Do in-wall speakers need insulation? (Explained)


Yes. Consider installing insulation (R-13) in the hollow wall structure. Insulation material will create a soundproof wall behind the speaking. It will improve the sound quality naturally. The unstable structure of the in-wall speakers reduces the quality of the audio. 

Guide to installing the insulation for in-wall speakers

Before installing the in-wall speakers, check the wall quality and wires installed in the wall. The cables have to be moved out from the place before you drill the hole in the wall.

Once you remove the wires, the next step is making the hole. Take the width and height of the speakers with the required dept. Find the right place to drill the spot where the speakers point directly at the listener. 

wall speakers need insulation
Before installing the speakers on the wall, check the quality of the wall and the wires installed in the wall.

  • Make a hole in the wall to fit the speakers.
  • Clean the debris and make the hollow space perfect. 
  • Get the insulation material and apply it inside the hole. If needed, add another layer of material to protect the insulation material from damage. 
  • Arrange the insulation properly. Do not leave space in between the joints. The entire space should be covered in insulation.
  • Finally, move the speakers to the place. Fix it with the help of the screws. 
  • Test the speakers for sound quality. If you feel the audio is distorted, try to reduce the space between the speakers and the insulation.

There is a possibility that the insulation might be canceling the audio and causing the audio to sound less effective. Adjust the insulation until you are satisfied with the sound quality.

How do make in-wall speakers sound better with the use of insulation?

The insulation is used to create a soundproof structure in the wall. Hallow space is unstable and may cause the audio to bounce in a different direction. Audio quality feels annoying when the background structure is not properly arranged. 

In-wall speakers are sensitive to the wall structure. The design of the wall also determines how the speakers will sound.

wall speakers sound better with the use of insulation
insulation is used to create a soundproof structure in the wall.

When the speakers emit the sound from the speakers, it gets bounces from the wall structure inside. Uneven wall structures cause the sound to move in various directions. 

You can easily recognize the problem in the speakers. Additionally, the base of the speakers will also get affected if the wall structure is not even. As a result, the sound quality feels low quality. 

Follow the below suggestion to make the in-wall speaker sound better.

  • Make the hollow space suitable for the speakers. Take the help of the experts to understand the requirement of the space behind the speakers to ensure high-quality output.
  • Next, select the specific insulation for the speakers. Consult with the experts to find the proper insulation that improves the sound quality.
  • Now, it is time to place the insulation in the wall. Arrange the insulation in a way that doesn’t affect sound quality. The majority of the insulation is capable of creating a soundproof structure. Once they are applied, the sound will have better output.
  • Put the speakers facing the person. Generally, speakers are made to produce horizontal sound. The sound quality will feel better when it hears directly after it is emitted from the speakers.
  • Always test the quality of the speakers before you fix them in the position. If needed, reduce the space between the speakers and the insulation to reduce the length it takes sound to bounce and reflect from the wall.

make the in-wall speaker sound better
wall speaker sound better

In-wall mounted speakers sound better than the surround sound speakers kept on the floor. The audio quality will create the home theater experience.

How do you dampen in-wall speakers?

Most in-wall speakers require two sheets of MDF or OSB to create a soundproof area. They are placed with the green glue damping compound applied between the layers. The dampened structure creates a soundproof layer that prevents sound waves from passing through the structure. 

The hollow structure will affect the sound quality causing the audio to feel distorted. When the sound waves hit the hollow design, the pores in the material allow the waves to bounce in different directions. 

Some part of the sound waves will cancel each other, making the sound feels low. The stiff structure of the wall makes the sound waves bounce in one direction. The sound feels better and more enjoyable.

dampen in-wall speakers

Therefore, experts suggest a dampening procedure to make the soundproof structure for the in-wall speakers. If you are ensured about the dampen, talk to the manufacturer about the needed arrangement before purchasing the speakers. 

Top brands also offer a demo of the speakers at your place. The demo consists of the placement of the speakers on the wall and checking the sound quality. Show them how you are going to use the speakers.

Also, experts who visit your place will assist you in making the in-wall structure appropriate for the speakers. Follow the guidance shared by the experts. 

You must take the help of the experts during the installation. Sometimes the expert’s suggestion will help you to get a better output. If you find the speakers do not provide the expected experience, you can decide during the demo. It will save you time and money.

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