Akupanels are designed not only to enhance the aesthetic of your space but also to improve acoustics by absorbing sound. Their performance varies depending on the mounting method and whether additional materials, like mineral wool insulation, are used.

Below, we’ll break down the practical and technical aspects of how Akupanels absorb sound.

Practical overview

  • Direct wall mounting (just screwed into the wall)
    Best for: Higher-pitched sounds like speech, clapping, and music details.
    Not ideal for: Low-frequency sounds (e.g., deep bass, rumbling, traffic noise).
    Ideal for: Reducing echo and enhancing speech clarity, making it great for offices and living rooms. Not the best solution for soundproofing low-end noise.
  • Mounted with air gap (no insulation)
    (Held out from the wall by 45mm wooden battens)
    Best for: Mid and high-frequency sounds like TV audio or conversations.
    Improvement in bass: Slightly better at absorbing lower frequencies compared to direct wall mounting.
    Ideal for: A subtle improvement in bass absorption, though still limited for deep sounds like bass-heavy music or traffic noise.
  • Mounted with mineral wool (best setup!)
    (Same 45mm gap, but filled with mineral wool behind the panel)
    Best for: Absorbing a wide range of sounds, from low bass to high-pitched tones.
    Ideal for: Home theaters, music studios, or any space that needs comprehensive sound control across all frequencies. This setup offers the best bass absorption and clarity across the full frequency spectrum.

What’s the best setup for you?

  • Want to reduce echo or make speech clearer? → Direct wall or air gap is perfect.
  • Want to absorb more bass and achieve full-room sound control? → Go with the mineral wool setup.

Technical overview:

For those seeking more detailed data, Akupanels' performance has been tested and quantified using absorption coefficients. Here’s the breakdown for different mounting setups:

  • Direct Wall Mounting
    (Attached directly to the wall/ceiling)
    • Peak absorption: Best at mid to high frequencies (1000 Hz to 2500 Hz).
    • Absorption Coefficients:
      • 1000 Hz: α = 0.85
      • 2000 Hz: α = 1.00
      • 4000 Hz: α = 1.00
    • Low frequency performance: α = 0.05 at 125 Hz (very limited bass absorption).
    • Absorption Class: D
  • Suspended with 45 mm Air Gap (No Insulation)
    (Held out from the wall by 45mm wooden battens)
    • Improved absorption: Mid and high frequencies, with slight improvement in lower mids.
    • Absorption Coefficients:
      • 500 Hz: α = 0.55
      • 1000 Hz: α = 0.85
      • 2000–4000 Hz: α = 1.00
      • 250 Hz: α = 0.20
    • Absorption Class: C
  • Suspended with 45 mm Mineral Wool (Best Setup!)
    (Same 45mm gap, but filled with mineral wool behind the panel)
    • Full-spectrum absorption: Excellent across all frequencies, including low bass.
    • Absorption Coefficients:
      • 125 Hz: α = 0.30
      • 250 Hz: α = 0.70
      • 500 Hz: α = 1.00
      • 1000 Hz: α = 0.95
      • 2000–4000 Hz: α = 0.80–0.85
    • Absorption Class: A

Summary of Best Frequencies Absorbed

  • Mid-to-high frequencies (500 Hz – 4000 Hz): These are well absorbed by all Akupanel setups.
  • Low frequencies (125 Hz – 250 Hz): These are best absorbed when mineral wool insulation is used. While the air gap mounting improves bass absorption, it is not sufficient for heavy bass reduction like rumbling noises.