Address
No. 5-1, Jalan Seksyen 3/5, Taman Kajang Utama, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Phone
+603-8741 3878
+6019-867 8070
+6019-772 5297
Email
sales@vibrantecho.com
Whether you’re building a home studio, podcast room, or content creator space, acoustic panels are essential for getting that clean, clear sound. But here’s the secret: it’s not just what panels you use—it’s where you place them that makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best locations to install acoustic panels in your studio, why those spots matter, and how to maximize sound treatment without wasting money or materials.
Why Placement Matters More Than Quantity
A lot of beginners think adding more panels will automatically fix sound issues. But even 10 high-quality panels won’t help if they’re not placed correctly.
Strategic placement = better absorption + improved clarity + accurate mixing.
1. First Reflection Points (Side Walls)
When sound leaves your speakers, it bounces off nearby walls before reaching your ears. These early reflections cause phase issues and muddiness.
What to do:
- Sit in your mixing position
- Have someone move a mirror along the side wall
- Wherever you see your speaker in the mirror = panel placement spot
Use 2″ thick rigid panels on both left and right walls.
2. Behind the Mixing Position
Sound doesn’t just go forward—it bounces off the back wall and returns to your ears, creating slapback echo.
Install panels or diffusers behind your chair to break or absorb these reflections.
Optional: If you mix often, use thicker panels or hybrid absorber-diffusers here.
3. Behind Studio Monitors / Speakers
This is a high-pressure zone, especially for bass build-up and flutter echoes.
Place panels directly behind your monitors, especially if they are near a wall.
Tip: Add bass traps in the corners to complement the panels.
4. Ceiling – Above Mixing Desk (Cloud Panels)
Reflections from the ceiling can be just as disruptive as wall reflections.
Install cloud panels (horizontally suspended acoustic panels) directly above your mixing desk.
Benefit: Creates a “dead zone” above your listening area = better vocal and instrument clarity.
5. Corners (For Bass Traps)
While not acoustic panels per se, corner treatment is critical in any serious setup.
Add bass traps or thicker panels in the corners (especially rear corners) to control low frequencies.
6. Foam Panel
Acoustic Panel Placement Guide
Side Walls (Reflection Points)
- Recommended Panels: 4 (2 on each side)
- Panel Thickness: 2″ – 4″
Back Wall (Behind You)
- Recommended Panels: 2 – 3
- Panel Thickness: 2″ – 4″
Behind Speakers
- Recommended Panels: 2
- Panel Thickness: 2″
Ceiling (Acoustic Cloud)
- Recommended Panels: 1 – 2
- Panel Thickness: 2″
Pro Tip: Start small. Even 6 well-placed panels can make a big difference in a small studio setup.
Conclusion
Great sound doesn’t always require a big budget—but it does require smart placement. By targeting the key reflection and pressure points in your studio, you can get professional-level results, even in a small or semi-treated room.
Whether you’re mixing music, recording podcasts, or editing video, proper acoustic panel placement helps you hear accurately, mix better, and sound more polished.
