Mass Loaded Vinyl Sound Barrier for Blocking Noise Transfer
dB-Bloc is a high-density Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) sound barrier designed to reduce noise traveling through walls, ceilings, floors, and enclosures. It is commonly used to improve privacy, reduce disruptive noise between spaces, and enhance the sound isolation performance of both new & existing construction.
Unlike acoustic panels that reduce echo inside a room, dB-Bloc is used for soundproofing — stopping sound from passing from one space to another.
Need help? Call 1-800-638-9355 for expert advice!
What Is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)?
Mass Loaded Vinyl is a flexible, high-density sound barrier used to increase the mass of a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly. According to the mass law of soundproofing, heavier surfaces reduce the amount of sound that can pass through them. dB-Bloc provides this added mass in a thin, easy-to-install sheet, making it an effective solution when increasing wall thickness is not practical.
What dB-Bloc Is Designed to Do
✔ Reduce airborne sound transmission
✔ Improve overall sound isolation of walls, ceilings, and floors
✔ Add significant mass without increasing wall thickness
✔ Work as part of a layered soundproofing system
dB-Bloc is used in homes, offices, mechanical rooms, studios, healthcare facilities, and industrial applications where noise must be contained or blocked.
See Wall Treatment See Ceiling Treatment
How dB-Bloc Works
Sound travels through walls and ceilings by causing them to vibrate. One of the most reliable ways to reduce this vibration — and therefore reduce noise transmission — is to add mass.
Adds Dense Mass
dB-Bloc is much heavier than typical building materials of the same thickness. This added weight makes it harder for sound energy to vibrate the wall or ceiling, which reduces the amount of sound that passes through.
Remains Flexible
Unlike rigid materials, dB-Bloc remains flexible. This helps reduce unwanted resonances that can allow sound to “slip through” solid surfaces, especially in the speech and mid-frequency range.
Improves Wall & Ceiling Assemblies
dB-Bloc is not intended to be used by itself. It works best when installed behind drywall or other finish materials as part of a complete wall or ceiling assembly.
Pricing (1 PSF)
dB-Bloc 1NR (non-reinforced) is available in two standard roll sizes:
- 48” x 25’ (100 SF)
- 54″ x 30′ (135 SF)
Other roll sizes available, inquire for more options.
Orders can be placed online or by phone at 1-800-638-9355. For large orders, please give us a call or email us at help@controlnoise.com to get a custom quote.
Order By Phone Order OnlinePricing (2 PSF)
dB-Bloc 2NR (non-reinforced) is available in two standard roll sizes:
- 48” x 15’ (60 SF)
- 54″ x 30′ (135 SF)
Other roll sizes available, inquire for more options.
Orders can be placed online or by phone at 1-800-638-9355. For large orders, please give us a call or email us at help@controlnoise.com to get a custom quote.
Order by Phone Order OnlineHow to Soundproof a Wall with dB-Bloc
Using dB-Bloc mass loaded vinyl (MLV) sound barrier is a key step in soundproofing walls, but for the best results, it should be part of a complete acoustic treatment system. To effectively reduce noise transmission, it’s essential to decouple the framing and add layers that block and dissipate sound energy.
Steps to Soundproof an Existing Wall:
- Staple dB-Bloc directly onto your existing wall surface.
- Install a resilient channel system to create separation from the structure.
- Attach drywall to the resilient channel for added mass and sound reduction.
- Bonus: Add fiberglass insulation in the space between dB-Bloc and drywall to absorb resonance and prevent the triple-leaf effect.
The diagram illustrates how resilient channels separate the drywall from the framing, preventing sound vibrations from transferring. A popular upgrade is using RSIC Clips, which further isolate the wall structure for maximum soundproofing performance. Simply anchor the RSIC Clips after installing dB-Bloc, snap hat channels into place, and finish with drywall.
For more detailed guidance, explore our Wall and Ceiling Soundproofing sections.
See RSIC Clips
Soundproofing New Build & Remodel Walls
For new construction or remodels, the framing technique you choose plays a crucial role in soundproofing walls. Double-wall and staggered-stud framing naturally create a disconnection between adjoining rooms, eliminating the need for resilient channels or RSIC Clips to isolate the structure.
To maximize noise reduction, simply add the high-density mass of dB-Bloc to these framing methods. This combination effectively blocks sound transmission by collapsing vibrations before they pass through the wall assembly, ensuring superior soundproofing performance.
Need help with your project? Call 1-800-638-9355 for expert advice!
Sound Test Results
Results based on ASTM E90-09 test method
Test results available upon request.
Maximizing Soundproofing with dB-Bloc
A properly installed dB-Bloc soundproofing system can transform a standard STC 33-35 wall into an STC 55-60+ barrier, achieving luxury-grade soundproofing. This significant improvement helps block airborne noise and vibrations, creating a quieter environment.
However, noise leakage through electrical outlets, plumbing, ventilation, windows, doors, stairwells, and adjacent untreated surfaces can reduce overall soundproofing effectiveness. While no solution provides 100% sound isolation, dB-Bloc helps control noise transmission by adding critical mass to walls and ceilings.
On average, interior wall sound insulation with dB-Bloc can achieve a 10-12 dB noise reduction, though actual results will vary based on application and structural conditions. For optimal results, consider all potential airborne and structure-borne sound paths to minimize leaks and maximize sound control.
