Acoustic Panels vs Moving Blankets: Is There a Difference?

[@andypham7298]

1” acoustic foam is 30% less efficient than sound blankets but it is 5 times more expensive. 2” acoustic foam is 5% less efficient than sound blankets but it is more than 8 times more expensive. 3” acoustic foam is only 10% more absorbent than sound blankets but it is 12 times more expensive. Overall, to cover the whole room it'll cost a lot more than using just 1 big blanket. This is just my thought.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

That's one of the best comments ever! Thanks for that information. What an eye opener. Puts things into perspective.

[@IamJalayaaa]

So basically the blankets would be better and cheaper ?

[@faspete2nd]

Even though they cost more...I needed to make the change due to the look of the blankets.

[@andypham7298]

@@faspete2nd yes that’s my last obstacle

[@Dracomies]

Love that data. I'm going to quote this from now on

[@WeemanThe1]

Currently remodeling a sound room. I am already set on building panels, but I may also use a moving blanket over my door. I think this video proves that you can get alot of sound dampening for alot less money and effort than other videos on youtube may make it seem. For someone on a tight budget, I would not shy away from using moving blankets. Great Video!!!

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks! Good luck with your sound room. I hope it works out with whatever path take.

[@championhomestead6273]

Sound blankets and sound panels sound similar to me. No sound blankets sounded “splashy”? I like the look of the sound panels. I am looking forward to the build video. So are you feeling more inspired?

[@faspete2nd]

Absolutely! A little tired from making 24 panels, but the studio looks and feels much better walking into it.

[@eddieteabagify]

Interesting. The blankets were warmest (to me). The panels sounded just a bit brighter. Obviously no sound dampening was not acceptable. I like the moving blankets best but the sound panels LOOK better. Thank you for the education!

[@faspete2nd]

The look and feel of panels in the studio definitely add a different vibe to the experience of making content over the blankets. I'm happy with the results. Thanks for your feedback.

[@NathanPatton]

I thought so too at first, then I pulled the audio into a DAW out of curiosity. After listening to the claps slowed waaaaay down and looking at the waveforms, the panels actually did a much better job at eliminating reflections

[@StayInSpin33]

The blankets do a pretty good job of absorbing reverb/echo and higher frequencies but don't affect low to mid freq. They solve one problem but create another in making the frequency spectrum unbalanced. It's easy to hear the low/mids in his voice sounding muddy and unnatural with the blankets

[@gregalee]

This is a very small room, so treatment has to take that into account. I'm leaning toward the full panel treatment sounding a little too dead. I'd be interested in hearing what 2-dimensional diffusion on the rear wall (behind the chair) would do for you. I personally like a bit of room tone and diffusion on the back wall would make the room sound bigger and not sacrifice the naturalness of the sound.

[@marcw.4015]

Wow, this difference between the three is amazing. Even hearing through a video playing on KZbin with a cheap computer hooked up through my SSL 2+ and then to my AGK K240 headphones, the sound qualities are completely different at each level. The panels made the largest impact in the audio quality in my opinion. Now I will have to remodel my home studio...lol. Been using moving blankets on a PVC frame for my current vocal booth. Time to step up the game. Great video. Keep it up.

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks. I also think the room looks better as well. Cleaner look and it makes me want to stay in the room and shot videos and edit. I did not like the feel and look of the room with all the black blankets up.

[@marchdevin]

Fantastic video, straight to the point. The sound panels are the clear winner, although the sound blankets make a huge difference for a more temporary setup.

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks. After living with the panels up in the room for a while now I am happy with results and they look so much better than the blankets hanging from the walls and ceiling.

[@rafapucpr]

The sound panels took away the echo and kept your voice crisp and alive, while the moving blankets also took away the echo but left the voice too muffled in my opinion.

[@faspete2nd]

After having the panels up for a while now, I'm liking them more than the blankets and I enjoy walking into my studio to record.

[@jakelondon]

Good video. Very helpful to hear the three scenarios back to back. The panels definitely sound better than the blankets. With that said, the difference between nothing and the blankets seems far more profound to me than the differenced between the blankets and the panels. In terms of time, skill, and money, the blankets seem like the quicker, cheaper 20% solution that takes you 80% of the way there. Whereas the panels are the more expensive and time consuming 80% solution that gets you the 20% improvement over the blankets. As somebody else said, I suspect many wouldn't notice that 20% difference on stuff like smartphone speakers, etc. And even on better systems, many probably won't notice. But if money and time aren't an issue and the goal is to sound as pro as possible, the panels seem like the obviously better choice.

