Have you realised that you need to set up a recording studio in your home? Are you are a musical recording or voiceover artist? If so, having a home studio can make life far easier and save you hours of travelling to a commercial studio. Hosting your own radio program or recording a podcast requires a home studio or at least a room with the right sound quality to provide professional quality audio. While many people understand the need for quiet during a recording session, it is easy to forget that the shape of a room and even the amount of furniture in the space can alter the audio properties of the space. Fitting acoustic panelling is the best solution when you must improve the acoustic properties of your room.

Where should your acoustic panelling be placed?

Some people wonder whether they need to cover all of their room with acoustic panelling, but in most cases, that is unnecessary. You could fit panelling to either the ceiling or walls as needed, but only rarely would everything need to be covered. Too much acoustic panelling is often detrimental to sound quality, providing a flat, dull tone that removes much of the vocal richness. Choosing the right type of panelling will depend on precisely how you use the room. People who do their work standing or sitting in one spot can probably restrict the acoustic panelling to that one area. Those who work with a group of people and need to be able to move around or accommodate different instruments may find gobos or moveable baffles to be a more practical option. They can surround the artist while they are working and be moved elsewhere as needed. You should reduce the amount of panelling when you fit bass traps in addition to acoustic panelling.

How thick should the acoustic panelling be?

Acoustic panelling is designed to absorb sound, but you don't want to make the panelling too thick or else it will absorb too much sound. Often, you will find that a thickness of up to 10 centimetres is sufficient, although this will depend on many factors, including the shape of the panelling that you fit. Acoustic panelling can be bought with various finishes and in different shapes as well. All of these differences can affect sound quality, so it is best to have an experienced professional undertake sound tests in your home before you think about buying acoustic panelling. They will be able to advise you on the best solution for your room.