Acoustic Insulation vs Soundproofing Membranes: What’s the Difference?
Why Understanding This Difference Matters
Why Understanding This Difference Matters
In the world of noise control, acoustic insulation and soundproofing membranes are often mistakenly used interchangeably. While both improve acoustic comfort, they serve different purposes and must be used together for effective noise control in homes, offices, studios, and commercial projects.
Acoustic Insulation: Absorption and Internal Comfort
Acoustic insulation is designed to absorb sound energy within a space, preventing echo and reverberation.
Key Characteristics:
Function
Controls internal reflections and improves room clarity.
Performance Metric
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Measures how well a material absorbs sound.
Material Types
Mineral Wool: High-density (96 kg/m³), used in fabric panels and wall cavities.
Echsorbix® Felt Panels (PET): NRC 0.90, ideal for offices, gyms, nightclubs.
Acoustic Foam Panels: NRC 0.90, perfect for studios and theatres.
Where It’s Used
Offices & Conference Rooms: To improve speech clarity.
Studios & Theatres: For echo-free recordings and playback.
Gyms & Nightclubs: To control loud music and reflections.
Soundproofing Membranes: Isolation and Noise Blocking
Soundproofing membranes focus on blocking sound transmission between spaces.
Key Characteristics:
Function
Stops noise transfer through walls, ceilings, and floors.
Performance Metric
STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures how much sound is blocked.
Material Example SoundBlanket® MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl)
STC Rating: 27–40 (2–10 mm thickness).
Size: 32 x 4 ft rolls for seamless wall integration.
Fire Rating: ASTM Class A, non-toxic, flexible.
Where It’s Used
Apartment Shared Walls: To block neighbor noise.
Bedrooms on Noisy Streets: To stop traffic sounds.
Boardrooms & Confidential Offices: For speech privacy.
Studios & Theatres: To isolate sound between rooms.
Key Differences at a Glance
Aspect
Acoustic Insulation
Soundproofing Membrane
Purpose
Absorbs sound (reduces echo)
Blocks sound (stops transmission)
Performance Metric
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient)
STC (Sound Transmission Class)
Material Examples
Felt panels, fabric panels, acoustic foam
SoundBlanket® MLV, resilient channels
Best For
Internal clarity and reverberation control
Privacy, external noise isolation
Installation
On room-facing surfaces (visible)
Hidden within walls, floors, or ceilings
How They Work Together
True noise control requires both solutions:
Soundproofing Membrane (MLV):
Installed inside walls or ceilings to block external noise.
Acoustic Insulation (Felt/Foam):
Applied on the surface to absorb internal reflections and reduce echo.
Example: Apartment Bedroom Facing a Busy Road
MLV (STC 32): Installed behind walls to block traffic noise.
Echsorbix® Felt Panels (NRC 0.90): Inside room to absorb echo.
Result: Quiet, echo-free, hotel-grade acoustic comfort.
Case Study: Luxury Home Theatre in Mumbai
Challenge:
Sound leakage and internal echo in a premium home theatre.
Result:
Achieved cinema-grade sound isolation and crystal-clear audio.
Solutions
Installed SoundBlanket® MLV (4 mm, STC 32) behind walls.
Added BassBloc® (20 mm, NRC 0.85) for low-frequency damping.
Finished with fabric-wrapped panels (NRC 0.90) for internal acoustics.
FAQs
A: No. It only reduces echo inside your room. Soundproofing membranes (MLV) are needed for blocking noise.
A: Neither is “better”—they address different issues. Use STC-rated MLV for isolation and NRC-rated panels for internal clarity.
A: Yes. MLV + Felt panels can be installed on existing walls with minimal disruption.
Conclusion: Combine Both for Complete Silence
Acoustic insulation (NRC) and soundproofing membranes (STC) work hand-in-hand. While MLV blocks outside noise, felt panels and foam create echo-free interiors. Together, they deliver professional-grade acoustics for apartments, offices, studios, and premium projects.