[@faspete2nd]

I agree. I just did not like walking into the studio to create videos. The blankets on the walls and ceiling made me not want to go into the room and shot. The vibe in the room is much better now that the panels are up. Not sure if that can be measured, but it sure does make me feel good.

[@GeorgeZwierzchowskipianomusic]

agreed

[@devzozo]

The impression I have is that for casual listeners any sort of sound proofing goes a long way, but with digital compression your benefits drop off quickly. This changes when you need to soundproof for something like critical listening, and for that, I think choosing the most practical option and then using correction software like SoundID should be the best solution. I may not hear a difference between panels and blankets but being in the room is going to be much different.

[@faspete2nd]

It's hard to describe, but when the blankets were up and you walked into the room there was an open sound, but as soon as the panels were up and you walked in the room you felt "pressure" on the ears. That's the best way I can describe it.

[@gfromshankside]

Great quality construction of those panels. They look really good. Bookshelves full of books are actually more effective than most acoustic panels. It looks like you moved yours out. Keeping the bookshelves on the back wall and panels front and sides would be most ideal, I think.

[@faspete2nd]

I'll give that a shot. Thanks for the advice. Always struggling with my background.

[@hijackerzgraphix1826]

While it may not make your room any worse, having a bookshelf can introduce other issues (such as odd flutters and reflections). That's why diffuser panels are engineered in specific ways. Bookshelves deflect sound, but aren't the same as acoustic panels.

[@Jovanmusictime]

Listening in my home studio, with monitor speakers and sonarworks, moving blanket is more natural (in good way and slightly brighter than the acoustic panels set up). Acoustic panels is more like your are in a recording studio. For the cost and results at my end, I will go with (remain) the moving blankets set up. For sharing to everyone (base on past experiences and what i learnt during my Audio Engineer course) and I hope it helps. - If you are using blankets, always remember to leave a gap between it and the wall. It helps a lot with reducing reverb even is just a few inches. - Acoustic foams are useful in reducing reverb if you know where to stick and have enough (too few really almost do nothing) of them. It will not help much in reducing noise going to another room. - There are some differences between moving blankets and acoustic blankets. (application & result) - There are also differences between acoustic panels and bass trap. (application & result) - If you are not doing live, post-processing with DAW work like wonders. Save you money till you are sure you wanted to upgrade further. Thanks.

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks for sharing! I appreciate it.

[@kebman]

The fan sound of your case. With that said the biggest broadcaster where I live here in Norway also has tons of fans in the studio (no pun intended) from various equipment. They EQ and noise treat it away for the final product, which I find weird when you can just remove the source of noise entirely. But engineers... And I digress. Great test, thank you! Sound dampening is a MUST!

[@faspete2nd]

To me the room does sound better with the panels and I also think you are correct about sound dampening being a must.

[@disguisedcentennial835]

The panels sound even better than the blankets, and look better too! But these are probably those expensive ones with that rockwool stuff. I've been using foam, but I think I'll send my recent foam back for the blankets. I'm only 23 so I can't afford the rockwool. Thank you for this; you've saved me a pretty penny and yet also provided a better quality option!

[@faspete2nd]

I'm happy this helped. 👍

[@senorsalmo1003]

Very interesting, to me the blankets sound dry more than anything else, BUT the book shelfs behind you caught my attention. That is what it made a difference on your blanket test.

[@nickynockyknackynoo2346]

I know its been a couple of years since this was made, but as well as being a useful guide may I make a constructive comment... I found I heard a resonance when I was listening and possibly it might be coming from the table. If practical pop a blanket on the table so that the mic does not get a bounceback from the table surface and see what it sounds like. Kind regards N.

[@faspete2nd]

I appreciate the suggestion. I will give that a shot on my other channel. Whiskey Is A Journey I will put something down just out of camera view and see if that makes a difference. Thanks!

[@nickynockyknackynoo2346]

Thank you. Just in case - I'm big enough to be told its my ears - or equipment! :-)

[@AlexEscalante]

There is a lot of difference between the lots of panels and the blankets, but for most projects, the blankets sound good to me. I would even use it for singing or acoustic instruments. The panels would be great for some projects where you need to reproduce some specific sound qualities with additional processing, like reverb or delay. Otherwise it is too dry, though, in a good way!

