Thursday, June 28, 2018

Guilford of Maine Acoustic Fabrics


If you are interested in adding some color to your acoustic panels, there are plenty of options – good and bad. Taking your favorite designs or materials from the local fabric store and wrapping your acoustic panels will likely take away from the paneling’s ability to absorb sound properly, putting you right back where you started. That’s why at SoundAway we specialize in the Guilfordof Maine line of acoustic fabrics. Guilford of Maine is a versatile line of fabrics that look great without affecting the efficacy of your acoustic panels.  So, we’ve decided to let you in on why Guilford of Maine fabrics are the right choice for all of your acoustic projects.



An important aspect of any acoustic fabric is that it doesn’t negate the properties of your acoustic panels. Guilford of Maine fabrics are acoustically transparent, meaning they allow sound to travel through the fabric so your panels can do their job. Sound waves may reflect from other fabrics or materials that will not reduce noise levels or help control reverberations, in fact, it may exacerbate the noise issue. Guilford of Maine’s acoustically transparent design incorporates woven textures to create a breathable material that allows sound to pass through with minimal resistance.

Guilford of Maine’s diverse styles and colors gives you virtually endless options for customization. The vivid colors choices will enhance the interior of any room and you can print designs directly onto the fabrics including landscapes or your brand logo. These fabrics can be cut into any shape and be applied using an adhesive or stapled to your panels. The material is woven in a way that prevents sagging while maintaining its acoustically transparent properties. 

The Guilford of Maine FR701, Anchorage, and Paradise fabrics are their most popular lines and are perfect for a multitude of applications. All are made from 100% recycled, Class A fire-rated polyester that’s lightweight, resistant to stains, and engineered to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. These fabrics can be easily cleaned with a light vacuuming or brushing with deeper cleaning delicately performed using water-based cleaning agents.

Whether you’re wrapping wall panels or making speaker grill covers, our Guilford of Maine fabrics incorporate the most important features to create a truly unique and versatile solution for all of your acoustical needs. These acoustical fabrics are safe for every member of your family, made in the USA from quality, recycled materials, and built to last!

What are your favorite solutions for wrapping acoustic panels? Share your thoughts, stories, and tips in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Friday, June 1, 2018

SONEX Panels

Whether we notice it or not, every room sounds differently. The way sound reverberates around a room is unpredictable and controlling it requires a range of solutions based on room size, building materials, and a host of other factors. Luckily, SONEX has created acoustical panels with a wide selection of shapes and styles to accommodate any room. SONEX open cell foam acoustic panels are designed with a porous structure engineered to trap sound rather than reflect it. This allows for increased control over the acoustics of any room like never before and gives you the ability to reduce sound transmissions quickly, efficiently, and without breaking your budget. So, we’ve decided to break down the different types of SONEX panels to help you better understand what they are and why you should choose them.


Classic Panels

The SONEX Classic Panel is exactly what the name infers: a basic acoustical panel that can be used in almost any room ranging from large industrial facilities to the smallest bedroom. The unique design of this classic panel offers a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ranging from 0.85 to 1.10, which means it absorbs practically all sound that passes through it. Since it’s made from open cell, melamine-based foam, the pattern of the panels is used to convert your neighbor’s loud music into quiet kinetic energy. These panels can reduce noises across all frequencies but are most effective in blocking those between 500 to 1,000 Hz. If you’re just looking for a simple sound reduction option, you can’t go wrong with this multi-use panel.

SONEX Pyramids

The dynamic SONEX Pyramid Panel offers a pattern that’s a little sharper than the others. Just like the name implies, these panels are designed in a pyramid pattern that focuses on acoustic control. The attractive, modern look is great for gaining acoustic control in architectural projects, conference rooms and any other large multipurpose room. In addition to its high level of sound-absorption (with an NRC of 0.70 to 0.95), the pyramid panel doubles as a way to give unique texture to the walls, making the room more interesting. Pyramid panels are ideal for reducing sounds that are between 250 and 2,000 Hz. These panels are the perfect option for those looking for an acoustic controlling technique that offers a little more funk.

SONEX Valueline

If you need an effective acoustical panel that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the SONEX Valueline is the answer to your prayers. This line of acoustic panels is especially great for those who are looking for an efficient reduction of noises like echoes and reverberations that can hinder speech clarity. While offering an extremely affordable option, this Valueline panel is still able to provide an NRC of up to 1.05! These panels are especially great for absorbing sounds ranging from 500 to 1000 Hz, which are the most common frequencies that often get in the way of clear communication.

Valueline panels are perfect for students living in dorm rooms or apartment complexes where thin walls often allow annoying noises to seep through. Not only are these great for small-scale applications, but they’re also effective in public facilities such as schools, offices and gymnasiums because of their fire-retardant and mold-resistant qualities. If you’re looking for efficiency at a fraction of the cost, these are the panels for you.

Rondo Baffles

One of the most unique panel designs is most certainly the SONEX Rondo Baffles. These acoustical baffles are made for both aesthetics and functionality. Most often used in large rooms, these cylindrical rods can be put on ceilings or walls to change the visual dynamic of an entire room while greatly reducing noise reverberations. Sure to make quite the statement, rondo baffles are low-density and flexible; however, they still offer strong fire resistance and heat shielding qualities. These panels are the premium option for those who want to spend the extra money for their visual appeal. Made to significantly improve the sound quality of any room, this design easily makes an impression on anyone who sees them.

Changing the acoustics of a room can truly transform the ambiance from a distracted, stressful environment to a calm, focused one. Tranquility is worth a great deal, especially in today’s fast-paced world. SONEX panels are the perfect solution for quickly remedying all of your acoustical challenges.

What are your best tips for soundproofing your home or office? Share your thoughts in the comments below!