Shared Walls? Soundproof Your Apartment with MLV and Felt Panels

The Problem with Shared Walls in Apartments

Apartment living often means shared walls with neighbors—and that can bring unwanted noise: loud TVs, conversations, kitchen sounds, or even footsteps. Standard walls (brick, gypsum, or block) typically have STC ratings of just 35–40, insufficient for true privacy in modern apartments.


To fix this, use a layered soundproofing approach:

1. SoundBlanket® MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) to block airborne sound.

2. Echsorbix® Felt Panels to add surface-level absorption and aesthetic appeal.

Step 1: SoundBlanket® MLV – The Core Noise Barrier

Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a high-density membrane that blocks airborne noise like voices, TV, and music.

STC Ratings

2.5 mm → STC 29 (light control)

4 mm → STC 32 (ideal for apartments)

8 mm → STC 36 (premium-grade privacy)

Size & Density

32 x 4 ft rolls (10 m x 1.2 m)

Density: 2100 kg/m³ | ASTM/EN/ISO certified

Fire Rating: Class A

Installation

Mounted directly behind gypsum or plasterboard.

Minimal thickness addition (~4–8 mm).

Provides an airtight, seamless sound barrier.

Step 2: Echsorbix® Felt Panels – Acoustic Absorption + Aesthetics

After blocking noise with MLV, use felt panels to treat residual sound reflections inside the apartment.

NRC & Thickness

NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): 0.90 – absorbs mid/high-frequency noise.

Thickness Options: 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm

Design Choices

ColourMute™: Solid shades for modern interiors

Mirage: PET U-V groove designs with textured patterns

Canvas Prints: Custom graphic or printed designs for a decorative touch

Bonus Features

Panels double as pinboards for work-from-home setups or kids’ study areas.

System Performance (MLV + Felt Panels)

Wall STC Upgrade: From ~35 to 55+, meeting hotel-grade standards.

Internal NRC: Up to 0.90, reducing echo and improving comfort.

Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and shared-wall apartments.

Optional Add-On: BassBloc® for Low-Frequency Control

If you hear bass sounds or structural vibration (from music or appliances), add BassBloc® (20 mm, NRC 0.85) behind MLV for low-frequency absorption.

Case Study: Premium Apartment in Bangalore

Challenge:

Shared bedroom wall transmitted loud neighbor TV sounds.

Result:

Reduced audible noise by ~15 dB, restoring privacy and comfort.

Solution:

Installed SoundBlanket® MLV 4 mm (STC 32) behind drywall.

Added Echsorbix® ColourMute panels (NRC 0.90) in Ash Grey.

Additional Tips for Apartment Soundproofing

Seal Electrical Outlets

Noise leaks through wall cavities; use acoustic putty pads.

Door Seals

Install EPDM perimeter seals and bottom sweeps to block corridor noise.

Soundproof Curtains

Cover windows facing busy roads for added insulation.

FAQs

A: No. Panels absorb internal echo but don’t block external sound. Combine with MLV for isolation.

A: MLV (4 mm) + felt (9 mm) adds only ~13–15 mm total, preserving space in apartments.

A: MLV and felt panels can be retrofitted or removed with minimal wall impact—ideal for rented apartments.

Conclusion: Apartment Privacy Made Simple

SoundBlanket® MLV + Echsorbix® felt panels deliver an effective, space-saving solution for shared walls, turning noisy apartments into quiet, private sanctuaries.

Contact MMT Acoustix today for apartment-specific soundproofing packages using ASTM-certified MLV and NRC-ra