[@faspete2nd]

I did not mind the way the blankets sounded. I hated they way it made the room look and I did not want to go in and shoot any videos. Now I am in the room all the time shooting videos for my other channel. Whiskey Is A Journey

[@AlexEscalante]

@@faspete2nd Oh, yes.. the looks are also very important!! Good luck and thanks for sharing your valuable experience with us.😃

[@craigdoriety9798]

Instead of moving blankets, what about thick bed blankets or comforters in a nice color or pattern?

[@faspete2nd]

I think that would work. If rugs work for the floor then I don't see why blankest would not work other places.

[@mattynice1798]

Wow that’s amazing the difference the blankets and panels make compared to none

[@faspete2nd]

Goes to show you how important sound treatment is. Use what you got, but use something.

[@MrBread-qt4nt]

I may be wrong or it may be my device but the sound panels make it sound more “crisp” in a way.

[@MrBread-qt4nt]

(crisp is a good thing just in case you didn’t know)

[@faspete2nd]

I agree. The longer the panels have been up the more I realize how much better the studio sounds.

[@JoeTheViewer]

How did you hang the blankets on the ceiling and walls? The comparison between the blankets and panels are really close. Panels look better though.

[@faspete2nd]

I used regular drywall anchors and screws to hang the blankets.

[@rommel3787]

Awesome test. The one with panels sounded bit warmer than the blanket version.

[@faspete2nd]

I think so as well and the room looks so much better. I was struggling to shot in the room because of the vide. Now I'm in there all the time producing videos for Whiskey Is A Journey....my 2nd channel. I am thinking of turning this channel into a BBQ channel due to my shift in interests.

[@MikeyKirin]

I'm just straight building a "booth" in my office since I share it with my GF. It'll basically be moving blankets on a PVC pipe frame. Double blankets on 5 sides(not counting floor). Should be effective.

[@faspete2nd]

I converted my closet in my studio into a sound booth with just moving blankets. It's okay, but not perfect.

[@markwiemels]

Wow! What a difference. (I couldn’t hear the hum). Are you still using the D3 Pro?

[@faspete2nd]

Happy New Year Mark! It's crazy how much the panels absorb. As I walk into the room it's immediately noticeable. As of this video, yes. I'm using the D3 pro, but I purchased another mic that I'll introduce in a future video. I picked it up to do some voice over work in my sound booth. I used it in my panel build video I'm posting next week. I've never done a voice over before... It's very awkward and I need a lot of practice still.

[@timyoung5230]

I have a smallish room that is evenly divided between 12x16, and 12x12. The biggest issue is that there are two windows one of which is 58x43, and the other is 58x22, and there is some traffic outside. I do not want to completely block out the light from these windows, but I noticed that you did have an improvement by using sound blankets. What exactly was it that you were using? The room is also somewhat cluttered, but I have read that clutter can be good in that I have a couch on one side, and a small bureau directly on the other from where I sit to record music in the middle. I still might consider some sound panels, but for now I think I need to focus on the windows.

[@faspete2nd]

I used moving blankets from Home Depot. Light and easy to hang.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

@beetha true I bought the "premium" one. 80x72 I think it was $24. I have 1 standard size window in my room and I put 1 blanket over the curtain rod and it hung in front of the window.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

@beetha true nothing special under the blanket just regular curtains. Well I guess that's not necessarily true. The curtains were blackout curtains. Light did not pass through one of the layers because they were solid gray color. Hope this helps.

[@heythere6983]

I’m looking into panels for recording guitars or vocals. The panels sounded pretty dry and best to my ears but maybe for recording guitars the blankets would be good idk. I do think I read you could layer blankets with space between them to make em more effective . My issue with panels is just about all the insulation types have materials or treatment on them that are hazardous to breath, so with AC on or heat or moving them around it would be not ideal for me . I’m wondering how a layered blanket approach would compare. I’m also looking into sheep wool. I basically want a setup I can use and then store away when not in use but I’m looking for the best sound too so idk yet

[@faspete2nd]

I would go with the less expensive blankets first. If you don't like the sound return them and get sheep wool. Easy up and easy down to store away and not toxic when you move them.

