Each type may have specific acoustic requirements to achieve the optimum balance of sound absorption and reflectivity. There are numerous reasons for this, depending upon such variables as the main purpose of the space, the size of the interior or the wall and ceiling lining materials.

Achieving the appropriate balance across the frequency range is usually critical for high quality sound reproduction. If a studio has hard reflective surfaces sound waves will become distorted and produce reverberation or echo effect. Conversely, too much absorption may result in a ‘dead’ sound result.