Sound Absorption vs Soundproofing

If you're trying to reduce noise in a space—whether it's a home theatre, classroom, or office—you’ve probably come across the terms sound absorption and soundproofing. They sound similar, but they do very different things. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right solution for your needs.

What’s the Difference?

Soundproofing stops sound from travelling between rooms. This is useful when you want to block outside noise or keep sound in—like stopping traffic noise from entering a room, or preventing music from escaping a theatre.

Sound absorption improves how sound behaves inside a room. It works by reducing echoes and reverberation, which makes speech clearer and environments more comfortable. This is where acoustic panels come in—they absorb unwanted sound reflections.

Where Do Acoustic Panels Fit In?

Sontext offers a range of acoustic panels designed to absorb sound—not block it. They're great for improving clarity, reducing noise build-up, and making rooms feel more comfortable. Here’s a quick guide:

• Serenity Fabric Panels: Made with glasswool and a fabric finish, ideal for offices, meeting rooms, and theatres.
• Decrasound Polyester Panels: Lightweight, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly—great for schools, desks, or open-plan spaces.
• Murano Timber Panels: Combine acoustic function with timber aesthetics—perfect for restaurants, auditoriums, and public halls.

Do I Need Soundproofing or Absorption?

If you want to stop noise from getting in or out of a space, you’ll need soundproofing—this often involves construction materials like plasterboard or dense barriers.

But if your goal is to reduce echo, improve speech, or lower general noise levels in a room, sound absorption is the way to go. That’s where Sontext’s acoustic panels are most effective.

Often, a combination of both is needed—like soundproofing a home cinema, then adding acoustic panels inside to improve the sound quality.

Where to Use Sound Absorbing Panels

• Offices: Improve concentration and privacy with Serenity panels or Decrasound desk dividers.
• Classrooms: Help students and teachers hear clearly with ceiling clouds and polyester wall panels.
• Restaurants: Create a more relaxed atmosphere using Murano Timber Panels on walls or ceilings.
• Home Theatres: Add fabric wall panels or Serenity bass traps to reduce echo and fine-tune the sound.

Need Help Choosing?

If you're not sure which solution is right for your project, contact the Sontext team or call +61 3 9432 2733. We’ll help you get the right mix of products for your acoustic needs—whether you’re absorbing sound or keeping it out.