RPG, Inc
651-C Commerce Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774
Phone: 301-249-0044; Fax: 301-249-3912
Website: www.rpginc.com.
The 4” Skyline LP diffusor is 2' x 2' x 4" made of what appears to
be a very durable styrene product. The surfaces are of many
different random heights which can be seen in the picture here.
Retail price for the 4” Skyline LP model is $199.00 for a box of
two. |
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The Hemiffusor measures 23-5/8” x 23-5/8” x 4" and is intended to
reflect sound in a hemisphere pattern. The material is similar to
the material used in the Skyline's construction. These are intended
to be mounted on the ceiling or wall with construction adhesive,
Velcro strips, or hook and loop fasteners. Retail price for the
Hemiffusor is $199.98 for a box of two. |
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The Diffactral + is a newer product available from RPG which has a
combination of diffraction properties. It measures 2'x1'x4” deep,
and has various shelves with many angled ridges and grooves. This
has high quality construction and weighs 15 pounds. Call RPG for
pricing. |
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RPG sent two partial samples of some of their popular absorption
products. First is the BAD panel which features a unique design for
an absorption panel. It has a layer of reflective material
sandwiched between the outer fabric and the absorption material.
This layer has holes cut out of it, which are spaced using
mathematical formulas for optimum effectiveness. The product
attempts to both absorb some sound waves and reflect others. This
creates a sound which has a variation in volume among reflecting
frequencies. Call RPG for pricing. |
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The Absorbor panel is a traditional fabric wrapped panel, and is
available in 2'x4' and 2'x2' sizes. They are also available in 2”
and 4” thickness. The sample is of a dense material which resists
any pressure. The fabric coating is made by Guilford of Maine. Call
RPG for pricing. |
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Sonex
3800 Washington Ave. N, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55412
Phone: 800-662-0032; Fax: 612-520-3620
Website:
www.sonex-online.com.
SONEXpyramid is a 2'x2' panel of acoustic foam material, featuring
an array of pyramid shapes. The foam is soft to the touch and is of
medium density. This panel is available in a couple of different
colors and is pictured here in beige. The panel can be ordered in
2”,3”, and 4” thickness. The retail price of the 2” thickness panels
is $166 for a box of fourteen. |
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The SONEX Contour Ceiling and Wall Tile is shown here. These are
meant to be used together to form an attractive pattern on either
the ceiling or the wall. This panel is treated with a special paint
which makes wiping off dirt and grime very easy. They are also fire
resistant. The panels retail for $465 for a box of fourteeen and are
available with a few different patterns. |
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The SONEXvalueline panel shown here is 2'x4'x53mm and is made of
melamine which has a different resilience than foam. These are fire
retardant panels and are priced lower than some of SONEX's other
absorption panels. The pattern on these panels is subtle and makes
for an attractive appearance. They are available in a few different
thicknesses (35, 53, and 60 millimeters) The retail price for the 53
mm thick panels is $167 for a box of six. |
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SONEXclassic is one of SONEX's most popular lines. The panel shown
here is 2'x4'x2”. The panels come in pairs of two which have
mirrored patterns of each other. The patterns themselves consist of
horizontal and vertical ridges, approximately one inch deep,
repeating in three inch square sections. This panel is made of
polyurethane and has good construction, free of any defects. Retail
pricing for the 2” thick panel is $181 for a box of eight. |
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Guilford of Maine
Interface Fabrics
5399 Corporate Grove Dr. SE, Suite 200
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512-5512
Phone: 800-544-0200; Fax: 616-554-2250
Website:
www.guilfordofmaine.com
Here we see the FR701 fabric material which is one of
the most popular fabrics of choice for covering acoustic panels.
This is true both for manufacturers and DIY'ers alike. The fabric is
available in many rich colors. It has a semi-course feel to the
touch. Pricing is dependent on how much material is ordered. |
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Owens Corning
One Owens Corning Parkway Toledo, Ohio 43659
Phone: 866-768-6375
Website:
www.owenscorning.com
Acoustics First Corporation
2247 Tomlyn Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230-3334
Phone: 888-765-2900, 804-342-2900; Fax: 804-342-1107
Website:
www.acousticsfirst.com
Conclusions
I hope this article will help get more of you involved with tending to the
acoustics of your rooms. It's very easy to get started on a project like
this, and even small applications will improve your sound. Before you make
that next equipment upgrade, consider the benefits of acoustical room
treatment. Thanks go to all the manufacturers who participated in the
survey, and to Brian Florian who was an inexhaustible resource of
information.
- Adrian Wittenberg -
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