How Much Acoustic Treatment Do I Need?

Why Room Treatment Matters

When sound hits a hard surface (drywall, concrete, glass), most of it bounces back. These reflections create:

• Echo and reverb: Sound lingers too long, making speech unclear
• Flutter echo: That "boing" sound between parallel walls
• Comb filtering: Weird frequency cancellations that color your recordings
• Muddy bass: Low frequencies pile up in corners

Acoustic panels absorb these reflections. The question is: how many do you need?

Treatment Coverage by Room Type

How to Calculate Treatment Area

Step 1: Measure Your Room

Get the length, width, and height in feet. For a typical 12' × 10' × 8' room:

• Walls: 2×(12×8) + 2×(10×8) = 192 + 160 = 352 sq ft
• Ceiling: 12 × 10 = 120 sq ft
• Total treatable area: ~470 sq ft

Step 2: Apply Your Coverage Target

For a home studio (30% coverage): 470 × 0.30 = 141 sq ft of panels

Step 3: Convert to Panels

Standard 2' × 4' panels = 8 sq ft each. So: 141 ÷ 8 = ~18 panels

Where to Put Acoustic Panels

Placement matters as much as quantity. Prioritize these locations:

1. First reflection points: Walls where sound bounces from speakers to your ears (use mirror trick to find them)
2. Behind speakers: Reduces bass buildup and boundary effects
3. Ceiling cloud: Above the listening position catches early reflections
4. Corners: Bass traps in corners handle low-frequency buildup
5. Rear wall: Absorption or diffusion depending on room depth

Types of Acoustic Treatment

Absorbers (Acoustic Panels)

Soft, porous materials that convert sound energy to heat. Best for mid and high frequencies. 2" thick handles down to ~500 Hz; 4" thick reaches ~250 Hz.

Bass Traps

Thicker absorbers (4"+) or specialized designs for low frequencies. Essential for corners where bass builds up. Often the most impactful treatment you can add.

Diffusers

Scatter sound instead of absorbing it. Keeps room lively while reducing harsh reflections. Good for rear walls and when a room feels too dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use moving blankets or mattresses?

They help somewhat, but they're inefficient. You'd need far more coverage to match proper acoustic panels. Fine for temporary or budget situations, not ideal for serious work.

Is acoustic foam good enough?

Thin foam (1-2") only absorbs high frequencies. It can make rooms sound worse by removing brightness while leaving bass untreated. Use proper rigid fiberglass or rockwool panels.

How do I know if I have enough treatment?

Clap your hands in the room. If you hear a distinct echo or flutter, you need more absorption. The RT60 calculator gives you a scientific target to aim for.

Can I have too much treatment?

Yes. Over-treated rooms feel uncomfortable and fatiguing. Dialogue sounds unnatural. Music loses energy. Aim for your target RT60, not "as dead as possible."