ArrowZoom’s current mass loaded vinyl is best understood as a compact-format, heavy MLV barrier rather than a lightweight self-adhesive sound-deadening mat. The current range centers on 2 lb-per-square-foot black MLV supplied as a cuttable 1-metre square sheet or smaller pre-cut tiles.
That format can make ArrowZoom useful for doors, equipment enclosures, vehicle sections and other relatively small or irregular areas. It is less convenient for a full wall or ceiling because the modest sheet sizes create more seams than a conventional construction roll.
The other important limitation concerns the performance claims. ArrowZoom lists an STC range of 31–33, but identifies the supporting figures as an internal engineering estimate. That is not the same as an independent laboratory report for your finished wall, floor, ceiling or door.
Quick Verdict
| Best for | Less suitable for |
|---|---|
| Small areas, doors, enclosures and irregular shapes | Large continuous walls and ceilings |
| Projects that benefit from compact 2 lb MLV sheets | Echo control or impact-noise isolation |
| DIY installers who prefer pre-cut tiles | Projects requiring clearly documented third-party acoustic or fire-test reports |
SPD’s short verdict: ArrowZoom MLV can be practical when its compact format matches the project. We would not make it our default choice for a large partition, and we would not treat the listed STC range as a guaranteed installed result.
What Is ArrowZoom MLV?
Mass loaded vinyl is a dense, flexible barrier used to add surface mass without the thickness of another rigid board. Its main acoustic role is reducing airborne sound transmission through a suitable assembly.
ArrowZoom’s current version is a smooth black MLV product offered in sheet and tile formats. It should not be confused with acoustic foam, a fibrous absorption panel or a butyl vibration-damping mat. Those products perform different jobs.
MLV also does not “absorb all sound.” It can contribute to a sound-isolation system, but the result still depends on coverage, seams, perimeter sealing, framing, existing layers and flanking paths.
Current ArrowZoom MLV Specifications
| Specification | KK1146 sheet | KK1246 tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Cut-to-fit sheet supplied rolled | Pre-cut square sheets |
| Listed size | 1 m × 1 m, approximately 39 × 39 inches | 30 × 30 cm, approximately 12 × 12 inches each |
| Listed surface weight | 2 lb/sq ft (9.8 kg/m²) | 2 lb/sq ft (9.8 kg/m²) |
| Listed thickness choices | 1.2 mm or 2 mm | 1.2 mm or 2 mm |
| Approximate unit weight | 22 lb (9.8 kg) | 2 lb (0.91 kg) per one-square-foot tile |
| Coverage | Approximately 10.8 sq ft | Approximately 1 sq ft per tile |
| Listed STC | 31–33, described as an internal engineering estimate | 31–33, described as an internal engineering estimate |
| Built-in adhesive | No | No |
ArrowZoom’s current direct listings provide the details for the KK1146 cut-to-fit MLV sheet and the KK1246 pre-cut MLV tiles.
There is one specification issue worth checking before purchase: the listings show both 1.2 mm and 2 mm thickness choices while presenting the range as 2 lb/sq ft. Because the pages do not clearly separate variant-specific surface weights, confirm the selected thickness, weight and pack quantity before ordering.
Understanding the STC 31–33 Claim
ArrowZoom publishes transmission-loss figures and an STC range of 31–33 for its MLV. The same product pages identify those figures as an internal engineering estimate under reference AZ-MLV-INT-REV01.
We did not find a linked independent laboratory report showing the test specimen, mounting method or full ASTM test documentation. That does not prove the material is ineffective, but it limits how confidently the listed rating can be compared with independently tested products.
The pages also describe the material as UL Classified and fire-retardant. However, a certification file number or directly linked classification document is not presented with the product details. For a code-regulated project, obtain the relevant documentation for the exact model and assembly rather than relying on the storefront badge alone.
Most importantly, a material-level STC figure is not the STC of a finished partition. A wall containing studs, insulation, drywall, fasteners, outlets, gaps and structural connections has its own assembly performance.
ArrowZoom Roll vs Tiles
Choose the KK1146 sheet when:
- You want fewer seams across a door, enclosure or small wall section.
- You need to cut around pipes, outlets, wheel wells or irregular edges.
- A 22-pound sheet is manageable for the installation team.
Choose the KK1246 tiles when:
- You prefer smaller pieces that are easier to lift and position.
- The treatment area can be covered efficiently with 12-inch squares.
- You accept that every tile edge creates another seam that may need careful sealing.
The tile format improves handling, but it does not remove the need for continuity. If sound can travel through open joints, uncovered sections or perimeter gaps, the heavy material cannot perform as a complete barrier.
Installation Requirements
The current ArrowZoom MLV is not listed as peel-and-stick material. ArrowZoom recommends separate double-sided tape, construction adhesive, staples or screws depending on the surface and application.
- Measure the complete treatment area. Include overlaps, trimming waste and any difficult shapes.
- Confirm that the supporting surface can carry the weight. A 1-metre square sheet is listed at about 22 pounds.
- Cut with a sharp utility knife or suitable scissors. Support the material while cutting so the edge remains controlled.
