Does Acoustic Underlay Help with Bass? (Low Frequency Noise)

Written by our acoustic insulation specialist — 15+ years experience supplying soundproofing to UK homeowners, developers and contractors. About our experts.

From our acoustic insulation specialist — bass is the most common noise complaint we receive.

Bass noise — the thump of music, the boom of a subwoofer — is the hardest type of noise to control, and acoustic underlay alone is rarely sufficient to deal with serious bass problems. Here is why.

Why Bass Is So Hard to Control

Low frequency sound (below 200Hz) has long wavelengths that can pass through most building materials with minimal attenuation. The mass law — which predicts how much a material reduces airborne noise — is less effective at low frequencies. This is why you can hear bass through walls and floors even when speech is not audible.

What Acoustic Underlay Does for Bass

Our 6mm rubber underlay provides meaningful impact noise reduction and moderate airborne noise reduction, including some bass frequencies. However, for serious bass problems (a neighbour with a subwoofer, a venue below), underlay alone is not the answer.

What Actually Works for Bass

For serious bass problems: mass + decoupling + absorption in a complete system. Our 12mm acoustic flooring system addresses bass better than underlay alone. For extreme bass problems, a room-within-a-room construction with a decoupled floating floor is the only reliable solution. Contact our team for a free assessment.