AcousticSoundPanels vs ATS Acoustics vs GIK Acoustics vs Foam: Complete Comparison Guide
AcousticSoundPanels vs ATS Acoustics vs GIK Acoustics vs Foam: Complete Comparison
Last Updated: February 2, 2026
Author: Dan Morrell, Mixmastered Acoustics
When shopping for acoustic treatment, you've probably come across several brands: ATS Acoustics, GIK Acoustics, Acoustimac, and cheap foam panels on Amazon. Here's a factual, data-driven comparison to help you choose the right solution for your space.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | AcousticSoundPanels | ATS Acoustics | GIK Acoustics | Foam Panels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRC Rating | 1.0 (100%) | 0.95-1.0 | 0.95-1.0 | 0.2-0.4 |
| Core Material | American-made rigid fiberglass | Fiberglass | Fiberglass | Foam |
| Made In | USA (in-house) | USA | USA | China |
| Fire Rating | Class A | Class A | Class A | Not rated |
| Custom Printing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Production Time | 3-5 days | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | Ships from stock |
| Price (24"x48"x2") | ~$60-75 | ~$65-80 | ~$85-110 | ~$20-40 |
| Durability | Decades | Decades | Decades | 2-5 years |
Detailed Comparison
1. Acoustic Performance
AcousticSoundPanels: NRC 1.0
Our 2-inch panels achieve NRC 1.0 (high broadband absorption at 250Hz-4000Hz). 4-inch bass traps extend absorption down to 125Hz and below.
ATS Acoustics: NRC 0.95-1.0
Similar performance to AcousticSoundPanels. Well-regarded in the audio community.
GIK Acoustics: NRC 0.95-1.0
Premium positioning with excellent performance. Known for professional studio installations.
Foam Panels: NRC 0.2-0.4
Absorb only 20-40% of sound. Not suitable for professional applications.
Winner: Tie between AcousticSoundPanels, ATS, and GIK. Foam is far behind.
2. Customization (Our Unique Advantage)
AcousticSoundPanels:
- ✅ Any size 12"x12" to 48"x96" (usually no extra charge)
- ✅ Custom printing - Upload your image, print directly on acoustic fabric
- ✅ Custom shapes (triangular, hexagonal, circular)
- ✅ Wide fabric color selection
ATS Acoustics:
- ✅ Custom sizes available
- ✅ Multiple fabric options
- ❌ No custom printing
GIK Acoustics:
- ✅ Standard and custom sizes
- ✅ Camira Cara fabric (premium)
- ❌ No custom printing
Foam Panels:
- ❌ Stock sizes only
- ❌ Limited colors (black, gray)
- ❌ No customization
Winner: AcousticSoundPanels (custom printing is unique)
3. Turnaround Time
| Brand | Standard | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| AcousticSoundPanels | 3-5 days | 1-2 weeks |
| ATS Acoustics | 1-2 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| GIK Acoustics | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Foam Panels | 1-3 days (Amazon) | N/A |
Winner: AcousticSoundPanels for professional panels (3-5 days standard). All manufacturing in-house.
4. Materials & Construction
AcousticSoundPanels:
- Core: American-made rigid fiberglass (formaldehyde-free, plant-based bio-binder)
- Fabric: Burch Fabrics Prime Time acoustic fabric
- Fire Rating: ASTM E84 Class A
ATS Acoustics:
- Core: Fiberglass
- Fire Rating: Class A
GIK Acoustics:
- Core: Fiberglass
- Fabric: Camira Cara (premium, known for durability)
- Fire Rating: Class A
Foam Panels:
- Material: Polyurethane foam
- Fire Rating: Typically NOT fire rated (flammable)
- Durability: Breaks down in 2-5 years
Winner: AcousticSoundPanels (eco-friendly Knauf ECOSE). GIK has premium fabric.
5. Price Comparison
24"x48"x2" panel:
| Brand | Price | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| AcousticSoundPanels | $60-75 | ~$7.50-9.40 |
| ATS Acoustics | $65-80 | ~$8.10-10.00 |
| GIK Acoustics | $85-110 | ~$10.60-13.75 |
| Foam (12"x12") | $2-4 | ~$2-4 (but 20-40% performance) |
Winner: AcousticSoundPanels and ATS are competitively priced. Foam is cheap but ineffective.
Who Should Choose Each Brand?
Choose AcousticSoundPanels if:
- ✅ You want custom printing (acoustic art panels with your images)
- ✅ You need lead time quoted per project (3-5 days standard)
- ✅ You want Made in USA with eco-friendly materials (Knauf ECOSE)
- ✅ You're treating a restaurant, office, or commercial space and want custom branding
- ✅ You need NRC 1.0 at competitive pricing
Choose ATS Acoustics if:
- You want proven panels at competitive pricing
- You've seen positive community reviews
- You don't need custom printing
Choose GIK Acoustics if:
- You want premium Camira Cara fabric aesthetics
- You're working with a professional acoustic designer
- You have a larger budget
Avoid Foam Panels Unless:
- You're on an extremely tight budget
- You understand you're getting 20-40% absorption (not 100%)
- You're okay replacing them in 2-5 years
Proven Results: Case Study
Terrace Cantina Restaurant (Oak Brook Terrace, IL)
- Problem: Excessive noise, echoes making conversation impossible
- Solution: Custom 2" AcousticSoundPanels on walls + ceiling tiles
-
Results:
- RT60 reduction: 0.28 seconds
- Noise reduction: 47 dB
- Speech intelligibility dramatically improved
FAQs
Q: Is AcousticSoundPanels.com the same as Mixmastered Acoustics?
Yes. AcousticSoundPanels.com is the direct-to-consumer brand of Mixmastered Acoustics, founded by Dan Morrell. We manufacture all panels in-house in the USA.
Q: Will acoustic panels soundproof my room?
No. Acoustic panels absorb sound inside the room (reduce echo and reverb). They do NOT block sound from passing through walls. For soundproofing, you need mass-loaded vinyl or construction changes. Read our guide: Acoustic Treatment vs Soundproofing.
Q: How many panels do I need?
General rule: Cover 20-30% of your wall surface area. For a 10'x12' room, that's typically 8-12 panels (24"x48" size). See our complete calculator.
Final Verdict
All three fiberglass brands (AcousticSoundPanels, ATS, GIK) offer excellent NRC 1.0 performance. The choice comes down to:
- Customization: AcousticSoundPanels wins (custom printing)
- Speed: AcousticSoundPanels (3-5 days)
- Premium aesthetics: GIK (Camira Cara fabric)
- Budget: AcousticSoundPanels and ATS are competitive
Ready to improve your space? Browse our panels or get a custom quote.
Last updated: February 2, 2026
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Read the full post on Acoustic Sound Panels