Mass is an essential component when it comes to soundproofing. In terms of high-mass soundproofing materials, mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is the best choice. But with so many choices in the market, getting good-quality ones can be difficult.
Among the best mass loaded vinyl brands are:
- TMS
- Soundsulate
- Noise Grabber
These brands provide mass loaded vinyl that is easy to install, flexible, and effective. That ensures that you are getting what you paid for.
However, it is not enough that you know the best MLV brands. It is also vital for you to know how you can choose the best mass loaded vinyl for your soundproofing needs.
Also, check out MLV vs. Drywall for Soundproofing
3 of the Best Mass Loaded Vinyl
Noise reduction is vital for homes, especially if you live in particularly noisy areas. However, there are so many soundproofing materials in the market, making your purchasing journey a difficult one.
But among all the soundproofing options in the market, mass loaded vinyl is one of the best choices for people who want to prevent sound waves from leaking in and out of their area. If you opt for MLV, it is essential to note that there are many different choices for you.
That said, here are three of the best brands for you to consider:
1. TMS Soundproofing Padding MLV
- Premium Quality Material: A heavy-duty, long lasting texture guaranteed to withstand the test of time without easily tearing! Best Seller.
- The Perfect Solution: Creates a highly effective noise barrier without implying major costs, expensive handymen or your precious time.
- Safety Comes First: Contains no re-grinded or recycled material and avoids the use of dangerous chemicals.
- Professional Grade: This MLV is a professional grade mass layer and damper for a wide variety of noises
- Easy DIY Installation: Allows a user-friendly installation without demanding additional costs.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The mass loaded vinyl produced by MS Soundproofing come in three masses:
- 1/2LB per square foot and 1/16-inch thick
- 1LB per square foot and 1/8-inch thick
- 2LB per square foot and 1/4-inch thick.
TMS Soundproofing MLV works excellently in adding mass to walls, floors, and doors. You can even use them to soundproof noisy equipment. Even better is that the product does not compromise space, so you can use it even in small rooms.
The 1/2LB mass-loaded vinyl from this brand has a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 20, while the 1LB has an STC of 26. Meanwhile, the 2LB TMS MLV has an STC rating of 33 when used by itself.
Moreover, the MLV products by TMS all comply with architectural specifications. For this reason, you can ensure that you are using an effective soundproofing solution.
2. Soundsulate MLV
- Use for soundproofing basements, conference rooms, studios, apartments, machinery, pipes and more.
- Made with the highest quality materials for superior strength, durability and flexibility. Made in the USA.
- STC rating 27, 1/8 thick, odorless
- Ships within 24 hours from one of two locations for faster delivery. More options available at Burning River Buys
- Heavy - weighs 1 pound per square foot or 100 pou
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The mass-loaded vinyl produced by Soundsulate is flexible and very thin, making them an excellent option for various sound control applications. One of the reasons why they work well for different areas is that they do not compromise space.
The Soundsulate MLV is created to reduce the transmission of noise through walls, floors, and ceilings. This brand offers an STC rating of 27, turning loud noises into something audible but not understandable. When you speak in a room with MLV installed, a loud speech will only sound like ¼ of the sound that you will hear without MLV.
Another impressive thing about the Soundsulate MLV is its ability to exceed people’s expectations, especially regarding price. Each square feet of this mass loaded vinyl-only costs $2. Despite the price, the quality it provides is almost incomparable.
Moreover, this US-based brand has been in the market since 2015. So, it is safe to say that its experience can provide you with great MLV products.
3. Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl
- Highest Quality Mass Loaded Vinyl sound barrier, highest sound ratings, heavy weight, non toxic, safely use anywhere
- Best Product with a proven 26 STC Rating, Great for Walls, Floors, Ceiling, Doors, Home Theaters, Automobiles, Fences, Boats, RVs and more. Helps block exterior noises
- Technical Specs: 1/8” thick, one pound per square foot, 4 feet wide by 25 feet long, weighs 100 LB. Shipped in high quality box, Made in the USA
- Installation: Easy to cut and install. Full Installation Instructions Available
- Lowest Price: Five thicknesses available to fit any job. Perfect for DIY Proje
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Noise Grabber produces MLV that have high standards. The brand aims to manufacture high-quality sound blocking material. For this reason, it tests its mass loaded vinyl to pass the ASTM standards.
The Noise Grabber MLV weighs 1LB per square foot. So, purchasing the 4’ x 10’ roll will give you 40LB of MLV. Such is enough to block unwanted noises from entering an establishment.
Moreover, the MLV from this brand has different STC ratings depending on their weight. But if you have 1LB MLV, you will get an STC rating of 26.
What Does Mass Loaded Vinyl Do?
As mentioned, there are many types of MLV in the market. However, most sellers are only retailers and are not the actual manufacturers of the products they offer. So, some of the information that you may find about their products can be misleading.
To ensure that you are getting the best sound-deadening for your area, you need to know the qualities of good MLV.
The best mass loaded vinyl should possess sound absorption, noise damping, noise isolation, and mass. This way, it will be able to provide you with the best acoustic setting.
MLV systems work well for noise reduction by adding a little thickness of mass, which can be as thin as 1/8 inches. The added mass allows the material to block unwanted noise from entering an area, such as a studio, home theater, or office.
Since people use MLV for different spaces, they have to be flexible despite the thickness and the mass.
Moreover, the significant property of MLV is its capability to reduce reverberation and reflect noise. Contrary to acoustic foams that absorb sound waves, mass loaded vinyl acts as a barrier that blocks sound from entering or exiting a space.
Regardless of the type of wall your room has, installing MLV can ensure improved sound quality. This soundproofing product also provides exceptional features in terms of soundproofing.
The reason is that it has combined noise reduction elements, including wool channels, sound clips, vibration isolation mounts, fiberglass, and furring sheets.
Apart from soundproofing, you can also use mass loaded vinyl for AC enclosures and other industrial applications.
In fact, MLV is also popular for home theaters, music studios, and radio stations. With MLV installed, the sound produced in these spaces becomes better.
Sources
- Mass Loaded Vinyl, Trademark Soundproofing, https://www.tmsoundproofing.com/mass-loaded-vinyl/
- Soundsulate 1 lb Mass Loaded Vinyl MLV, Sears.Com, https://www.sears.com/burning-river-buys-soundsulate-1-lb-mass-loaded/p-A024920165/
- MLV, inSync, https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/mlv/#:~:text=Abbreviation%20for%20%E2%80%9Cmass%20loaded%20vinyl,soundproofing%20or%20sound%20control%20scheme./
- Mass Loaded Vinyl – A Review Of The Performance And Cost In Acoustical Applications, Street Directory, https://www.streetdirectory.com/etoday/-wcajef.html/