Melamine Foam Panels can be cut to custom shapes to create spectacular designs
Many people assume that soundproofing foam works both ways, meaning it can block external noise from entering a room while also preventing internal noise from escaping. However, there’s a key distinction between sound absorption and soundproofing, which greatly impacts how foam panels function.
If you’ve ever installed soundproof foam expecting total silence, only to find that noise still leaks in and out, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore whether soundproof panels work both ways, what they’re actually designed for, and the best alternatives for true soundproofing.
What Is Soundproofing Foam?
Before diving into whether Acoustical Foam works both ways, it’s important to clarify what it actually does. Sound Absorbing foam —more accurately called Acoustical Foam—is made from open-cell melamine foam. Its primary function is to absorb sound waves rather than block them.
These foam panels are commonly used in:
- Recording studios to improve sound clarity.
- Podcasting or streaming setups to minimize echo.
- Home theaters for better audio quality.
- Open office spaces to reduce noise distractions.
AlphaSorb Acoustic foam is available in various designs, including wedge, pyramid, egg crate, and flat panels, all of which help diffuse and absorb sound waves.
Acoustical Solutions Foam Products
Sound Check Studios – Acoustic foam in the rehearsal room.
Acoustical Solutions offers a variety of high-performance acoustic foam products designed to improve sound absorption and reduce reverberation. These include:
- AlphaSorb® Acoustic Foam Panels – Ideal for wall or ceiling mounting in offices, home studios, and auditoriums.
- AlphaWedge® Foam – A wedge-style foam perfect for controlling mid-to-high frequency sound reflections.
- AlphaPyramid® Foam – Provides even diffusion and excellent sound control in professional and home recording environments.
- Bass Traps – Designed for low-frequency sound absorption, improving overall room acoustics.
Each of these products is engineered to absorb unwanted sound reflections, enhancing the acoustic quality within a space without blocking external noise transmission.
Does Acoustical Foam Work Both Ways?
The short answer: No, Acoustical Foam does not work both ways.
Acoustical Foam is not designed to block noise transmission between rooms. Instead, it helps reduce echo and control sound reflections within a space. This means that while it improves sound quality inside the room, it won’t prevent sound from entering or leaving the area.
Why doesn’t foam block sound?
The reason Acoustical Foam doesn’t work both ways is because it lacks the mass and density required to stop sound waves from traveling through walls, doors, and windows. Instead, it only absorbs certain frequencies that bounce around inside a room.
For example, if you install foam on your walls, it will make your voice sound clearer and reduce echo, but your neighbor will still hear your loud music, and external noise will still be able to pass through the walls.
Soundproofing vs. Sound Absorption: Key Differences
To fully understand why Acoustical Foam doesn’t work both ways, we need to compare soundproofing and sound absorption:
Soundproofing (Blocking Noise)
- Designed to prevent sound from traveling between spaces.
- Requires high-mass materials like AudioSeal Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV), soundproof drywall, or acoustic barriers, while also incorporating decoupling and structural isolation, which are equally crucial for a true sound-blocking design.
- Works both ways, stopping sound from entering or leaving a space.
Sound Absorption (Reducing Echo & Reverb)
- Designed to improve acoustics within a room by absorbing sound waves.
- Uses lightweight, porous materials like acoustic foam, fabric panels, and ceiling clouds.
- Does not block sound transmission between spaces.
If your goal is true soundproofing, acoustic foam alone will not be enough. Instead, you’ll need dense, high-mass materials and/or decoupling to effectively block noise.
How to Achieve True Soundproofing
If you need to completely block noise from entering or leaving a space, here are the best soundproofing solutions:
1. Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
AudioSeal Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is one of the most effective soundproofing materials because of its high mass-to-thickness ratio. It can be installed inside walls, ceilings, and floors to block sound transmission both ways.
2. Acoustic Door Seals & Sweeps
Doors are a major source of sound leakage. Adding PrivacyShield Door Seals helps eliminate gaps around the door frame, significantly reducing sound transfer.
3. Soundproofing Blankets
For temporary soundproofing, thick PrivacyShield Soundproofing Blankets can be placed over doors, windows, or walls to absorb and block unwanted noise.
4. Double Drywall with Green Glue
A more permanent solution involves adding a second layer of drywall with Double Drywall with Green Glue COMPOUND. The Green Glue acts as a viscoelastic layer, breaking up sound vibrations and reducing noise transmission.
When Should You Use AlphaSorb Soundproofing Foam?
Float Horizen – AlphaSorb® Pyramid Acoustic Foam helps provide a comfortable and quiet walk to the float tanks and salt therapy room at this float therapy center.
Although Acoustical Foam does not work both ways, it is still valuable for improving acoustic quality within a room. Here are some ideal use cases:
- Recording studios & podcast setups – Reduces echo and enhances audio clarity.
- Home theaters – Absorbs excess noise for better sound definition.
- Gaming or streaming rooms – Improves vocal clarity and reduces room echo.
- Open offices & conference rooms – Lowers background noise and speech distractions.
For the best results, combine sound-absorbing foam with actual soundproofing materials to achieve both noise reduction and sound isolation.
Do Soundproof Panels Work Both Ways?
While Acoustical Foam helps control echo, it does not block sound transmission in both directions. If you need true soundproofing, you’ll need high-mass materials and decoupling materials like AudioSeal mass-loaded vinyl (MLV), Double Drywall with Green Glue COMPOUND, PrivacyShield Door Seals, and RSIC(Resilient Sound Isolation Clips) Clips.
Looking for the best soundproofing solutions? Contact Acoustical Solutions today for expert recommendations and high-quality materials to achieve your noise control goals!
To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.
