Best Materials for Data Center Soundproofing
1. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
- MLV is a dense, flexible barrier that adds significant mass to walls, effectively blocking sound transmission.
- AudioSeal® MLV is recommended to beef up existing drywall or as part of new wall construction to reduce server noise penetration.
2. Noiseproofing Compounds (e.g., Green Glue)
- Green Glue is a viscoelastic damping compound applied between layers of drywall or panels to create an acoustic seal.
- It dissipates sound energy and reduces vibration transmission, increasing wall soundproofing effectiveness when combined with MLV and resilient mounting systems.
3. Resilient Sound Isolation Clips (RSIC-1)
- These clips decouple drywall or panels from the wall framing, creating an air gap that helps trap and absorb sound waves.
- Decoupling minimizes sound vibration energy passing through walls, enhancing overall soundproofing.
4. Acoustic Insulation Materials
- Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation placed inside wall cavities improve sound absorption and reduce noise transmission.
- Double-layered walls with insulating materials and air gaps are effective for creating soundproof boundaries between noisy server rooms and quieter areas.
5. Acoustic Panels and Foam
- Fabric-wrapped acoustic foam panels and cotton-based soundproofing insulation (e.g., Quiet Batt™) absorb ambient noise and soften machine sounds inside and near server rooms.
- These materials are also flame-resistant and eco-friendly, suitable for data center environments.
6. Soundproofing Fabrics (e.g., SonoLayr)
- Advanced acoustic fabrics like SonoLayr made from electrospun nanofibres offer high sound absorption with minimal thickness and weight.
- They can be integrated into panels or furniture to improve acoustic performance without bulky installations.
7. Acoustic Blankets
- Portable sound blocking blankets can be hung on walls adjacent to offices from server rooms to cut down sound leakage, especially in retrofit scenarios.
8. Floor and Vibration Dampening Materials
- Floating floors with vibration-damping mounts reduce mechanical noise propagation through data center floors, particularly in multi-level facilities.
Summary Table
| Material/Method | Purpose | Key Benefits | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) | Sound blocking | Adds mass, blocks noise | Walls, ceilings |
| Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound | Damping & sealing | Reduces vibration & sound transmission | Between drywall layers |
| Resilient Sound Isolation Clips | Decoupling walls | Creates air gap for sound isolation | Wall framing mounts |
| Fiberglass/Mineral Wool Insulation | Sound absorption | Absorbs noise inside wall cavities | Wall insulation |
| Acoustic Foam/Panels | Absorption & noise softening | Softens machine sound, flame-resistant | Room interiors, sound baffles |
| SonoLayr Acoustic Fabric | Sound absorption | Thin, lightweight, high surface area | Added to panels, furniture |
| Acoustic Blankets | Portable sound blocking | Easy installation, flexible use | Walls, doors |
| Floating Floors & Vibration Mounts | Vibration reduction | Minimizes machine noise propagation | Data center floors |
Implementation Notes
- The best results often stem from combining these materials: MLV + Green Glue + resilient clips + insulation create highly effective soundproof walls.
- Incorporating air gaps and double layers enhances sound trapping.
- Acoustic panels and fabrics improve the environment inside the room by absorbing reflected sound.
- Vibration damping for floors is critical in multi-level centers to avoid noise spreading vertically.
- For renovation without demolition, acoustic panels and blankets offer practical, immediate noise control.
This multi-material layered approach addresses both airborne noise and vibration challenges in data centers, leading to a quieter and more pleasant working environment while limiting noise pollution outside server rooms.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-best-materials-for-soundproofing-in-data-centers/
