Tips and Tricks for Using VocalBoothToGo acoustic blankets (Sound blankets)
Acoustic blankets are a highly effective and affordable alternative to traditional acoustic foam. In other articles, we explore the cost-effectiveness of using acoustic blankets versus foam, their superior acoustic performance, and their wide range of applications. However, this article was inspired by a question from a DVX user forum:
"I haven’t been able to get much feedback on this subject. Does anyone have tips or tricks for using sound blankets?"
While acoustic blankets may seem like a simple product, when used correctly, they offer greater value than acoustic foam. Contrary to the misconception that blankets are just a "cheaper" alternative, they are a professional-grade solution used by high-budget productions, including Century 21 Studios, HBO, and other film and music studios globally.
So, how can you make the most out of acoustic blankets? Here are some expert tips on using VocalBoothToGo acoustic blankets effectively.
USING ACOUSTIC BLANKETS IN A HOME RECORDING STUDIO
One of the most popular uses for sound blankets is in home recording studios. When setting up your studio, there are two main goals: soundproofing to reduce external noise, and minimizing reflections, reverberations, and standing waves to achieve a "dead" sound. This is where acoustic blankets become invaluable.
Tips for Turning an Entire Room into a Studio:
- ORDER MORE BLANKETS THAN YOU THINK YOU'LL NEED.
When determining the number of blankets, don’t aim for exact surface coverage. Blankets aren’t precisely cut like foam panels, and after binding, they lose an inch or two. Additionally, the blankets fluff up, reducing their dimensions slightly, and if dry-cleaned or washed, they may shrink further. A blanket advertised as 180 x 200 cm could end up around 178 x 190 cm in practice.
- CREATE AN AIR GAP BETWEEN THE BLANKET AND THE WALL.
When hanging blankets, ensure there's a 5 - 7,5cm air gap between the wall and the blanket. This simple trick increases sound absorption by around 40%. For example, the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of VocalBoothToGo sound blankets is 0.8 when hung 7,5cm off the wall, but only 0.5 when laid flat against it.
- ROUND OFF THE CORNERS.
Instead of following the sharp angles of a room’s corners, allow the blanket to form a natural curve. This technique helps to break up long sound waves and reduce standing waves, improving the overall acoustics.
- PLEAT THE BLANKETS.
Hanging blankets in pleats adds extra layers, enhancing their ability to absorb low frequencies. For instance, flat VocalBoothToGo sound blankets have an NRC of 0.8, but when pleated, this increases to 0.95, primarily due to improved low-frequency absorption.
- DON’T FORGET THE CEILING.
The ceiling and floor are often overlooked when treating a room acoustically. While thick carpets can suffice for the floor, the ceiling can be easily covered with a blanket, secured using thin nails and washers. Allow the blanket to sag slightly to create air pockets for improved sound absorption. Avoid screws, as they can damage the blanket fabric.
- COVER THE DOORWAY.
Use wall track mounts to cover doorways, making the blankets easy to move aside when not in use.
Turning a Section of a Room into a Studio
This is where acoustic blankets shine over foam. With a ceiling track kit, you can easily hang blankets to enclose a section of the room for recording and move them aside when not in use. You can even divide a room in half or enhance a closet studio with this versatile solution.
Using ceiling tracks, you can create a flexible recording space that’s there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.
CORNER BASS TRAPS
Acoustic blankets can also serve as effective corner bass traps. Since corners tend to accumulate low-frequency waves, hanging blankets with deep pleats in the corners alters the room's geometry and helps diffuse and absorb sound. While more testing is needed, initial results suggest that deep pleats can increase bass absorption dramatically.
When folded with at least 30cm deep pleats, we believe the blankets could outperform traditional bass traps. Further testing is required for conclusive results.
STAGE SOUND ABSORPTION BLANKETS FOR LIVE BANDS
Acoustic blankets are also an excellent choice for live performances in smaller venues, offering portable sound treatment without taking up stage space. Musicians have reported significant improvements in sound quality, especially in venues with problematic acoustics, where hanging blankets on the back wall has effectively eliminated issues like “slapback” echoes.