How it works
Built to sound better.
A simple idea, precisely engineered - wood on the surface, acoustic science underneath. Here's what's actually happening inside every Magnat panel.
The anatomy
Build for sound. Designed for spaces.
Each panel is CNC-milled MDF slats clad in real or technical wood veneer, mounted on a backing of PET polyester acoustic felt. Sound waves pass between the slats and are absorbed by the felt — cutting echo and reverberation, and clearing up speech in the mid-to-high range where everyday noise lives.
- 01 Wood slats— CNC-milled MDF clad in real or technical veneer.
- 02 Open air gaps— Sound passes between the slats instead of bouncing back.
- 03 PET felt backing— Absorbs the energy — so less echo returns to the room.
How a Magnat panel works
Cross-section — room on the left, wall on the right
The acoustic journey
What happens to sound.
Four steps - from echo-filled room to noticeably quieter space.
01
Sound fills the room
In untreated rooms, sound waves bounce off hard, flat surfaces - walls, ceilings, floors, glass. This creates echo and reverberation that muddies speech and makes the space uncomfortable.
02
Meets the panel surface
Sound waves reach the face of the panel. Instead of reflecting off a flat wall, the timber slat surface breaks up the reflection. The open gaps between each slat allow sound to pass through rather than bounce back.
03
Passes through the gaps
Mid-to-high frequency sound energy travels through the 10mm air gaps between the slats and enters the cavity behind - where the 9mm PET acoustic felt backing is waiting to receive it.
04
Absorbed — not bounced back
The PET felt converts sound energy into a tiny amount of heat. The energy that was bouncing around the room is gone. What returns to you is a quieter, more settled acoustic - same room, far more comfortable.
Not soundproofing - absorption.
Magnat panels reduce echo and reverberation within a room - they do not block or prevent noise from passing between rooms or from outside. If you have a specific acoustic requirement, contact us before ordering and we'll advise whether the panels suit your purpose.
Measured performance
0.80 NRC
Noise Reduction Coefficient
Approx 80% of incident sound energy is absorbed by each panel. Tested to ISO 354.
Certified
ISO 11654 Sound Absorption Class
Class D panels deliver effective mid-to-high frequency absorption - the frequency range where speech, music and everyday noise live.
9 mm
PET Acoustic Felt Backing
High-density polyester felt - the material that does the acoustic work behind the scenes. Fully recyclable.
Performance figures are indicative. Actual results depend on room size, surface area covered, and room geometry.
What you can expect
Real results. Honest limits.
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Noticeably less echo and reverb
Most customers notice a meaningful difference in rooms with 20–30% wall coverage.
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Clearer speech and audio
Home offices, listening rooms, dining rooms, and open-plan living areas benefit most.
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Warmer, more comfortable rooms
Acoustic panels also add a layer of warmth and texture that changes how a room feels - not just sounds.
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DIY-friendly installation
No specialist trades required. Construction adhesive or screws through the backing — most installs take a few hours.
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Not soundproofing
Panels absorb sound within the room. They do not block noise from passing between rooms or from outside.
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Not a bass trap
Magnat panels absorb mid-to-high frequencies. Low-frequency bass control requires dedicated bass traps or room treatment.
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Results vary by room
Larger rooms and those with minimal soft furnishings need more panel coverage to achieve the same effect. Contact us if you're unsure.
Installation
Up on the wall in an afternoon.
No specialist trades, no mess. Construction adhesive or screws through the backing — that's it.
Acclimatise
Leave panels flat in the room for 12 hours before installation. This lets the timber adjust to your room's temperature and humidity - preventing bowing or gap changes after fixing.
Plan your layout
Measure your wall and plan the panel positions before you cut or fix anything. Confirm quantities, dimensions, and finish alignment. Inspect every panel — once cut, panels cannot be returned for a change of mind.
Fix to the wall
Apply construction adhesive in a zigzag pattern to the back of the panel, or screw directly through the felt backing into wall studs. Leave a 2mm expansion gap between panels. Cut with a fine-tooth saw or sharp utility knife.
Finish and enjoy
Add reveal strips or timber trim to edges if desired. Stand back, take it in — and notice the difference the moment the room fills with sound again.
Need more detail? Our full installation guide covers surface preparation, adhesive selection, cutting, and finishing — everything you need from start to finish.