Frequently Asked Questions | AudioSilk

Our panels are crafted with high-quality rigid rock mineral wool cores, which provide significantly better low-end absorption than standard foam panels. The core is wrapped in an acoustically transparent fabric that's both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Our standard panels are 5cm (2 inches) thick, providing excellent absorption across mid and high frequencies. This thickness offers the perfect balance between performance and practical installation in home settings.

We offer a range of colors to complement any space, from neutral tones that blend seamlessly with your décor to vibrant options that make a statement. Check our product pages for the current color selection, and feel free to contact us if you're looking for a specific shade.

Unlike foam panels that often have a chemical odor, AudioSilk panels are odorless. Our mineral wool core is naturally free from the VOCs commonly found in foam products, making them ideal for enclosed spaces where you'll be spending many hours.

Yes! Our panels can be easily cut to custom sizes using a craft knife or similar tool. If you need specific dimensions for an awkward space, you can modify our standard panels at home for a perfect fit.

Our panels have a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.85-0.95, which means they absorb 85-95% of the sound that hits them across the measured frequency range. This professional-grade performance makes them highly effective for home studio applications.

This is an important distinction: our panels are designed for acoustic treatment, not soundproofing. While they may provide a small amount of sound deadening between rooms (especially for higher frequencies), their primary purpose is to improve the sound quality within your space by reducing reflections, echo, and reverb. For blocking sound transmission between rooms, you'd need dedicated soundproofing solutions.

Soundproofing is about preventing sound from entering or leaving a room, which typically requires structural modifications like double walls, floating floors, and specialized doors. Acoustic treatment (what our panels provide) improves the sound quality inside the room by controlling reflections and reverb. Our panels won't stop your neighbors from hearing your drumming, but they will make your recordings sound much clearer and more professional.

For an average recording or listening room, we recommend starting with 4-6 panels, focusing on the first reflection points. A good rule of thumb is to cover 40-60% of the blank wall space for balanced acoustics. You don't need to treat every inch of wall—in fact, too much absorption can make a room sound unnaturally "dead." After placing the initial panels, you can measure the room's response and adjust as necessary.

Start with the "first reflection points"—where sound first bounces off the walls before reaching your ears:

1. On the side walls (use the mirror trick: have someone hold a mirror on the wall; when you can see your speakers from your listening position, that's a reflection point)
2. Behind your speakers
3. On the wall behind your listening position

For more detailed guidance, check out our blog post on panel placement or contact us for personalized advice.

Our panels are designed for easy installation with multiple options:

Temporary/Rental-Friendly Method: Use 3M Command™ strips (about 4 medium strips per panel). Clean the wall surface, attach the strips to the panel, then press firmly against the wall for 60 seconds. For ceiling mounting, double the number of strips for added security.

Permanent Installation: For dedicated studios, you can use wall tacks, screws, or spray contact adhesive for a more permanent solution.

When using Command™ strips as directed, the panels can be removed without damaging your walls—making them perfect for renters. If you choose permanent installation methods, some repair work may be needed when removing the panels.

Yes! Our panels are lightweight enough for ceiling installation using the same Command™ strips method (use 8 strips per panel for ceilings instead of 4). This is especially helpful for controlling overhead reflections.

Absolutely. If you've used Command™ strips, you can carefully remove and reposition the panels as needed. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different arrangements or adapt as your room setup changes.

We typically ship orders within 1-2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. UK mainland orders usually arrive within 2-3 working days after shipping. For international or special orders, please contact us for specific timeframes.

Yes, we ship to many international destinations. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location. You can see shipping options at checkout, or contact us for a quote to your specific country.

We offer a 30-day return policy, allowing you to test our panels risk-free. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can return unused panels in their original packaging for a full refund. We want you to be completely confident in your acoustic treatment solution.

Yes! For orders of 10+ panels, we offer progressive discounts. The more panels you order, the greater the discount. This is perfect for treating larger spaces or for group purchases with fellow musicians or creators.

Room modes are resonances that occur at specific frequencies based on your room's dimensions. They create peaks and nulls in the frequency response, making some frequencies sound louder or quieter than they actually are. This can lead to mix decisions that don't translate well to other listening environments. While our panels are primarily designed to address mid and high-frequency reflections, strategic placement can help manage some modal issues.

Flutter echo is a rapid series of reflections that bounce back and forth between parallel surfaces (like opposite walls). It creates a distinctive "fluttering" sound when you clap your hands in an untreated room. AudioSilk panels strategically placed on one or both of the parallel surfaces will break up these reflections and eliminate flutter echo.

Several simple methods can help you assess your room:

1. The "clap test": Clap your hands and listen for any ringing or flutter echo
2. Apps like ClapIR that measure room reflections using your smartphone
3. For more detailed analysis, try Room EQ Wizard (REW) or similar software with a measurement microphone
4. The mirror technique (described in panel placement) helps identify reflection points

Absolutely! Existing furniture can complement your acoustic treatment:

• Bookshelves (especially when filled with books of varying sizes) act as diffusers
• Sofas and upholstered furniture provide some low-mid frequency absorption
• Thick curtains over windows help reduce reflections
• Rugs on hard floors prevent sound from bouncing between floor and ceiling

Our panels primarily address issues within your room (reflections, reverb, etc.) rather than external noise. For reducing outside noise intrusion, you would need soundproofing solutions that address the structural transmission of sound.

While we don't currently offer formal consultation services, we're always happy to provide guidance based on your specific situation. Send us photos of your space along with details about your setup and goals, and we'll offer recommendations for optimizing your acoustic treatment.

We regularly publish educational content on our blog, covering everything from basic acoustic principles to advanced treatment strategies. Our email newsletter also provides tips, tricks, and insights to help you get the most from your space. For personalized advice, feel free to contact us directly.

We're always here to help! You can contact us by:

• Emailing contact@audiosilk.com
• Using the contact form on our website
• Replying to any of our newsletter emails
• Messaging us on social media

We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.

While we design our panels for easy DIY installation, we don't currently offer installation services. However, our panels are so straightforward to mount that most customers can complete the installation in under an hour with no special tools or expertise required.

For regular maintenance, simply vacuum the panels using a brush attachment on low power. For spot cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap if necessary, being careful not to saturate the fabric. Allow the panel to air dry completely.

With proper care, AudioSilk panels will last for many years. The mineral wool core doesn't degrade over time, and our fabric coverings are selected for durability. Many of our early customers report their panels still look and perform like new after years of use.

We're committed to environmental responsibility. Our mineral wool cores contain recycled material, and we continuously work to reduce waste in our manufacturing process. Unlike foam panels that often end up in landfills, our panels have a significantly longer useful life.

Yes, our panels are safe for homes with children and pets. The fabric covering securely contains the mineral wool core, and we use no harmful chemicals in our manufacturing process. As with any wall-mounted item, we recommend securing the panels properly to prevent them from being pulled down.