SOUND ON SOUND

[Mark Alexander Leonard]

I might be planning to build some custom acoustic baffles soon. I noticed that some companies advertise using 'acoustically transparent' material to cover their baffles (like Camira fabrics).

I haven't compared prices to say regular cotton sheets, but is there likely to be much if any difference acoustically?

[RichardT]

I might be planning to build some custom acoustic baffles soon. I noticed that some companies advertise using 'acoustically transparent' material to cover their baffles (like Camira fabrics).

I haven't compared prices to say regular cotton sheets, but is there likely to be much if any difference acoustically?

I haven’t done a comparison between it and standard fabric, but the reason for using Camira etc is to maximise the sound energy that actually gets into the absorber. I would have thought it’s worth the extra money not to compromise your panels!

[Sam Spoons]

Having done this myself not that long ago I agree that Camira fabric (I used Cara) is well worth the extra expense, quite apart from the acoustic properties* it is slightly stretchy which makes it much easier to work with and achieve professional looking results.

There are cheaper materials than poly cotton sheets, black weed fabric is super cheap and decorators dust sheets pretty cheap and both will work but, given the cost of the timber and Rockwool** (use RW3, it's the best compromise, rigid enough to be self supporting which makes it much easier to work than lower density RW and not so dense as to compromise acoustic performance), the difference between Camia fabric and something cheaper is not IMO, enough to justify going cheap, unless the budget really is tight.

* I don't think you would notice a difference in a casual listening test TBH.

** And the work involved...

[Hugh Robjohns]

The Camira fabrics (Cara is popular, but I prefer Lucia which has a finer weave) are not only stretchy (helping to give a very tidy fit and finish), but they are also flame retardant, stain resistant, and easy to clean (with a light vacuuming and/or a damp cloth!).

[Luke W]

Having done this myself not that long ago I agree that Camira fabric (I used Cara) is well worth the extra expense, quite apart from the acoustic properties* it is slightly stretchy which makes it much easier to work with and achieve professional looking results.

I'd second this. I was pleasantly surprised how my panels turned out having never worked with fabric before.

[Mark Alexander Leonard]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! That appears to be a resounding vote for Camira :)

Now if only I can find a seller in Germany... :D

[Sam Spoons]

Gik will ship to Germany https://gikacoustics.co.uk/product/camira-fabrics-by-the-metre/

[Matt Houghton]

So too, I think, will EQ Acoustics and Camira themselves. The former order direct from Camira but at a slight discount.

[James Perrett]

So too, I think, will EQ Acoustics and Camira themselves. The former order direct from Camira but at a slight discount.

I think most suppliers have the fabric shipped direct from Camira to the customer - or at least all the deliveries I've had in the last 10 years have come from Camira - no matter who I actually ordered it from.

[DanDan]

You might consider fronting your traps with a 20-30mm layer of semi rigid polyester. It is flame retardant and ecologically sound. Autex UK have ceiling tiles with a toughened surface.