Do Soundproofing Curtains Really Work?
Jun 20, 2022I have always been skeptical about using "soundproofing" curtains. In this video I show you the research and science behind the marketing so you can make an informed decision on if these curtains are right for your studio or home.
Why The Name "Soundproofing" Is Misleading
Soundproofing requires that you use mass, create an airtight room, and reduce the transmission of sound through the materials of your wall. Curtains can do none of those things, so they really should not be called soundproofing curtains. What they can do is absorb sound. It is better to think of these curtains as acoustic curtains and you should use them to reduce reflections in your home studio or your house, but not to eliminate sound from entereing or exiting because they won't do that.
Should You Use Soundproofing Curtains Or Acoustic Panels
So if soundproofing curtains don't really soundproof then the next question is how well do they absorb sound compared to acoustic panels you hang on the wall or could put in front of your windows?
To answer that question we need to look at two different charts that you can see below.
This chart is the test results for the quiet curtains found at https://www.acoustic-curtains.com/curtains/sound-blocking/. Notice the absorption coefficient column and notice how the highest number it reaches is 0.72. With absorption coefficients you want a higher number because it means more sound is being absorbed.
Not let's look at Owens Corning 703, the most commonly used insulation for buidling acoustic panels.
Notice how the absorption coefficeints for unmasked ownes corning 703 is higher across every frequency when compared to the curtains. This means acoustic panels are superior to acoustic curtains when it comes to sound absorption.
Conclusion
I would put acoustic panels in your window cavity if you are working in a recording studio. This will reduce reflections in the lower frequencies, which is important when recording and listening back to music.
If you simply want to deaden the sound in your home then the curtains will work well, however I don't think the curtains will do too much to reduce the amount of sound coming through your window. It may help, but it won't be a drastic difference.
If you want to learn more about how to soundproof your window then take our free soundproofing workshop at the link below.
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