Contact MMT Acoustix today for ASTM-certified MLV and NRC-rated panels tailored to residential, corporate, and commercial needs
Why Understanding This Difference Matters
In the world of noise control, acoustic insulation and soundproofing membranes are often mistakenly used interchangeably. While both improve acoustic comfort, they serve different purposes and must be used together for effective noise control in homes, offices, studios, and commercial projects.
Acoustic Insulation: Absorption and Internal Comfort
Acoustic insulation is designed to absorb sound energy within a space, preventing echo and reverberation.
Key Characteristics:
Function
Controls internal reflections and improves room clarity.
Performance Metric
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Measures how well a material absorbs sound.
Material Types
Mineral Wool: High-density (96 kg/m³), used in fabric panels and wall cavities.
Echsorbix® Felt Panels (PET): NRC 0.90, ideal for offices, gyms, nightclubs.
Acoustic Foam Panels: NRC 0.90, perfect for studios and theatres.
Where It’s Used
Offices & Conference Rooms: To improve speech clarity.
Studios & Theatres: For echo-free recordings and playback.
Gyms & Nightclubs: To control loud music and reflections.
Soundproofing Membranes: Isolation and Noise Blocking
Soundproofing membranes focus on blocking sound transmission between spaces.
Key Characteristics:
Function
Stops noise transfer through walls, ceilings, and floors.
Performance Metric
STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures how much sound is blocked.
Material Example SoundBlanket® MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl)
STC Rating: 27–40 (2–10 mm thickness).
Size: 32 x 4 ft rolls for seamless wall integration.
Fire Rating: ASTM Class A, non-toxic, flexible.
Where It’s Used
Apartment Shared Walls: To block neighbor noise.
Bedrooms on Noisy Streets: To stop traffic sounds.
Boardrooms & Confidential Offices: For speech privacy.
Studios & Theatres: To isolate sound between rooms.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Acoustic Insulation | Soundproofing Membrane |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Absorbs sound (reduces echo) | Blocks sound (stops transmission) |
| Performance Metric | NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) | STC (Sound Transmission Class) |
| Material Examples | Felt panels, fabric panels, acoustic foam | SoundBlanket® MLV, resilient channels |
| Best For | Internal clarity and reverberation control | Privacy, external noise isolation |
| Installation | On room-facing surfaces (visible) | Hidden within walls, floors, or ceilings |
How They Work Together
True noise control requires both solutions:
Soundproofing Membrane (MLV):
Installed inside walls or ceilings to block external noise.
Acoustic Insulation (Felt/Foam):
Applied on the surface to absorb internal reflections and reduce echo.
Example: Apartment Bedroom Facing a Busy Road
MLV (STC 32): Installed behind walls to block traffic noise.
Echsorbix® Felt Panels (NRC 0.90): Inside room to absorb echo.
Result: Quiet, echo-free, hotel-grade acoustic comfort.
Case Study: Luxury Home Theatre in Mumbai
Challenge:
Sound leakage and internal echo in a premium home theatre.
Result:
Achieved cinema-grade sound isolation and crystal-clear audio.
Solutions
Installed SoundBlanket® MLV (4 mm, STC 32) behind walls.
Added BassBloc® (20 mm, NRC 0.85) for low-frequency damping.
Finished with fabric-wrapped panels (NRC 0.90) for internal acoustics.
FAQs
A: No. It only reduces echo inside your room. Soundproofing membranes (MLV) are needed for blocking noise.
A: Neither is “better”—they address different issues. Use STC-rated MLV for isolation and NRC-rated panels for internal clarity.
A: Yes. MLV + Felt panels can be installed on existing walls with minimal disruption.
Conclusion: Combine Both for Complete Silence
Acoustic insulation (NRC) and soundproofing membranes (STC) work hand-in-hand. While MLV blocks outside noise, felt panels and foam create echo-free interiors. Together, they deliver professional-grade acoustics for apartments, offices, studios, and premium projects.
Contact MMT Acoustix today for ASTM-certified MLV and NRC-rated panels tailored to residential, corporate, and commercial needs