Frequently Asked

Questions

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General Questions

Acoustic Basics

Product Features

Installation Guide

Care & Maintenance

Customization Options

Orders & Shipping

Support & Troubleshooting

If you have a question that you don't see answered below, please feel free to contact us.

General Questions

How long will it take to receive my order?

Delivery times vary depending on your location and shipping method. Generally, orders are processed within 1-3 business days, with shipping times ranging from 3-7 days.

Can I return or exchange an item if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, we offer a hassle-free return and exchange policy. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply contact us within 30 days for a refund or exchange. To learn more, please visit our Returns page.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, we ship internationally to many countries. Shipping rates and delivery times vary depending on your location. Please note that additional customs fees may apply. Please contact us before placing your order.

How can I track my order?

Once your order has shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this tracking number to monitor the status of your delivery online.

Can I cut the acoustic foam to fit my space?

Absolutely! If our standard sizes don’t meet your needs, we can custom-cut the foam to your specifications. Alternatively, you can trim the foam yourself using a sharp carving knife or an electric knife for precision.

How do I apply acoustic foam to the wall or other surfaces?

We recommend using our spray adhesive, available in the Accessories section of our website, for secure installation.

Temporary Hold: Apply a light mist of adhesive to the foam and press it onto the surface.
Permanent Hold: Apply a generous (but not saturating) layer of adhesive to both the foam and the mounting surface. Allow the adhesive to become tacky before firmly pressing the foam into place and holding it for 1–2 minutes.

For concrete surfaces, ensure they are free of loose particles before applying the foam.

Note: Even with temporary applications, some adhesive residue may remain or cause paint removal based on the surface type. Prolonged mounting increases this risk. Soundbox Depot is not responsible for any damage caused during the application or removal process.

Can I mount the foam without adhesive?

Soundbox Depot offers a variety of acoustic panels, including wedge, pyramid, and egg crate shapes, each with unique sound-absorbing properties. We also provide bass traps and corner pieces for additional low-frequency absorption. For recommendations, please contact our team.

Acoustic Foam

What is acoustic foam, and how does it work?

Acoustic foam is a specialized open-cell foam that improves sound quality by absorbing sound waves and reducing echo. Unlike soundproofing, which blocks sound, acoustic foam helps control sound within a space by managing reflections and reverberations. This makes it ideal for recording studios, home theaters, and offices where sound clarity is crucial.

Does acoustic foam completely soundproof a room?

No, acoustic foam reduces echo and reverb but does not block outside noise. For complete soundproofing, additional methods like adding mass-loaded barriers or structural changes are required. Our panels are excellent for enhancing room acoustics, making sound clearer within the space.

What are the different types of acoustic foam offered by Soundbox Depot?

Why does the shape of acoustic foam matter?

Each shape disperses and absorbs sound differently. Wedge panels are highly effective at mid-to-high frequencies, while pyramid shapes provide multidirectional absorption. Egg crate foam is versatile, suitable for general noise reduction. We recommend combining shapes for a balanced acoustic setup.

What do I need to stop sound from traveling through a wall?

While acoustic foam can help reduce sound transmission through walls to some extent, its primary function is to enhance sound clarity within a room by controlling reflections and echoes. For example, fully covering walls with our 4-inch wedge foam may block around 20–30% of sound passing through the wall.

If you need greater soundproofing, you’ll need to construct a "room within a room" with air gaps and multiple physical barriers. Materials like our Polyethylene Roll or Neoprene Foams are excellent choices for creating these layers in your build.

How much acoustic foam do I need?

The amount of foam required depends on your application and the style of sound you’re working with. As a general rule:

Temporary Hold: Apply a light mist of adhesive to the foam and press it onto the surface.
Permanent Hold: Apply a generous (but not saturating) layer of adhesive to both the foam and the mounting surface. Allow the adhesive to become tacky before firmly pressing the foam into place and holding it for 1–2 minutes.

Pro Tip: Start with moderate coverage and add more as needed to fine-tune the acoustics.

Where should I place wedge, pyramid foam, and bass absorbers?

Corner Bass Absorbers:

Place two absorbers in each corner, starting at the ceiling and working downward. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, you can space them out evenly, ensuring the top absorber touches the ceiling and the bottom touches the floor.

If corner placement isn’t possible, use the ceiling or floor junctions.
For corners that are not 90 degrees, consider using our Male/Female Broadband Absorbers, which can be placed similarly to bass absorbers.

Wedge and Pyramid Foam:

Begin installation from the ceiling and work downward, focusing on areas where sound originates. For most applications, foam panels don’t need to extend more than 2–3 feet from the floor.

Panels perform equally well when mounted horizontally, vertically, or at a 45-degree angle.
For a more visually appealing setup, try alternating the foam’s pattern in a checkerboard style if complete deadness isn’t required.

Product Specifications and Features

What is NRC, and why is it important?

NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient, a rating that measures how effectively a material absorbs sound. Materials with higher NRC ratings absorb more sound, helping to reduce echoes and improve acoustics.

