The primary purpose of soundproof blankets is to make an area quieter by reducing unwanted sounds. They are commonly used in recording studios, offices, and homes. In industrial settings, sound blankets can be used with other noise control systems that help reduce noise pollution, making the work area safer for employees and more comfortable for nearby communities.
In this article, we’ll discuss how sound blankets work, the benefits of soundproofing blankets, and whether these blankets are worth installing.
How Do Soundproofing Blankets Work?
Soundproof blankets are made from dense, sound absorbing materials that dampen sound waves. These blankets use a combination of thickness and weight to block sound.
Additionally, soundproof blankets are made with specialized layers. The multiple layers of a sound blanket are designed to trap and dissipate soundwaves. Some sound dampening blankets feature quilted stitching, which increases sound absorption by creating pockets that disrupt sound waves. Others may be designed with texture patterns that can scatter and diffuse sound.
Materials in Sound Blankets
The materials of soundproofing blankets are what makes them effective, and they come with both sound absorption (reducing echo within a space) and sound blocking (preventing noise from traveling between spaces). Here, we cover a few of the most common materials found in sound dampening blankets.
Fiberglass
One of the most common materials in soundproof blankets is fiberglass. Fiberglass products are great at absorbing sound waves. It has a fibrous structure that disrupts sound vibrations, reducing the amount of noise that passes through.
Cotton and Wool
Natural fibers like cotton and wool are often used in soundproof blankets due to their sound absorbing ability. These materials are especially effective at dampening mid-to-high-frequency sounds, and they add softness to the blanket.
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is a heavy, flexible material made from vinyl and metal particles. It gives sound dampening blankets better soundproofing by adding mass. This is key to blocking low-frequency sounds like bass or machinery hums, making MLV a popular choice for industrial-grade soundproof blankets.
Foam
Acoustic foam can sometimes be layered into soundproof blankets to help absorb sound. It works well in capturing high-frequency sounds, making it great for studios or home use.
Common Uses for Soundproof Blanket
Soundproof blankets can be used to reduce noise in many different settings. Here, we cover a few of the most common ones.
Recording Studios
Soundproof blankets can be used in recording studios to reduce noise interference and control reverberation. They are often hung on walls, ceilings, and doors to help musicians and audio engineers capture clean, high-quality recordings.
Home Studios
Soundproof blankets are an affordable way to reduce background noise and echo for home studios used for things like video and podcasting. They are easy to hang and adjust, allowing content creators to improve the quality of their audio without expensive remodels.
Meeting Rooms
Soundproof blankets are sometimes used in open offices to create temporary barriers that reduce distractions. They can also be placed around meeting rooms to contain sound for privacy.
Industrial Sites
Employees who must listen to excessively loud noise are at risk of hearing damage since loud noises can hurt the nerves in a person’s ear over time. On construction sites or in factories, soundproof blankets help to control noise from heavy machinery, benefiting both workers and the surrounding community. These blankets can be hung around noisy equipment or placed along fencing. This reduces the negative impacts of noise on people who live and work nearby.
Theaters
Soundproof blankets can be used in places like theaters, music venues, and rehearsal areas to prevent sound bleed. This improves sound quality and prevents disturbances to nearby areas.
Limitations of Soundproofing Blankets
While soundproof blankets are effective for noise reduction, they do have certain limitations that may mean other noise barrier options are better. Here, we cover a few of their limitations.
Partial Sound Reduction
Soundproofing blankets reduce mid-to-high-frequency sounds, such as voices or ambient noise, but may be less effective at blocking low-frequency noises like heavy bass or machinery hums.
Bulk and Weight
To be effective, soundproof blankets must be thick and dense, making them bulky and somewhat heavy. This can make them challenging to install or adjust, particularly in larger spaces where multiple blankets are required.
Aesthetic Impact
Soundproof blankets often lack aesthetic appeal. Their utilitarian look may not blend well in professional or residential settings where appearance is a priority.
Requires Correct Installation
Soundproof blankets must be hung correctly, covering the entire surface of the wall, window, or door with no gaps. Even small gaps can allow sound to pass through, limiting the blanket’s effectiveness.
Not a Complete Substitute
Soundproof blankets are good at absorbing sound but are often best used alongside other noise control systems in professional settings. Studios and theaters, for example, may need more than just the blankets to get the results they’re looking for.
Are Soundproof Blankets Worth It?
For people in creative fields, such as musicians, podcasters, and content creators, soundproof blankets help improve audio quality by reducing background noise and controlling reverberation. In industrial and construction settings, these blankets can reduce noise pollution and help comply with safety standards, benefiting both workers and nearby residents. For those in residential or shared spaces, soundproof blankets can improve privacy and help keep things quiet, all without the need for expensive structural changes.
While soundproof blankets may sometimes need to be used in conjunction with other noise control systems like ceiling baffles and acoustic screens, they’re typically a great way to reduce noise levels. Given their affordability, these blankets are a worthwhile investment.
Learn More About Singer Safety’s Sound Blankets
Soundproof blankets are a smart investment for anyone looking to reduce unwanted noise in a simple, cost-effective way. Their versatility makes them a great solution for places where permanent soundproofing isn’t practical or for those who need a temporary fix.
At Singer Safety, our noise control systems reduce noise in many different settings. We’re proud to offer products made from only the highest quality materials that are durable enough to suit even the toughest needs. We carry both standard and custom noise control options. Contact us today to learn more.
