Since entering the acoustics arena in the seventies, we have heard many stories over and over. One of these is that egg cartons can be a substitute for acoustical foams or other sound absorbers as an acoustical treatment for use in broadcast & recording studios or other critical listening environments.
After listening to this many times, I decided to include formed paper egg cartons with a test of some commercial products at Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories.
*NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO REFER TO THESE TESTS, PLEASE CREDIT ACOUSTICS FIRST® CORPORATION AS THE SOURCE. WE CANNOT AUTHORIZE USE OF THE "RIVERBANK" NAME BEYOND OUR REPRODUCTION OF THEIR ORIGINAL REPORT.
Egg Cartons do have acoustical value.
They measure NRC = 0.40.
The graph tells the rest of the story. While commercial products exhibit a smooth curve, there is a "pothole" in the acoustical road with egg cartons.
Another thing to consider is flammability. Take an egg carton outside and put a match to it! Then ask yourself, "Do I still want this on my studio walls?" - Nick Colleran
