The Foam Factory (foam by mail) test data

[Glenn Kuras]

Actually did some tests in our test room a few months ago.
Comparing Foam to GIK 244 Bass Traps

[sad computer]

Hi Glenn,
I'm a little unsure which product you tested against your own.
The product i was referring to is the 2'x2'x4" foam wedge panel, seen at the bottom of this page: sound proofing deadening, acoustic insulation foams, echo elimination, home studio soundproofing foam,

I know foam of any kind can't compete with rigid fiberglass panels, nor could large quantities of it could replace fiberglass bass traps.
What's interesting to me is how these specific brands of foam compare to one another. If the foamfactory test data is legitimate, then it's far more cost-effective for mid/high frequency absorption than auralex.

[Glenn Kuras]

I used there wedge and I believe Ethan did also

[CarloBadalamenti]

Hey Sad Computer, I thought I’d chime in on behalf of our company. Last year we had our acoustical treatment foam tested by Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories, who are an independent, third-party testing company. Additionally, we purchased and tested similar Auralex products to provide a side-by-side performance comparison. We’ve made the results from Riverbank available which it seems you found, as well as some comparisons between the products. (Link to Test Results).

You are correct in that different products serve different purposes, but we do stand behind the results of the testing, which measure up well to the Auralex. If there's anything else you want to know about our testing, Riverbank, or our treatment products, I’d be more than happy to help – PM me or shoot us an e-mail or phone call!

[sad computer]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

I used there wedge and I believe Ethan did also

Could you please tell us the thickness of the wedge that you used? My entire post hinges on the fact that their four inch foam is as effective as the auralex two inch. Your article does not mention the thickness of the materials tested, and in this case it's quite important.

Right now its looking like one could get the same absorption at half the cost, the only downside being that you'd have an extra 2" of wedge coming out of your walls.

[Glenn Kuras]

It was with the triangle shape ones. I think something like 13"x13"x18".

[gullfo]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

...something like 13"x13"x18".

maybe it was something similar to this type of product: http://www.foambymail.com/CBA.html ?

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by gullfo

maybe it was something similar to this type of product: Soundproofing, Sound Control, Acoustical Foam, Bass Absorber ?

[sad computer]

Ahh so you were testing against the corner type foam.
Well, I wouldn't expect foam to be of much use in corners, maybe it would work nicely
behind a broadband panel straddling the corner.

Any other thoughts about this 4" wedge panel foam vs the auralex 2" equivalent?

[EricF]

Are you intending to use the foam for broadband absorption?

The 4" thick cheap foam perfoms a better than the 2" Auralex foam in the lower end of the spectrum, as one would expect with the additional thickness. Neither one of them perform nearly as well as the absorbant materials used in "proper" broadband absorbers (OC703, rockwool).

If you're just trying to knock down some high end issues in a room already treated with good bass traps and broadband absorption, then foam is effective. Otherwise, I recommend spending your money on products that will be more effective. Saving money is often a big concern in acoustic treatment, but if you spend money on products that don't do the job, it's a waste.

[mijome07]

This was done w/ 'cheap eBay foam'...: