Learning center / Wall acoustics

Fixing flutter echo between office partitions

Why parallel office partitions buzz when you clap, and the fix.

2 minute read · Updated Nov 2026

Flutter echo is a rapid, metallic repeat you hear when you clap between two parallel hard surfaces. office partitions are especially prone because they are smooth and reflective.

The fix

  1. Clap between the two walls and listen for the buzz.
  2. Put one panel on each wall at the height where you clapped, offset by a panel width.
  3. Clap again. Add a second pair if any buzz remains.

Two to four panels usually solve it. Diffusers or angled surfaces also work. See flutter echo explained.