Absorbers vs Barriers

When you’re not really sure what solution you’re looking for you usually search for “soundproofing”. We receive calls that sound like “how do you make this oxygen air compressor quiet?” Or Is there a way to soundproof my office?

People are convinced that soundproofing foam, sound absorbing foam or soundproofing panels are the “cure all”. Well, doesn’t foam stop sound?  No. Foam doesn’t “stop” sound. It absorbs echo. This is a common misconception that follows confusion when OEM’s and everyday people are looking for sound solutions for their next project.  Let us help you understand the difference and which one is best for your next project.

What is an Absorber?

First, let’s determine what an Absorber does. Sound absorbers are porous materials used to line hard sound-reflective surfaces to reduce airborne noise. Airborne noise is a sound that is transmitted through the air, typically generated by

• Speech
• Television and Radio
• Animal Sounds
• Transport

In construction, you typically find structure-borne noise which is transmitted through a solid structure, such as steel, wood, concrete stone etc. Once the sound strikes the material, the sound energy is dissipated as heat. Typical absorbers used are acoustical foams and fibers. At Technicon Acoustics we produce absorbers that are acoustical foams and fibers for both functional and aesthetic purposes with a wide variety of foam or non-woven absorbing materials. Common examples of sound absorbers are open cell foam and polyester fibers. To determine the amount of material necessary to reduce the noise, our engineering team uses our Acoustics Lab to ensure there are no gaps, cracks or leaks to allow sound to escape from the enclosure.

What is a Barrier?

Barriers (soundwall, noise wall) are slightly different than absorbers because they are used to block noise transmitting from one location to another. A Sound Barrier is a Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) used to reduce the amount of airborne sound transmitting through a wall, 

floors, ceilings etc.

While Barriers are heavy as lead, they usually aren’t that thick. This allows the MLV to improve Sound Transmission Loss without taking up space; like at a Construction Site. Barriers can be wrapped or be used with other material like our Thermal Solution Product Tech Shield.

*Keep in mind, that noise can be absorbed by sound absorbers or blocked by a barrier. We can also reduce structure-borne noise that causes vibrations using our Damping Material. *

Common Uses for Sound Barriers

• Machine enclosures

• Engine compartments

• Firewalls

• Bulkheads

• Cab floors

• Pipe Wrap

To view, our case studies and additional applications go to www.techniconacoustics.com or if you just have more questions. Click to request a chat with the Sales Team.