[@RealWhitBoss]

Thank you for the video. I am about to build out my dedicate room studio for podcasting and vlog. I have read that sound blankets need to be 2 inches away from the wall to be most effective. Also they have apps to measure delay (ClapIR being one that worked for me). I will post my before/ after video with all of that in the very near future. Thanks again.

[@faspete2nd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jericosha2842]

Best video I've seen on this topic. Instead of ranting, you showed us the effect on the sound. Great job mate. Do the sound blankets help prevent sounds exiting the room?

[@faspete2nd]

The blankets were not placed in a position that would stop sound from leaving the room. They were placed to the left and right of me as well as on the celling. So I would have to say no. The blankets do not prevent the sound from exiting the room.

[@mcook3462]

Hi, I am looking for sound proof of my rental room, do you think three or two layers of moving blanket can block the noisy from other room. let me know how do you think. I think peole are suffering in the room due to the noisy, so if you can make a contents how much moving blankets can actually reduce the noisy from outside like room righs side of room or above or under. It will be what peaople really want to know especially people who live in rental room suffering. Thank you always. you might be able to make in a box, and you can measure db. It coudl be good contents.

[@faspete2nd]

I think moving blankets can muffle sound, but will not eliminate it. Even if you layer blankets the sound from other rooms will pass through the blankets.

[@kebman]

The sound panels sound just a teeny bit more pro than the blankets. It's got that studio zing to it. Or um lack of it lol.

[@faspete2nd]

I agree.

[@khrazy5150]

Personally, I didn't hear much of a difference between the moving blankets and the acoustic panels. But the difference in price is GINORMOUS! The panels altogether must have run you no less than $700 and the blankets will cost $200 at most. But the panels make the room look much nicer and far less tackier than the moving blankets. But that benefits YOU, not your audience, because they will never see the "tacky" blankets.

[@faspete2nd]

It is difficult to record the sound difference in my room, but the panels do better acoustically. I agree with you on the cost. The panels are more expensive and less tacky.

[@ELISHACAEZ]

You should always have panels up even if you have blankets behind them. Why not both right? Especially if you make your own panels instead of tryna buy pre made ones u save alot of money and get not only a controlled environment with the blankets but your reflection points off your speakers are taken care of as well. Also bass traps 🐸 very important to have those if you want to improve mixing

[@faspete2nd]

I was playing with the idea of building bass traps as well, but in the end decided not to. I am just doing KZbin studio stuff.

[@ELISHACAEZ]

@@faspete2nd yes, I am talking about a music studio setup bro 🐸🤙

[@JumpCaptain]

The blankets are good but the panels are noticeably flatter / more dead. I'm turning a dinning room into a home studio, don't plan on 23 sound panels though! 😁

[@faspete2nd]

I went overboard with the panels in my bedroom studio. Probably could have just done 8 and have been good. Oh well. live and learn.

[@simonsaas20]

You say more dead, which I agree yet felt there was a more natural echo, reverberation like a normal conversation, it was weird

[@fasmike]

That's an amazing difference. I think I need you to build a few for me!

[@hannesakersten9299]

Thanks for a very interesting and helpful video! Can i ask what kind of moving blankets you use? How much do they weigh? Im thinking of buying some blankets to make my own vocal booth.

[@faspete2nd]

I picked them up for about $24.00 at Lowe's or Home Depot and I think they are around 3.75lbs.

[@mrdev5281]

Blankets do sound Best! Didn't hear any hum, Good Job.👍

[@faspete2nd]

Thank you! 😊

[@jim5199]

To me, the panels give the room a dead sound, the blankets are better to my ears. I don't like the cold, industrial look of the panels as well as the bone dead-ess of lack of any reflections or any slightly pleasing, close together reverb. Personally, I would hang Persian and Kilim rugs and achieve proper sound and beauty to boot-- but that's just me. Good video.

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks for the feedback. I like the rug idea!

[@CallMeTeci]

Might sound weird, but i honestly preferred the blanket-sound. The Panel one felt really dead in comparison.

[@faspete2nd]

Understandable. I few people like the sound of the blankets better. You are not alone. I did not like the way it made the room look. I didn't want to go in and shoot. Now I am in there all the time shooting videos for my other channel. Whiskey Is A Journey

[@peachdaisy3478]

The blankets won, but the panels are great and look better.

[@faspete2nd]

The panels sure do look good.

[@ginolamendola4084]

Thanks for a great video!!! I think i like the moving blankets best.

[@faspete2nd]

You are welcome.