At Soundbox Depot, we determine NRC ratings using the Reverberation Room Method (ASTM C423):

Panels are tested in a specialized chamber with hard concrete surfaces.
Sound absorption is measured across frequencies from 125Hz to 4000Hz.
The NRC rating reflects the average absorption for key frequencies (250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz, and 2000Hz).

The higher the NRC rating, the better the sound absorption, making our panels ideal for both professional and home applications.

Wait, so then what does STC mean?

STC stands for Sound Transmission Class, a rating that indicates how well a material blocks sound from traveling through walls or barriers. The STC rating is calculated using the ASTM E413 testing method:

Sound is measured in a "source" room and compared to sound in a "receiver" room, separated by the material being tested.
The difference in sound levels across various frequencies determines the material's STC rating.

Keep in mind that real-world STC performance may vary based on application and installation. This makes it important to consider environmental factors when choosing materials for soundproofing.

Are the NRC and STC ratings of Soundbox Depot panels tested?

Yes! Our panels are rigorously tested to ensure reliable NRC and STC ratings, providing clear guidance for your acoustic treatment and soundproofing needs.

DISCLAIMER:

While Soundbox Depot provides suggestions based on our expertise, every space and situation is unique. For critical acoustic projects, consult a sound professional or conduct detailed testing tailored to your specific needs.

Are Soundbox Depot panels fire-resistant?

Yes, our panels meet ASTM E84 standards, ensuring safe usage in various environments. This compliance is ideal for recording studios, offices, and home installations. We always advise checking your local fire codes, especially for commercial spaces.

What happens if fire is exposed to your studio acoustic foam?

Our acoustic foam is designed to smolder and smoke when exposed to fire, but it will not burst into flames. Once the fire source is removed, the foam burns slowly and has a high likelihood of self-extinguishing.

Important Note: We strongly advise against exposing our products to extreme heat or fire and do not recommend performing any fire-related tests at home. Soundbox Depot is not liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the misuse or improper handling of our products.

Can Soundbox panels be used in humid or outdoor areas?

Acoustic foam is designed for indoor use, as high humidity can affect durability and performance. For spaces with potential moisture exposure, we recommend using a dehumidifier or climate control to preserve panel integrity.

Note:

To better understand acoustic terminology and their meanings, visit our Glossary for a comprehensive list of terms commonly encountered in your search for effective sound treatment.

Installation and Setup

How should I mount my Soundbox panels?

Our panels are designed for straightforward installation. We recommend using either spray adhesive, double-sided mounting tape, or hook-and-loop strips for secure application. Please follow our Installation Guide, or reach out for specific advice based on your wall material.

Can I cut or trim the foam to fit my space?

Yes, our foam can be cut using a utility knife or electric carving knife for a precise fit. Be cautious during cutting to ensure clean edges and maintain sound-absorbing properties. Custom sizing is also available by request for unique projects.

Where should I place acoustic foam for the best results?

Placement depends on your room’s setup and acoustic goals. For recording or broadcasting, place panels at primary reflection points, typically along walls opposite sound sources and on ceilings above. Additional bass traps in corners help manage low frequencies. Contact us for layout guidance based on your specific room.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How do I keep my panels clean?

To maintain your panels, gently brush or vacuum them regularly. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as moisture may damage the foam. For any persistent dust, use a soft bristle brush attachment on your vacuum.

Will the foam degrade over time?

With proper care, Soundbox panels are designed for longevity. Our high-quality materials are durable and retain their sound-absorbing qualities for years when kept indoors and free from excessive moisture or sunlight.

Customization Options

Can I paint or customize the color of my panels?

While painting is not recommended due to its potential impact on sound-absorbing properties, our panels come in various colors to match different aesthetics. For custom color requests, please reach out to explore available options.

What if I need custom sizes or bulk orders?

We offer custom sizing and bulk order discounts to meet unique project requirements. Contact our sales team to discuss options for custom orders and to receive a personalized quote.

Order, Shipping, and Returns

How long does shipping take?

Orders typically ship within 1-3 business days, and transit times vary by location. We provide tracking information with each order. Visit our Shipping Policy page for detailed timelines and additional information.

What is your return policy?

We want you to be fully satisfied with your purchase. If you’re not happy with your panels, we accept returns within 30 days of purchase, provided the items are in new condition. See our Return Policy for full details.

Do you offer international shipping?

Currently, we ship within the U.S. For international requests, please contact our customer service team, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Troubleshooting and Additional Support

My foam panels don’t seem to be sticking—what should I do?

If your panels are not adhering properly, ensure the mounting surface is clean and dry before applying adhesive. If you’re using double-sided tape, heavier panels may require additional tape or hook-and-loop strips for extra support. Contact us for specific recommendations based on your setup.

Can I use acoustic foam for more than just studios?

Yes, acoustic foam is highly versatile and suitable for home theaters, conference rooms, open-office spaces, and more. Soundbox Depot panels help improve sound clarity in any setting by managing unwanted echoes and reverberations.

Still have questions?

Our support team is here to assist! Whether you need help with product selection, installation guidance, or custom solutions, we’re ready to help you create the perfect acoustic environment.