High-Performance Acoustics: USG Mars™ and Juno™ High-NRC Panels 95/30

Acoustics affect critical aspects of a building’s function. Energy from sound waves interacts with every object and surface in a room, even bending around barriers and squeezing through small openings, which can allow noise to reach far beyond its point of origin

Understanding how to select a combination of building materials, system designs, and construction technologies that will provide the most appropriate sound control is key to creating a successful acoustic design. As a result, designers must consider the dynamics of sound when determining how they will control noise within a building.

Sound Absorption

Sound absorption is necessary to reduce the reverberation in a space to help improve the clarity of speech and reduce excessive noise within a room. Porous materials, such as glass fiber or mineral fiber insulation, generally make for very efficient sound absorbers, while non-porous materials, such as stone or gypsum board, tend to reflect sound.

What is Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)?

In order to quantify and compare the sound absorption qualities of building materials, a single-number rating was developed, called a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). Ranging from 0.00 to 1.00, this is the measurement of the ability of a material, such as an acoustical ceiling pane,l to absorb sound energy in the frequency range of 250 Hz to 2,000 Hz, tested per ASTM C423.

The closer the number is to 1.00, the greater the sound absorption; conversely, NRC values closer to 0.00 provide less sound absorption and can even reflect and reverberate sound. High-NRC ceiling panels provide increased sound control, which is important for large spaces such as open-plan offices to absorb ambient sound and help reduce reverberation.

Sound Transmission

Sound transmission is the phenomenon of sound traveling in air or structure and transmitting to adjacent spaces through partitions and openings. There are many factors that determine the sound transmission properties of a material or system, including surface density, stiffness, internal damping, and mass.

What is Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC)?

Specifically developed for ceiling systems, Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) measures how effective one ceiling plane is at blocking sound from transmitting through it and into the plenum above.

Tested per ASTM E1414, products with a high CAC value help contain or block sound transmission between rooms with a shared ceiling plenum. Since the plenum does not often feature any kind of acoustic control, this can create acoustic issues when sound reverberates back through another ceiling plane into an adjacent space under the same ceiling system.

The USG Solution

For superior acoustic control, USG’s breakthrough 0.95 NRC mineral fiber ceiling panel collection was designed to offer the highest standard in sound absorption. Their durability, performance, and clean, monolithic appearance make them an ideal choice for an array of spaces, providing the industry’s best visual and most balanced acoustic performance solutions on the market

USG Mars™ High-NRC Panels 95/30

Mars™ High-NRC Panels 95/30 are the next evolution of USG’s high-performance acoustical ceiling system offering. With a best-in-class 0.95 NRC rating and improved encapsulated edges, these panels help create attractive, enduring spaces.

Next-Level Performance

• High NRC 0.95 offering balanced sound in conjunction with 30 CAC
• Strong panel edges with advanced paint finishing

Efficient Installation

• Lightweight and easy-to-cut material offering a mineral fiber alternative to fiberglass
• Durable, fully encapsulated edge
• Thin 1.3" panel profile for easy handling and minimal jobsite waste

Long-Term Durability

• Nondirectional, monolithic visual aesthetic
• Washable and scrubbable finish, resistant to impact and scratches
• ClimaPlus™ 30-year limited system warranty against visible sag, mold, and mildew
• Part of the EcoBlueprint™ portfolio

USG Juno™ High-NRC Panels 95/30

Juno™ High-NRC Panels 95/30 set a new standard of excellence in suspended ceiling systems. These panels combine best-in-class sound performance and smooth texture design with durable, encapsulated edges.

Superior Performance

• High NRC 0.95 offering balanced sound in conjunction with 30 CAC
• Strong panel edges with advanced paint finishing

Sophisticated Style

• Monolithic appearance with a minimal, flat texture
• Classic design helps Juno™ panels remain timeless amid trends

Lasting Durability

• Washable and scrubbable finish, resistant to impact and scratches
• Part of the EcoBlueprint™ portfolio

Efficient Installation

• Lightweight and easy-to-cut 1.3" mineral fiber panel
• Durable, fully encapsulated edge