Shipping dB-Bloc
Small orders of 1-2 rolls can ship via FedEx or UPS, while larger orders will ship via LTL Freight. Most clients opt for a lift gate that allows pallets to be lowered to the ground. Please inspect the order upon delivery and sign for anything that may have been damaged in transit. For questions related to your shipment, call our help desk at 1-800-638-9355.
Shipping/Receiving Terms & Conditions
Soundproofing Walls Q&A
What is dB-Bloc?
dB-Bloc is a high-density, flexible sound barrier designed to block airborne noise and reduce sound transmission through walls, ceilings, and floors. It works by adding mass to surfaces, making it harder for sound waves to pass through.
How does dB-Bloc improve soundproofing?
By increasing the mass and density of a structure, dB-Bloc effectively blocks and absorbs sound vibrations. When properly installed, it can significantly improve the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of a wall or ceiling system, reducing unwanted noise between rooms.
What STC rating can dB-Bloc help achieve?
A standard STC 33-35 wall can be improved to STC 55-60+ when dB-Bloc is integrated into a complete soundproofing system with decoupling, insulation, and additional drywall layers.
Where should I install dB-Bloc?
dB-Bloc is ideal for soundproofing interior walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and machinery enclosures. It is commonly used in homes, offices, recording studios, and commercial spaces to control noise.
Can I attach dB-Bloc directly to drywall?
Yes, but for optimal results, it should be part of a layered system that includes resilient channels or RSIC Clips, insulation, and additional drywall layers.
Do I need to install dB-Bloc on both sides of a wall?
No, typically one side is sufficient when paired with decoupling methods like resilient channels or staggered-stud framing.
Can dB-Bloc be used in new construction and remodels?
Absolutely! dB-Bloc is effective in both new builds and renovations. It can be applied to existing finished walls or integrated into double-wall and staggered-stud framing in new construction.
What if my walls are finished?
Most of our clients are indeed retrofitting to an existing finished wall or ceiling assembly. Simply staple the dB-Bloc into place, add your resilient channel system, and then a new layer of 5/8” drywall. Adding a layer of fiberglass insulation between the dB-Bloc treatment and the final layer of 5/8″ drywall will reduce resonance in the air cavity and avoid the triple leaf effect.
Does it work on a ceiling?
Yes. Use the same layering sequence as walls – anchor dB-Bloc to your ceiling, add a channel system and/or our RSIC Clips, and a new layer of 5/8” drywall. Fill the air gap between the dB-Bloc & final layer of drywall with fiberglass insulation.
Does it work on a floor?
Yes, but note that we do offer a flooring underlayment called FloorFighter that we recommend you substitute in place of dB-Bloc. FloorFighter carries the same level of density but also has more of a cushioning effect to decouple foot noise.
How much coverage do I need?
dB-Bloc should cover 100% of the surface you are looking to soundproof. We recommend purchasing 10-15% extra to account for scrap.
Can I paint or finish over dB-Bloc?
dB-Bloc is not designed for direct painting. It should be covered with drywall, paneling, or another finishing material for the best aesthetics.
Does dB-Bloc completely block noise?
While no material provides 100% sound isolation, dB-Bloc is one of the most effective solutions for reducing airborne noise transmission when used correctly in a complete soundproofing system.
Does dB-Bloc help with impact noise?
dB-Bloc is designed primarily for airborne noise (voices, music, TV). To reduce impact noise (footsteps, vibrations), it should be combined with underlayment materials, isolation clips, or decoupling techniques.
How does dB-Bloc compare to Green Glue?
- dB-Bloc blocks sound through mass.
- Green Glue absorbs vibrations between drywall layers.
For maximum noise control, both can be used together—dB-Bloc to block sound and Green Glue to dampen vibrations.
How thick is dB-Bloc?
dB-Bloc is available in 1/8” thickness (1 lb per sq. ft.) and 1/4” thickness (2 lb per sq. ft.), depending on your noise control needs.
How much does dB-Bloc weigh?
- 1 lb per sq. ft. dB-Bloc (~1/8” thick) weighs 1 lb per square foot.
- 2 lb per sq. ft. dB-Bloc (~1/4” thick) weighs 2 lbs per square foot.
Is dB-Bloc safe and non-toxic?
Yes! dB-Bloc is lead-free, non-toxic, and safe for residential and commercial applications.
How much does dB-Bloc cost?
Pricing depends on thickness and order size, but 1 lb per sq. ft. dB-Bloc typically ranges from $1.50 to $1.80 per square foot.
Where can I buy dB-Bloc?
You can order dB-Bloc directly from NetWell Noise Control for the best pricing and expert guidance.
How long does it take to get?
dB-Bloc is typically a stock item ready to ship within 24-72 hours of your order, but please contact us for current lead times.
Contractor's Corner
Contractor’s Corner
If you are a contractor that has discovered the art of soundproofing a common surface with the use of our dB-Bloc layering sequence, we welcome you to our family of builders who know how to do it right. For you, we offer a free newsletter that delivers timely and helpful insights into the art of combating sound bleed through common wall or floor/ceiling assemblies. Sign up today and help spread our dB-Bloc treatments to future clients of yours!