What is the difference between acoustic transparency and absorbency?
When a material is acoustically transparent, it means that the fabric should have an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating as close to 0 as possible. When using acoustically transparent fabrics, the objective is for the sound to pass through the fabric and get trapped in the sound-absorbing panel substrate.
When a fabric is acoustically absorbent, it means that the fabric itself will absorb and reduce the amount of sound in an environment. A fabric can be engineered to be acoustically absorbent by using special yarns, or more commonly by using a dense or heavy construction like a plush.
When considering sound absorption, fabrics can help. As an example, as the window as the fullness of the drapery increases so does the sound absorption. The folds increase the curtain’s density, thus improving the sound absorption.
Which type of acoustical material to use for your project all depends on the application and desired acoustic performance in the space. For guidance, you can connect with your Carnegie rep or partner with Design Services.