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Why Studios Spaces Struggle with Echo
If you’ve ever wondered “why does my pilates studio sound so echoey?” or Googled “how to fix echo in a fitness or yoga studio”, you’re not alone. Echo is one of the most common acoustic problems in studio environments of all kinds like pilates, yoga, dance, fitness gyms, CrossFit boxes, even creative workshops like art and music.
Why? Because these spaces are often designed to be large, open, and light-filled, with hard finishes like timber floors, mirrors, concrete walls, and glass panels. While visually stunning, these materials bounce sound around the room instead of absorbing it. The result is an echoey studio where:
- Instructor cues get lost or muddled.
- Background noise from equipment or chatter carries further.
- Members leave feeling unfocused, distracted, or even fatigued without realising the issue is poor acoustics.
This was exactly the challenge for Movement Pilates Karaka, a brand-new reformer studio designed as a welcoming hub for its community.
The Pilates Studio
Movement Pilates isn’t just about workouts, it’s about connection. From first-timers to seasoned movers, from dynamic group classes to Mums & Bubs sessions, founder Shannon Thompson’s vision was clear: a space that felt calm, inclusive, and supportive.
But in their new Karaka studio, the echo problem was disrupting the experience. Hard surfaces and high ceilings meant instructions were harder to follow, and the atmosphere wasn’t as peaceful as intended.
As this was Movement Pilates’ second studio with dbsorb, Shannon already knew that acoustic treatment had to be part of the design process from day one.
The Challenge
- Excessive reverberation from reflective surfaces.
- Instructor cues competing with echo and background noise.
- A need for warmth and calm in both feel and sound.
- Minimal disruption during fit-out as the studio needed to open quickly.
The Solution: QuietKit Solo Panels
dbsorb installed the QuietKit Solo ceiling system, specifically designed to target the voice frequencies most important in instruction-led environments.
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60mm acoustic cavity: High NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) performance optimised for absorbing voice frequencies, the key to solving “why can’t I hear my instructor clearly in class?”.
- Ceiling-mounted design: Panels installed overhead to save valuable floor and wall space, perfect for Pilates studios where movement and flow are central.
- Alabaster finish: A soft off-white that brightens the ceiling, reflects natural light gently, and complements the airy design aesthetic.
- Glue-free installation: No mess, no smell, no VOCs – and panels can be demounted or re-used in future.
- One-day programme: Installed seamlessly between lighting and services, aligning perfectly for a designed-in look.
The Result
The impact was immediate. The studio went from echoey and distracting to calm, clear, and focused.
Shannon Thompson shared:
“We had the pleasure of working with Adam & Albert from dbsorb for the installation of acoustic ceiling panels in our new Movement Pilates studio in Karaka and we couldn’t be happier with the result!”
Why This Matters
Echo isn’t just an annoyance, in studios, it directly impacts the clarity of instruction, client focus, and overall atmosphere. Whether it’s a loud CrossFit gym, an echoey pilates or yoga studio, or a dance studio with high ceilings and mirrors, acoustics can make or break the experience.
For Movement Pilates, addressing echo wasn’t just about sound, it was about reinforcing their mission: creating spaces where people feel good through movement. dbsorb’s QuietKit Solo delivered on that promise, transforming their new studio into a place that looks beautiful, sounds clear, and feels calm.
Next Advisory’s Podcast Studiodbsorb’s internal challenge to give sheet offcuts a third life as a sustainable and modular acoustic panel system.
