. Click here to learn more about STC ratings.
The most effective home theater soundproofing is having two parallel surfaces that do not touch. Sound waves die out in the air between the two surfaces and cannot be heard from the other side.
But homes aren't usually built this way. So we invented the next best thing, IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System.
IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System minimizes the points of contact between studs and drywall, shutting down the movement of sound from one room to another.
Another way to block sound is to put thick, dense sheets of vinyl behind drywall or inside insulation. These sound blockers force noise energy to bounce back and stop it from leaking out the other side.
IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System
IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System is one of the most effective products to block sound. With its Complete Sound Isolation System, it creates a structural break within the wall/ceiling, isolating the sound. Also, IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System adds airspace, improving its overall soundproofing performance. This product requires a basic understanding of common construction techniques.
Features & Benefits:
Ease of Installation - isoTRAX™ Soundproofing System requires a basic understanding of common construction techniques. This product was engineered for the do-it-yourselfer and contractor alike.
Affordable - One package covers up to 64 SqFt. Total installed cost is lower than comparable soundproofing systems. Everything you need to soundproof your environment is included and delivered to your door.
Versatility - isoTRAX™ Soundproofing System will reduce sound transfer on existing and newly constructed walls or ceilings. isoTRAX™ Soundproofing System can be installed on wood or steel studded walls.
Fast Shipping - Most orders placed before 3pm during weekday operation hours ship the same day and typically arrive at your door 1 to 3 days later.
Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material
The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible material dampens sound energy. It can be used behind drywall in wall and ceiling assemblies or sandwiched between existing and new drywall. It can also be used under flooring.
Features & Benefits:
Dual soundproofing function - The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible nature dampens sound energy, giving improved acoustic performance over competitive rigid products.
Value - Pound for pound, Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material products have better noise reduction characteristics than steel and other building materials.
Low Profile - Valuable square footage is maximized. Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is only 1/4 inch thick, saving space and money.
Variety - Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is available in a variety of lengths and widths. Also, Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is available with a peel-and-stick pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.
In-stock - We stock all advertised sizes and configurations of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material in large quantities. Most products are shipped the same day they are ordered and arrive at your project in 3 business days. Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.
Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation
Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is a premium acoustical and thermal insulator. A tight friction fit between wood and metal studs minimize the movement of sound and heat from one space to another.
Features & Benefits :
Excellent Sound Absorption Performance - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation absorbs sound within wall and ceiling cavities, reducing the sound transfer from one space to the next. Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation has the highest NRC obtainable of 1.00.
Environmentally Friendly - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is manufactured with 80% recycled natural cotton fibers.
Easy to Install - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is friction-fit between 16 inch and 24 inch on center studs and does not require any special tools to install. Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation can be used between wood or steel studs.
Easy to Handle - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is itch-free and does not contain formaldehydes or other harmful chemicals.
Energy Savings - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation helps keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Floor Joist Isolator
Floor Joist Isolators are a U-shaped isolation product constructed from a medium density thermoplastic which is designed to isolate vibration and structural noise transmission. This product is used to create a floating floor system, which is a key component in constructing high-performance home theaters, residential and professional-grade studio environments. This product will reduce noise from airborne sources, such as voices, TV's and stereo equipment as well as structural borne sources, such as footfall and floor mounted monitors. Floor Joist Isolators improve a flooring assembly's Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) by decoupling the flooring from the structural supports which provides a reduction of sound transmission, especially the hard to control low frequency sounds. The Stud Beam Isolators are sized to fit any 2X lumber product, are very easy to install, and are best used for new construction when floor joists are exposed.
Features & Benefits:
Good Soundproofing Performance - Floor Joist Isolators are attached to floor joists in order to structurally isolate floor surfaces, including substrates, from the structural support elements. They are a cost effective product that reduces sound transmission through floor or ceiling assemblies. Floor Joist Isolators are perfect for applications that use the "Box in a Box" or "Room in a Room" construction methods commonly used when building a professional home theater or recording studio environment.
Quality - Floor Joist Isolators are made from a medium density thermoplastic that is commonly used to make vibration isolation feet or vibration damping pads for large industrial machinery. The raw material is a time tested vibration isolating material.
Ease of Installation - Floor Joist Isolators are friction fit over any wood with a 2 inch width (actual width equals 1.5"). No messy glues or adhesives are needed to install is product. No tools required!
Cost Effective Soundproofing - Floor Joist Isolators are our most cost effective sound isolation product due to the ease of installation. Labor costs are minimal to install this product.
Light Weight and Low Profile - Floor Joist Isolators are designed to provide effective soundproofing performance with minimum added weight and thickness. The low profile maximizes valuable square footage.