
Beyond Acoustic Blankets: A Complete Guide to Noise Solutions
Amanda Gilliam
When addressing noise control challenges, acoustic blankets are just the beginning. Different noise sources require different approaches — high-frequency equipment noise demands different treatment than low-frequency industrial rumble, and temporary construction sites have different requirements than permanent industrial installations.
Successful noise management requires understanding the full spectrum of available solutions and selecting the right combination. At Environmental Noise Control, we have developed a comprehensive range of noise control products that extend far beyond basic soundproof blankets, providing engineered solutions for complex acoustic challenges across multiple industries.
Skip to:
- Temporary Sound Walls
- K-Rail Mounted Sound Walls
- Freestanding SK-8 Sound Barriers
- Freestanding SK-6 Sound Barriers
- Portable Acoustic Panels
- MMA Sound Control Panel System
- STC-25 Acoustical Barrier Blankets
- Quiet World STC-27 Industrial Acoustical Barrier Blankets
Key Acoustic Terms Glossary
But first, understanding noise control terminology will help you make informed decisions about your acoustic needs:
- STC (Sound Transmission Class): A single-number rating that measures how well a material blocks sound from passing through it.
- NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Measures how much sound a material absorbs rather than reflects.
- ASTM E-90 and ASTM E-413: Standardized laboratory testing methods for measuring sound transmission loss through building materials. This ensures consistent, reliable performance data across different manufacturers.
- UBC/IBC Wind Load Requirements: Building code standards that ensure structures can safely withstand wind forces. All ENC barriers are engineered to meet these safety requirements.
Temporary Sound Walls
Available in various heights and ideal for use in:
- Construction sites requiring perimeter noise control
- Temporary industrial facility barriers
- Projects needing traditional ground-mounted installations
- Applications requiring maximum structural stability
Dual STC Rating Options available in STC-25 and STC-32 ratings, allowing you to select the exact performance level your application requires.
NRC Overlay Capability to provide both noise blocking and absorption, reducing sound reflection for better overall acoustic control.
Professional Wind Load Engineering to meet UBC/IBC Wind Load Requirements, ensuring safety and code compliance.
Advanced Material Construction that is oil-resistant, UV-resistant, fiber-free, anti-fungal, and self-drying.
K-Rail Mounted Sound Walls
Available in various heights and ideal for use in:
- Construction projects on rental or leased properties
- Sites where excavation is prohibited
- Mobile equipment operations requiring occassional repositioning
Patented No-Drill Technology eliminates ground disturbance, avoiding permitting delays and environmental compliance issues.
Heights up to 20 Feet without requiring excavation or permanent foundations.
Dual Rating Options are available in STC-25 and STC-32 with NRC overlays to provide both noise blocking and absorption.
Freestanding SK-8 Sound Barriers
Fabricated with a galvanized exterior sheet metal skin, these panels are ideal for use in:
- Heavy construction equipment enclosures
- Low-frequency industrial noise control
- Permanent facility noise barriers
- Applications requiring maximum acoustic performance
STC-43 Superior Rating in accordance with ASTM E-413 provides maximum noise blocking performance for the most demanding applications.
Maximum Sound Absorption of NRC 1.00, preventing reflections and echoes.
Multiple Height Options, including 16', 20', and 24' high modules with an 8' by 12' base to match your specific noise sources and site requirements.
Forklift Mobility for effective positioning without requiring specialized equipment or extensive labor.
Custom Access Options, including emergency exit signs and doors for complete enclosures that maintain safety requirements.
Purchase or Rental Flexibility for short or long-term projects that require cost-effective options.
Freestanding SK-6 Sound Barriers
At 12′ tall, these panels have a smaller footprint than our SK-8 panels and are ideal for use in:
- Urban construction projects with space constraints
- Facility installations with a limited area
- Projects requiring frequent barrier reconfiguration
- Applications where full-height barriers aren't necessary
STC-43 Performance in Compact Design in accordance with ASTM E-413 to provide maximum noise blocking without requiring extensive site area.
Maximum Sound Absorption of NRC 1.00, preventing reflections and echoes.
Smaller Footprint Design than our SK-8 panels to fit in tight spaces where larger barriers won't work.