[@eattofuholmes]

this would be a lot more fair of a test if there were moving blankets on the wall behind you.

[@faspete2nd]

Understandable.

[@RockyBoy12783]

is there a link to the sound panels?

[@faspete2nd]

No link. I made them myself.

[@TheRyanK]

Cut the vocals between the claps to get a reference without interference.

[@faspete2nd]

I can see how that would have been better to do.

[@RodneyD]

I’m beginning to wonder if the moving blankets would’ve given the same results as the acoustic panels had you place the blankets out more strategically…

[@faspete2nd]

I'm not sure, but I guess it's possible.

[@omenworks]

You still have quite pronounce background PC or NAS hum. Great video and comparison!

[@omenworks]

Nevermind, you just mentioned this in the video xD It's probably your lights

[@faspete2nd]

It's difficult to eliminate all the hum in the room with all my lights without investing more money and I am finished sinking money into my studio. I will have to live with what I have.

[@Hubbs3of6]

I like the panels.

[@faspete2nd]

So do I.

[@ElQuinnMcClarty]

Hi Peter, The panels didn't seem to be any better than blankets

[@faspete2nd]

Good to know. Thanks. By any chance were you using headphones while listening?

[@ElQuinnMcClarty]

No. Listening through speakers@@faspete2nd

[@simonsaas20]

100% prefer The sound panels yet The moving blankets sounded eerily dead

[@faspete2nd]

Looking back I don't think there was anything wrong with the blankets, but I just could not take the look of them any longer. I am in my studio recording 3 videos a week on my other channel and I just needed a change. The panels look better and it makes me feel more comfortable. Whiskey Is A Journey is the channel name if you want to check it out.

[@mewzikson]

doing great bro

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks.

[@SlimSlappz]

Those books are absorbing also

[@faspete2nd]

I did not realize that until someone brought that to my attention soon after I posted the video. I set up bookshelves in my living room once the panels went up and now my living room sound good as well.

[@elkinsmedia]

You might consider a bit more scientific sound test- like a calibrated mic and Sonicworks. Your "test" does not help someone trying to decide what to get. Good luck and good vibes man!

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks Mike! Nothing but good vibes here! I am not sure I am ready to go that far into the scientific sound test...yet, but I will definitely keep it in mind for a later project.

[@bluezone17]

I would say what you did Peter was perfect. Perhaps for others who want that stuff, add it in, but I wanted to hear exactly what you did. Thanks!

[@djobokuwali4316]

"I do." "I do." "I do." Oh you're right it was the second one.

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks.

[@LonsdalePalmer]

cant hear the difference between blankets and panels - wish you had described the panels a little

[@faspete2nd]

I made an entire video on the panels. Start to finish. If you watched it did it answer any questions you had about them? Can I answer anything for you?

[@Billionheirsmindset]

The Panels and Moving blankets sound the same on my iPhone speakers.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I guess if that's where you consume the content then I guess it does not matter. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

[@faspete2nd]

A few people have said the same thing.

[@rubenmendez768]

Panels for sure

[@faspete2nd]

I agree. I also find myself wanting to go into the studio more. The aesthetics are much better as well.

[@chegenjonjo1381]

Prefer the moving brankets

[@faspete2nd]

Good to know and they are much less expensive to boot.

[@jujufirefly]

Wow!

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks.

[@myice-creamdreams3421]

sounds the same to me

[@faspete2nd]

Good to know. Any change you had headphones on?

[@hogboy7341]

no diff

[@faspete2nd]

Thanks. By any chance did you listen with headphones on?

[@alexng4]

is this a joke test?

[@faspete2nd]

No. Why would it be?

[@The_Eldest_Millenial]

Fun fact: Moving blankets are NOT acoustic blankets! :D If the item does not have a *sound-dampening core* sewn in... it's sh1t3. ;)

[@faspete2nd]

Even though they are not acoustic blankets...they served a purpose until I was ready to make the change. 👍

[@94SexyStang]

you're Wrong, and Confusing things......moving blankets WILL absorb higher frequencies well....there's also a difference between moving blankets and Heavy duty ones....which can weigh almost Double....and work totally fine for dropping the Sound for the average Joe........ There's also many different types of "sound blankets".......it totally depends on What exactly your goals are. Some people only care about Echo, or Quality, not Decibels......There's a major difference between Sound Proof and Sound Absorbing products.