Acoustic baffles are free hanging vertical panels suspended from a ceiling structure to diminish the strength of airborne sound waves and eliminate reverberations through the use of noise reduction materials. These panels are common particularly in buildings with vaulted or otherwise high ceilings that might echo considerably.
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Acoustic baffles are regulated by the level of sabin absorption they offer through a standard range of frequencies. Sabin absorption is a measure of sound absorbed proportionately to each square foot of material. This measurement allows acoustic baffles to be fitted to specific situations. As applications include gymnasiums, concert halls, class rooms, highway barricades, gun ranges, manufacturing plants, machine enclosures, arenas, offices, swimming pools, hospitals, school buses and more, the necessary sabin absorption becomes an important consideration to ensure efficiency. Acoustic baffles not only reduce reverberations and noise pollution, but can improve sound quality and acoustics as well. Concert halls, for example, are often fitted with reconfigurable sound baffles in order to optimize the acoustical environment for each performance. These lightweight and often low-cost panels can lead to great improvements in sound quality. Furthermore, acoustic baffles are easily disguised as an element of architectural and aesthetic design while still acting as a noise mitigation tool. Printed fabrics can be applied over the core, or cores, of each panel and used as art or, as in many arenas, labels for exits, restrooms and other areas.
The materials used in a given baffle vary greatly depending on their specific application. In general, a thick acoustic absorbent material creates the core. The surface of the core, like that of the exterior elements, can be flat but is more often bumpy or curved to increase surface area and improve noise reduction. Often specifically soundproofing materials are used for the core, while the exterior coverings are more flexible, but must permit sound waves to reach the core where they will dissipate. Common baffle materials include fiberglass composites, bonded acoustical cotton, porous expanded polypropylene and melamine acoustical foam among other soft, porous, open-celled materials. The lightweight nature of many of these allows easy installation, often requiring minimal hardware and making use of existing ceiling components. Often made of durable metals such as galvanized steel, installation hardware includes corkscrew hangers, eyehooks, acoustical adhesive, wire rope cables, d-rings, and tee -bar mounting clips. Grommets or rods are installed in the upper hem of a panel. These are then attached to wires, clips or beams suspended from the ceiling. Curtain tracks may also be used where adjustable baffles are desired. Computer modeling, architectural design, acoustic and material sciences continuously strive to diversify and improve the many applications of acoustic baffles.