- Fasten it securely. Adhesive alone may not be appropriate for overhead or long-term installations.
- Treat seams and perimeter gaps. Use a compatible barrier tape or acoustical sealant where the assembly requires continuity.
- Cover the material when appropriate. In finished rooms, MLV is commonly installed behind drywall or another approved finish layer.
For ceilings and other overhead work, plan for additional support and at least one helper. Heavy, flexible sheets are more difficult to control than their dimensions suggest.
Where ArrowZoom MLV Makes Sense
Doors and small partitions
The compact sheet can add mass to a suitable hollow or lightweight door panel, provided the hinges and supporting structure can carry the extra weight. Door seals and perimeter gaps still require separate attention.
Equipment and mechanical enclosures
MLV can be useful inside an enclosure when a dense flexible barrier is easier to fit than another rigid layer. The enclosure must still maintain safe airflow, heat management and service access.
Vehicle floors and selected panels
ArrowZoom lists vehicle applications for its current MLV. In a vehicle, MLV primarily adds barrier mass. It should not be confused with a constrained-layer damping mat used to reduce resonance in thin metal panels.
Small wall, floor or ceiling sections
The sheet and tiles can suit compact areas where their dimensions minimize waste. For a full room, larger construction rolls may reduce seams, installation time and the number of individual pieces required.
Where It Is the Wrong Material
Echo and reverberation
ArrowZoom MLV is a barrier, not a room-acoustic absorption panel. If the room sounds hollow or reverberant, absorptive treatment inside the room is normally the appropriate category.
Footfall and impact noise
MLV is not a substitute for a resilient floor underlayment or structural isolation system. Footsteps and impacts excite the building structure directly, so adding a heavy sheet alone may not address the main transmission path.
Large uninterrupted partitions
A 1-metre sheet or collection of 12-inch tiles can create a high seam count over a large wall. A wider roll may be easier to install continuously and may offer better value once labor and seam treatment are considered.
Projects requiring documented compliance
Do not specify a storefront fire or acoustic claim for a regulated assembly without obtaining the applicable test report, classification file and installation conditions for the exact product.
Availability and Buying Considerations
ArrowZoom’s direct roll and tile pages can change in price, stock status, thickness and pack configuration. Check the selected variant carefully rather than assuming every listing uses the same dimensions or coverage.
A separate ArrowZoom MLV sheet listing on Amazon may show a different sheet size or specification set from the current direct-store KK1146 and KK1246 products. Confirm the model, thickness, quantity and destination before purchasing.
For a broader comparison of formats and weight classes, see our Best Mass Loaded Vinyl guide. Readers considering a larger construction roll can also review the specifications and limitations in our TotalMass MLV review.
For a direct brand-to-brand decision, our TotalMass vs ArrowZoom MLV comparison explains the differences in weight choices, coverage, seam count, handling, installation and STC claim context.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy 2 lb/sq ft format | Seller’s STC range is an internal estimate |
| Choice of cut-to-fit sheet or smaller tiles | Variant weight and thickness presentation needs confirmation |
| Compact pieces can be easier to handle | Small formats create many seams across large surfaces |
| Suitable for walls, doors, enclosures and selected vehicle areas | No built-in adhesive |
| Can be cut with common hand tools | Fire and acoustic documentation should be obtained for regulated work |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ArrowZoom MLV self-adhesive?
The current KK1146 and KK1246 listings do not describe built-in adhesive backing. Installation options include separate tape, construction adhesive, staples or screws.
What is the difference between the ArrowZoom roll and tiles?
The KK1146 is a 1-metre square cut-to-fit sheet, while the KK1246 uses pre-cut 12-inch square tiles. The sheet provides fewer seams; the tiles are easier to handle individually.
Is ArrowZoom’s STC 31–33 independently tested?
The current product pages describe the figures as an internal engineering estimate. We did not find a linked independent laboratory report for the published range.
Can ArrowZoom MLV soundproof a wall by itself?
No single MLV layer guarantees a soundproof wall. Final performance depends on every part of the assembly, including existing mass, framing, insulation, seams, perimeter sealing and flanking paths.
Can it reduce echo inside a room?
That is not its primary purpose. Echo is better addressed with absorptive acoustic treatment placed inside the room.
Can ArrowZoom MLV be used in a car?
ArrowZoom lists vehicle floors and panels among the possible applications. Use it as a barrier-mass layer and make sure the installation does not obstruct wiring, drainage, airbags, seat hardware or service access.
SPD’s Verdict on ArrowZoom MLV
ArrowZoom’s current MLV is most convincing as a compact 2 lb barrier for small or awkward projects. The choice between a 1-metre sheet and 12-inch tiles gives DIY installers useful flexibility, particularly around doors, enclosures and vehicle sections.
We are less enthusiastic about using it across a large wall or ceiling. The smaller formats increase seam count, and the current listings do not provide enough independent documentation for us to treat the STC 31–33 range or fire-classification language as fully verified performance evidence.
Choose ArrowZoom because its format fits the job—not because a storefront rating promises a finished result.
Good luck and happy soundproofing!
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