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Question #12
What's the difference between Studiofoam and bedding foam or ''Brand-S'' foam? All Auralex foam products have been specially engineered to: • Maximize acoustical performance. • Maximize longevity. • Maximize flame retardancy. • Maximize aesthetics. Non-Auralex ''poly-'' foams (can be polyesters, polyethers, polyurethanes, etc.) usually: • Have inferior acoustical performance. • ''Crumble'' or otherwise deteriorate over time. • Are much more flammable. • Are just plain ''ugly.'' Acoustical Performance The acoustical characteristics of foams are dependent on many factors. The more important of these are density and surface area. Auralex Engineers strive to maximize these two factors in all our products to achieve the highest possible acoustical performance. Longevity We hear many, many horror stories of folks who have gone with ''other'' foams only to find little foam ''crumbs'' all over their gear - sometimes in a matter of months! Our ''secret recipe'' of acoustical foam minimizes this effect. Auralex foam has been around for over two decades in some installations and it shows no signs of deterioration. ''As good as new!'' Flame Retardancy You may or may not have read disclaimers on ''other'' foams about how they are ''extremely flammable.'' Some of the competitors' foams (sans disclaimers) have nearly taken our arm off when we set a match to them! Once again, the Auralex Engineers have come through for you. Our acoustic foams achieve the highest rating possible by polymeric acoustical foams - Class B*. The foam will ''self-extinguish'' if briefly exposed to a flame. (Note: Auralex does not encourage customers to try flame tests themselves. We don't want anyone getting hurt.) *Surface treatments are available that can increase flame retardancy. However, our tests of these treatments have resulted in a severe degradation of acoustical performance and an increase in the likelihood of deterioration. Aesthetics Ever been to a studio that used bedding foam for treatment? Looks cheap, doesn't it? Well, Auralex offers a wide range of colors and shapes of acoustical foams to meet almost anyone's tastes. All designs yield looks that are consistent with state-of-the-art décor and high-class tastes. Please browse through the many installation photos on www.auralex.com to see just a small sampling of the different 'looks' you can get!
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