Sound waves bounce off the surface and will interfere with the music recording process. Fortunately, acoustic panels can minimize this and make the room less resonant. To install acoustic foam, find the optimal area on the wall to install the panels. Then, measure and attach the foam to the wall with Command (Command strip) double-sided tape. If you follow the proper steps, the acoustic foam can be installed effectively without damaging the wall to which it is attached.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Measuring and Cutting Acoustic Foam
Step 1. Install the acoustic foam behind the recording equipment
Sounds bouncing off walls can affect recordings and produce unwanted effects. If you want to make music on a mixer or computer, consider putting acoustic foam behind it. Sound reflection will be significantly reduced if the entire wall surface is covered, but you only need one panel to feel the difference.
- Place the foam between the studio monitor and the speakers (loud speaker).
- Acoustic foam will not soundproof the room.
- Acoustic foam should be installed in the middle of the wall and the height should be at ear level.
Step 2. Mount the foam on the wall opposite the speaker
Installing foam on the wall opposite the speakers will minimize how much sound bounces back onto the recording equipment. Place the panel in a place directly opposite the speaker to minimize sound reflection. You only need one panel for this. However, the wider the wall covered by the panels, the less reverberation is produced.
Step 3. Clean the walls with spirit
Use a clean rag or cloth that has been dipped in spirit to remove dirt from the wall to be foamed. Cleaning the walls before installing the acoustic foam will help the foam adhere better.
Do not use ordinary household cleaners as this can make the foam less sticky
Step 4. Measure the foam panel and the wall where you will install it
Place the foam panels on a flat surface side by side and use a measuring tape to determine the total length and width. Write the results on paper. After that, measure and mark the area on the wall where the foam will be installed. This will give you an idea of how much space will be covered.
- Small recording studios are likely to only need one foam panel behind the mixer.
- If the space on the wall is not too large, use fewer panels.
Step 5. Take an electric carving knife to cut the foam if it's not the right size
Cutting the foam with an electric engraving knife will result in clean edges. Hold the panel by its thin side and use an electric carving knife to cut the acoustic foam. Use a knife carefully to cut the panels to the appropriate size.
Step 6. Draw the outline of the foam panels on the wall with a pencil
Scribble the letter X on each corner of the wall that will be fitted with foam, according to the size that was noted earlier. Align each corner of the mounting area with the help of a spirit level and draw straight lines to create the edges for the foam panels. This method will help you install the panels in a straight line.
If you don't use a spirit level, the foam panels may become misaligned
Part 2 of 2: Installing Foam Without Damaging the Wall
Step 1. Spray the back of the foam with an adhesive spray
Purchase adhesive spray online or at an arts and crafts supply store. Place the acoustic panels on the floor with the corrugated side facing down. Spray the back of the panel in a back and forth motion, but do not spray the edges to make cutting easier later.
- If you purchased a foam panel that has adhesive on the back, skip this step.
- You can buy adhesive spray online or at an arts and crafts store.
Step 2. Press and glue the foam onto a piece of cardboard
Gluing the cardboard to the back of the foam will make it easier for the Command double-sided tape to stick to the panel. Press and hold the foam on the cardboard for 30 seconds.
With cardboard, the acoustic foam can be reused and the walls will not be damaged
Step 3. Let the glue dry
Place the foam in a well-ventilated area for 1 to 2 hours, then check to make sure it is dry. The foam should be firmly attached to the cardboard and should not slide when touched.
You can put foam in front of a window or fan to speed up the drying process
Step 4. Cut the remaining cardboard from around the foam
Don't cut the foam. Use scissors and cut along the inside of the cardboard. It's okay if the foam overlaps the cardboard.
Cardboard should not be visible when viewed from the corrugated part
Step 5. Attach the Command double-sided tape to the back of the panel
Command double-sided tape is a kind of rectangular tape with a removable adhesive. Remove the backing paper and place 1 sheet in each corner on the back of the foam panel. Press for 10 seconds to make sure it stays glued to the cardboard.
The Command double-sided tape should stick to the cardboard, not the foam
Step 6. Press the acoustic foam into the wall
Peel off the backing paper to expose the adhesive, then carefully align the acoustic foam panel around the corner of the drawn area. Press the back of the foam against the wall and hold it for 30 seconds. The foam will stick firmly in place.
Step 7. Complete the installation of the entire panel
Repeat the same steps to continue installing the acoustic foam on the walls. Apply all the foam until the entire desired area is covered. Once installed, use an eraser to clean the pencil marks on the wall.
