Understanding Acoustics: Absorption vs. Soundproofing

Absorption ≠ Soundproofing

Why that echo disappears—but your neighbor’s dog doesn’t

People often mix up sound absorption with soundproofing. And we get it — both involve sound, walls, and a desire for peace and quiet. But they serve two very different purposes.

Let’s make this simple:

Sound Absorption: Softens the Inside
Imagine sound as water. Absorption is like placing sponges around the room. The water doesn’t vanish—it gets soaked up, slowed, and tamed.

That’s what our panels do. They reduce echo, soften reflections, and help rooms feel quieter, more focused, more intentional. It’s about what stays in the room and how it behaves.

Think of it like clapping your hands in a gallery versus a forest. Absorption turns harsh bounce into soft hush.

Soundproofing: Keeps Sound Out (or In)
Soundproofing is about barriers—stopping sound from entering or escaping a space. It’s mass-loaded walls, sealed doors, floating floors. It’s not what our panels are made for.

You could cover your studio with felt panels, and still hear the scooter outside. Why? Because they’re designed to tune within, not shield from without. 

However, covering your space with felt will help you alleviate some of the noise outside. Because outdoor noise gets blurred and amplified as it reflects off hard walls. When reflections are dampened and your brain hears the original source more clearly, without layers of reverb.

Sound Absorption and Mental Fatigue

Absorptive materials don’t just change how a room sounds—they change how it feels. Rooms with too many hard surfaces can make every sound bounce, layer, and build up—creating an invisible noise burden that leaves us irritated or exhausted.

By softening these reflections, sound absorption reduces cognitive load. It becomes easier to tune out street noise, focus on a conversation, or simply feel calm in your own space. It’s not magic—it’s physics (with a mental health bonus).

Why We Focus on Absorption

We make acoustic panels for people who care how a room feels.
Musicians. Designers. Listeners. People who want clarity, calm, and beauty in the same space.

Our panels shape how sound moves—how it dances, rests, and disappears.
Not how it stays out. That’s a different craft.

So if you're struggling with echo, muddiness, or sonic distractions inside your space — our panels are here to help. 

If you're trying to totally block out construction noise or a neighbor’s karaoke session… you might need something heavier.

“Absorption doesn’t mute the outside world—but it helps you stop fighting it.”

Want to reshape your room’s soundscape without building a bunker?
Explore our absorption-first collections — and let your space breathe beautifully.