Soundproofing homes, offices, and personal vehicles have become the latest lifestyle change across the world. With more companies manufacturing durable and sound absorbent products, the rise in their consumption has increased. When it comes to soundproofing, MLV or mass-loaded vinyl is the go-to option for soundproof interiors. The best thing about MLV is the considerable amount of mass contained in the minimum thickness. Essentially mass-loaded vinyl is a viscoelastic material that uses the property of hysteresis to diminish the noise inside the space.
Mass-loaded vinyl is a flexible mass barrier used primarily to help reduce airborne sound transmission as part of a complete construction. Its acoustic role should not be confused with porous sound absorption or dedicated vibration-damping treatments. Performance depends on the complete wall, ceiling, floor, pipe or enclosure assembly, including its mass, framing, isolation, sealing and installation details.
Second Skin MLV123 is offered in more than one mass and thickness. The 1 lb version is listed at 1/8” thickness with a source-published STC figure of 26, while the 2 lb version is listed at 1/4″ thickness with a source-published STC figure of 32. Those figures should be interpreted with the associated test method, specimen or construction rather than as universal ratings for any finished wall, floor, ceiling or vehicle installation. The higher-mass version should therefore not be assumed to provide a particular installed STC advantage without a like-for-like tested construction. Other listed physical specifications include tensile strength over 600 psi and temperature tolerance up to 150 °F (175 °F intermittently).
On the other hand, Soundsulate MLV4 emphasizes flexibility and environmental safety. With a standard 1 lb./sq. ft. density and a .100” thickness, it achieves an STC rating of up to 29, suitable for reducing airborne noise in homes and buildings. Its non-toxic, odorless nature, combined with a broad temperature range of -40°F to 180°F, makes it an excellent option for diverse settings.
Working of MLV
MLV works primarily by adding flexible mass to a construction. That added mass can contribute to reducing airborne sound transmission, but the result depends on the complete assembly. This is different from porous absorbers, which dissipate acoustic energy within their fibrous or open structure, and from dedicated damping treatments used to control resonance in vibrating panels.
Now, the MLV installed between drywalls inside the wall absorbs energy. When the sound hits this MLV sheet, the ball-cloth effect comes into play. MLV is nestled against studs that allow it to move freely in the 3D space and helps reduce the absorbed energy, which leads to excellent noise reduction.
Advantages of using MLV
The advantages of using MLV are many. Compared to other soundproofing products, mass-loaded vinyl is thinner and lighter. They are easy to install and used in different parts of your interior. The flexibility of this material increases as this property depends on the thickness of the products. Unlike other soundproofing materials like drywall and acoustic panels that are hard and rigid, MLV is slightly elastic.
STC, or Sound Transmission Class, describes the airborne sound-isolation performance of a tested construction; it should not be treated as a universal product-only score. MLV can be useful where a flexible mass layer fits the design, including some wall, ceiling, pipe and enclosure applications, but its contribution depends on the surrounding construction and installation. Compare products using like-for-like test information, physical specifications, installation requirements and the acoustic role needed for the project rather than assuming MLV is inherently superior to other sound-control approaches.
Now, different companies manufacture MLV, which might confuse the buyer to choose such a wide array of options. Currently, Second Skin and Soundsulate are the leading names in the soundproofing industry.
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) applications
Added mass can help reduce airborne sound transmission as part of a complete barrier assembly. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a flexible material used to add mass in walls, ceilings, floors, enclosures, and some sound-control curtain or blanket systems.
MLV products vary by weight, thickness, construction and tested configuration. Check the manufacturer’s current technical data for the exact product, and do not treat a material-level STC figure as the rating of a complete installed wall, floor or ceiling assembly.
Effortless Installation and Broad Applications
Both Second Skin MLV123 and Soundsulate MLV4 are engineered for user-friendly installation, catering to DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Second Skin’s MLV variants, with their flexible and odorless nature, can be easily cut to fit and installed in vehicles, homes, and studios using glue or double-sided tape. This adaptability extends to Soundsulate MLV4, which, thanks to its flexibility and non-toxic properties, is perfect for enhancing the acoustic environment of residential and commercial spaces.
The diverse applications of these MLVs, from dampening road noise in automobiles to insulating studios against airborne sound, underscore their versatility. Second Skin’s high temperature resistance makes it particularly suitable for environments subject to fluctuating temperatures, while Soundsulate’s impressive tear strength and wide temperature range ensure durability in a variety of settings.
table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } th, td { border: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left; padding: 8px; } th { background-color: #007bff; color: white; } .pros { background-color: #ccffcc; } .cons { background-color: #ffcccc; }| Feature Description | Soundsulate | Second Skin |
|---|---|---|
| STC Rating | Up to 29 | 26 (1 lb), 32 (2 lb) |
| Thickness & Weight | .100”, 1 lb./sq. ft. | 1/8” (1 lb), 1/4″ (2 lb), 1.25 pounds/sq. ft. (1 lb) |
| Temperature Rating | -40°F to 180°F | 150 °F (175 °F intermittent) |
| Fire Resistance & Safety | Self-extinguishing | Passes vehicle fire safety testing (FMVSS) |
| Tensile Strength | 400 psi | Over 600 psi |
| Odorless & Environmental Safety | Yes, non-toxic | Yes, odorless |
| Application Flexibility | Residential, commercial | Automotive, residential, studios |
Second Skin Audios
Second Skin Audios focuses on manufacturing durable, long-lasting products and provides effective noise and heat insulation. Their products are built so that they perform at a level higher than expected. And only the best raw materials are used during the manufacturing process. Second Skin has been in the business for the last two decades, and they have maintained the quality of their products ever since.