Same Construction Quality and forklift mobility as SK-8 panels, ensuring no compromise on durability despite the more compact size.
Portable Acoustic Panels
Available for short and long-term rental or purchase, these panels are ideal for use in:
- Film and television production requiring clean audio
- Special events with noise restrictions
- Emergency response situations requiring immediate noise control
- Construction projects with frequently changing layouts
STC-25 and STC-32 Performance in Portable Format provides sound mitigation benefits with the flexibility to deploy exactly where and when you need it.
Lightweight and Stable Design enables quick deployment without requiring heavy equipment or permanent installation.
Wind Load Engineering to meet UBC/IBC Wind Load Requirements ensures safe operation even in challenging weather conditions.
Extreme Operating Range with a working temperature of -40°F to +200°F, oil resistance, UV resistance, fiber-free, anti-fungal, and a self-drying poly-vinyl chloride outer shell ensures reliable performance in any environment.
MMA Sound Control Panel System
Designed for quick and simple field installation, these panels are ideal for use in:
- Compressor enclosures
- Generator enclosures
STC-40 Professional Performance provides high-level noise blocking capability for demanding industrial and commercial applications.
Superior Sound Absorption of NRC 1.10, which actually exceeds perfect absorption, indicating exceptional performance in reducing reflected sound.
Equipment Access Design ensures noise control doesn't interfere with necessary equipment servicing and repairs.
Robust Support Structure with 4″ scheduled 40 galvanized steel pipe in augured holes provides permanent stability for long-term installations.
Flexible Panel Sizing with 8' to 4″ wide by 8′ to 16′ high, allowing customization to fit specific equipment configurations and site requirements.
STC-25 Acoustical Barrier Blankets
Manufactured using state-of-the-art acoustical composite materials, ideal for use in:
- General construction noise mitigation
- Industrial equipment sound control
- Temporary noise barrier applications
- Flexible, relocatable sound attenuation projects
X-5 Septum Barrier Technology is fabricated with a proprietary polyvinyl-chloride-coated outer shell as well as noise-absorbing and blocking material to provide superior sound blocking compared to standard acoustic sound blankets.
Extreme Temperature Resistance from -40°F to +200°F ensures consistent performance, protecting your investment year-round.
Multi-Resistant Outer Shell that is oil resistant, UV resistant, fiber-free, anti-fungal, and made with self-drying poly-vinyl chloride to ensure your blankets won't degrade from weather or chemicals.
Fire Safety Compliant with California Fire Marshall f-419.01 specifications to ensure your project meets the most stringent fire safety requirements.
Versatility of Installation allows for mounting on fences, scaffolding, around equipment, etc.
Large 8'x20' Format provides more coverage with fewer blankets, including an overlapping flap to prevent noise leaks.
Quiet World STC-27 Industrial Acoustical Barrier Blankets
Manufactured using state-of-the-art acoustical composite materials, ideal for use in:
- Heavy industrial machinery noise control
- Manufacturing facility sound attenuation
- Oil and gas operations
- Long-term industrial noise barriers
Enhanced STC-27 Rating providing superior noise blocking performance compared to STC-25 blankets, specifically engineered for demanding industrial applications.
Multiple X-5 Septum Barrier Layers fabricated with a proprietary polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) coated outer shell and layers of noise-absorbing and blocking material.
Multiple Size Options, including 8 feet wide by 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 feet tall, with flexible fastening options, allowing precise fit for various applications.
Versatile Installation Options, including grommet and/or hook-and-loop fastening options to provide flexibility for different mounting requirements and quick installation.
Indoor and Outdoor Use with flame-resistant, oil-resistant, UV-resistant, fiber-free, anti-fungal, and self-drying properties ensure durability in harsh industrial environments.
Ready To Select the Right Noise Control Solution?
Now that you understand the complete range of noise control products, the next step is selecting the right combination for your specific project. Our comprehensive guide "How To Choose the Right Noise Barriers" walks you through the selection process with practical decision frameworks, real-world case studies, and expert recommendations.
How To Select the Right Noise Barrier
If you’d rather talk to an expert, contact us for a consultation.