Examples of Sound Blocking

When trying to reduce equipment noise, most people simply say they want it “quieter” without knowing how much reduction theyactually need. These audio clips demonstrate what different decibel reductions actually sound like using real machine noise — so you can hear the difference, not just read about it.

🔊 Machine Noise (Original)
This is the unaltered recording of the machine at full volume. It serves as the reference sound to compare against the reduced versions.

🔉 3 dB Reduction
Slight Change. A 3 dB drop reduces the perceived volume by about 18%. This change is minimal and only slightly noticeable to the average ear.

🔉 6 dB Reduction
Clearly Noticeable. Reducing the noise by 6 dB results in roughly a 34% decrease in perceived loudness. Most people can easily hear the difference at this level.

🔉 10 dB Reduction
Sounds Half as Loud. A 10 dB reduction cuts the perceived sound by 50%. This is a significant drop that makes the machine sound much quieter.

🔉 20 dB Reduction
Major Difference. With a 75% decrease in perceived volume, this level of reduction delivers a dramatic change and makes the machine sound far less intrusive.

How To Choose A Barrier Based on The Type of Noise

High-pitched (high-frequency) and low-pitched (low-frequency) sounds behave very differently, and different materials are more effective for each

✅ Best for High-Pitched Sounds (High Frequencies – 1000 Hz and up)

Think: Saws, grinders, drills, alarms, air compressors

▶ Quilted Sound Panels (with fiberglass or foam absorbers)

• These are highly effective for high-frequency sounds.
• The quilted fiberglass layer absorbs high-frequency sound waves very well — with NRC ratings around 0.75–0.85.
• Absorptive materials are ideal for reducing echo and reverberation caused by sharp, high-pitched noises.

Why?
High-frequency sounds have short wavelengths that are easily absorbed by porous materials like fiberglass, mineral wool, or open-cell foam. Quilted panels trap these sound waves and convert them into heat.

✅ Best for Low-Pitched Sounds (Low Frequencies – below 500 Hz)

Think: Generators, diesel engines, HVAC systems, pile drivers

▶ Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)

• This dense, flexible material is excellent at blocking low-frequency sound.
• MLV doesn’t absorb sound — it reflects and impedes it due to its high mass per square foot.
• 2 lb/ft² MLV is more effective at stopping low-pitched rumble than lighter alternatives.

▶ Thick Quilted Panels with MLV Core (Hybrid)

• For best results, use quilted sound blankets that contain an internal MLV layer.
• These combine absorption (for high frequencies) and mass (for low frequencies).

Why?
Low-frequency sound waves have long wavelengths and more energy. They pass through lightweight materials easily and are hard to absorb. High-mass materials like MLV resist the movement of these waves, making them more effective for blocking bass-like rumble.

Summary

Key Benefits

• Less expensive than rigid walls
• Can be taken down quickly when not needed
• Can be re-purposed in other areas
• Ability to purchase more sound curtains and attach to existing curtains
• Divide work areas quickly
• Industrial curtains improve worker safety
• the Easy to clean with slick surface of Vinyl
• Meet OSHA safety requirements that relate to loud noises
• Lifetime warranty on all hardware and 5 year warranty on the sound curtains

Common Layouts

AKON can supply just about any layout you can think of. Below are some common styles. They can be single sided, double-sided, triple sided, four-sided or multiple straights to create complete enclosures. You simply inform AKON about your desired design and we will have it fabricated exactly as you need it. For customized layouts, sketch your design and upload it using our online RFQ form. See button below.

Common Questions

I can't decide if I should use mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) or quilted panels.
Use MLV if your priority is to keep noise from escaping the area and you are not worried about it bouncing back to source. Use quilted panels if your goal is to reduce noise within the area for workers, visitors or nearby operations. For optimal results, some clients combine both materials: MLV for perimeter fencing and quilted panels near the actual noise sources.

How might these panels cut noise?
Comprising soft, porous, open-celled materials, the panels absorb sound waves, therefore lowering ambient noise levels and reverberation duration. In many different work settings, this improves output and communication.

Are the panels custom-made?
The industrial soundproofing panels are both standard and custom-made. We use as much material as we can for your project, which is standard and stocked, then for a small fraction of your project, we custom-cut the material to make it a perfect fit. This gives you an industrial sound-blocking wall or enclosure that is made to your exact size while keeping your cost lower.

Are the panels fire-rated?
Yes, the quieted soundproofing industrial panels are class A fire rated per ASTM E-84.

Industrial quilted sound panels are what?
Made from fiberglass or another porous substance, flexible, fabric-faced acoustic remedies called industrial quilted sound panels are In industrial and commercial settings, they are intended to absorb and block sound, therefore lowering echo, reverberation, and general noise levels.

What materials make up these panels?
Fiberglass batting's basic width ranges from 1" to 2". The facings are made from nonwoven porous scrim, silicone-coated fiberglass, or vinyl-coated fiberglass fabric. For durability and looks, diamond or straight stitch patterns, and for maximum sound shielding, some panels also have mass-loaded vinyl barriers inside per special request.

Are they outdoor-useable?
Some panels, with their weather-resistant facings like silicone-coated fiberglass, are meant for outdoor use. Still, it's important to confirm the particular product's fit for outside uses by asking your AKON agent.

How are these panels mounted?
Hanging from ceilings or walls is done with grommets that are installed on the panels.

• For retractable uses, mount them on AKON curtain track rolling rails (also used for static mounting).
• For smooth connections between panels, we can provide Velcro edges.
• We can also supply the panels in bulk roll form, which is very handy for lining enclosures or wrapping around machinery.

Is the curtain track method only for retractable sound panels?
No, in fact, most of the installations that use the AKON industrial curtain track for the industrial sound-blocking panels have them in a static position. The track makes drop-down from above or freestanding installations much easier.

Can they be rated for high temperatures?
Yes, we can change out the fabric so that it uses a high temperature sound blocking material, which is ideal for machines or processes that produce high heat. Just ask your AKON representative.

How should I keep these panels neat and maintained?
Maintenance is simple by performing frequent dusting or vacuuming, with spot cleaning stains with a light detergent. Steer clear of strong chemicals that might compromise the face material. For particular cleaning advice, you can ask your AKON representative.