The MLVs manufactured by this company are specially designed for automobiles, providing both high-grade heat and noise insulation. Second Skin has been providing soundproofing equipment applied in many different fields like neuroscience, the military, and even the entertainment industry. They are used in recording studios, houses, homes, operation theatres and even dampen the noise of a diesel engine.
Pros
- The raw, virgin MLV used by Second Skin makes their products odorless and easily stretchable.
- With a temperature rating of 180 ℉, these products can withstand heat and provide excellent thermal and noise insulation. The CCF also acts as a decoupler that helps with insulation.
- These MLV sheets are easy to install and can be attached with glue or double-sided sellotape.
Cons
- Unlike the other options available in the market, these MLV sheets are thicker in width. They come with a thickness of ⅜ inches.
- The weight of the products manufactured by Second Skin is also slightly more. They weigh around 1.25 pounds per square foot on average.
Soundsulate:
Soundsulate is another MLV option intended for sound-control applications. Soundsulate can be incorporated into walls, ceilings and floors as a flexible mass layer. A source-published STC figure of 27 should be interpreted with its associated test method, specimen or construction; it does not establish that every installation will reduce perceived sound to a fixed fraction or produce a particular listening result.
Like the other MLVs, Soundsulate MLVs are also installed in between drywalls and the ceilings. Furthermore, they can also be used as acoustic panels and even as wrappers around heavy machines. The most significant selling point for Soundsulate is that the price range of the products is really pocket friendly. While the average rates in the market range from 5 dollars to 8 dollars per square foot, Soundslate starts from two dollars per square foot. This makes their products extremely attractive and lucrative to consumers.
Pros
- These sheets can be used in different interior spaces and locations. They are suitable for basements, garages, home theatres, and even for automobiles and vehicles.
- They are durable, weather-resistant, and provide good all-around sound insulation.
- The products manufactured by Soundsulate are thinner (⅛ inches in thickness) and lighter in weight( 1 pound per square foot) than the other options currently accessible to the consumers.
Cons
- Published STC figures associated with Second Skin and Soundsulate should not be used as a simple product ranking unless they come from directly comparable test specimens and methods. Finished performance depends on the complete construction.
Soundsulate 1 lb MLV
Soundsulate MLV is very thin and flexible, and these characteristics make it a great choice for a variety of sound control applications without compromising space. It is designed to reduce noise transmission through floors, walls, and ceilings. Soundsulate offers an STC rating of 27, which reduces loud speech to audible but not understandable. To your ear, this may sound like 1/4 of the sound you heard without MLV.
Typical applications include applying over studs, joists, or suspended ceilings. It can also be used as an acoustic wrap for machinery, equipment, and ductwork.
What impressed me most about this Soundsulate product is their ability to exceed people’s expectations, especially when comparing their prices. They are very competitively priced at an average of $2/sp ft and committed to delivering quality. Soundsulate has been around since 2015 and is manufactured in the US. I do not doubt that as the Soundsulate brand grows, it will become a premium product within the market as long as they don’t outprice themselves.
Deciphering the Differences: Second Skin vs. Soundsulate
When comparing Second Skin MLV123 and Soundsulate MLV4, start with the physical specifications and the requirements of the intended construction. Second Skin offers more than one mass option, and its higher-mass version carries a source-published STC figure of 32. That figure requires its test context and does not by itself establish the STC of a finished installation or prove superiority over another MLV. Temperature and fire-test specifications may also matter where the intended application requires them.
Conversely, Soundsulate boasts an impressive STC rating of up to 29, with a focus on versatility and environmental safety. Its thinner and lighter design, coupled with non-toxic and odorless properties, makes it an attractive option for residential and commercial settings.
Choosing the Right MLV: Match the material to the project rather than selecting from STC figures alone. Compare mass per unit area, thickness, temperature or fire-test requirements where relevant, dimensions, installation constraints and directly comparable acoustic test evidence. The finished construction—including framing, other layers, isolation, seams, penetrations and perimeter sealing—ultimately determines the installed result.
Soundproofing your home
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Product Safety and Material Specifications
Second Skin MLV123 not only excels in soundproofing but also stands out for its commitment to safety and environmental considerations. Being odorless and passing rigorous vehicle fire safety testing standards, it reassures users of its suitability for a wide range of applications, from automotive to residential.
Soundsulate MLV4 is described with physical and safety-related specifications including odor, material, self-extinguishing and temperature characteristics. Treat each of those as a specific product claim that should be checked against current manufacturer documentation; they do not by themselves establish broader environmental impact or ecological superiority.
Conclusion
Mass-loaded vinyl can be a useful flexible-mass component in an airborne sound-isolation assembly, but it is not automatically the best treatment for every noise problem. The appropriate approach depends on the sound path and the complete construction. Added mass, decoupling, cavity absorption, damping, resilient treatment and careful sealing perform different roles, so the assembly should be designed around the specific source and transmission path.
Good luck and happy soundproofing!