Catenary banners
Flexible Sound Absorption
for Large Spaces
Catenary acoustic banners control reverberation and echo in gymnasiums, cafeterias, and multipurpose spaces. Lightweight, suspended systems engineered for performance, durability, and design flexibility.
Acoustic Control from Above
Catenary acoustic banners offer an effective and visually discreet way to manage noise in large, reflective spaces. Suspended horizontally or vertically from ceilings or structural cables, these flexible absorptive panels significantly reduce reverberation time to improve speech intelligibility and optimize acoustic characteristics.
Memtech’s engineered approach ensures every installation is tailored to your space’s volume, geometry, and material finishes, helping you achieve significant improvements in clarity and comfort without sacrificing design or functionality.
Memtech’s engineered approach ensures every installation is tailored to your space’s volume, geometry, and material finishes, helping you achieve significant improvements in clarity and comfort without sacrificing design or functionality.
Catenary acoustic banners are perfect for:
- Excessive Reverberation: Long decay times in large, hard-surfaced rooms can ‘muddle' speech and music.
- Poor Speech Intelligibility: Excessive echo reduces clarity in classrooms, gymnasiums, and cafeterias.
- Limited Wall Space: Ceiling-suspended solutions provide absorption where traditional panels can’t.
- Visual & Functional Constraints: Need for unobtrusive, durable treatments that complement lighting, HVAC, and fire sprinkler layouts.
- Durability Requirements: Facilities demand easy-to-maintain, impact-resistant acoustic treatments.
Product Overview
Catenary banners
Acoustic Banners
Catenary Acoustic Banners are suspended, high-performance absorptive panels designed to control reverberation in large, open spaces such as gymnasiums, cafeterias, and multipurpose halls.
Hung horizontally or vertically from tensioned cables, they create wide-area absorption across the ceiling plane to reduce echo, improve speech clarity, and enhance overall acoustic performance.
Each banner is tailored in size, finish, and configuration to integrate seamlessly with lighting, HVAC, and sprinkler layouts.
Hung horizontally or vertically from tensioned cables, they create wide-area absorption across the ceiling plane to reduce echo, improve speech clarity, and enhance overall acoustic performance.
Each banner is tailored in size, finish, and configuration to integrate seamlessly with lighting, HVAC, and sprinkler layouts.
Performance & Design Highlights:
- High Acoustic Performance: NRC values up to 1.05, depending on material and mounting configuration
- Lightweight Construction: Reduces ceiling load while providing high sound absorption efficiency
- Durable & Cleanable: Vinyl or fabric finishes designed for active environments like gymnasiums
- Customizable Sizes: Panels available in standard or custom lengths (4’×8’ to 4’×20’) and thicknesses (1” or 2”)
- Fire-Rated & Compliant: Class A per ASTM E84 with optional moisture-resistant finishes for natatoriums
Catenary banners
Acoustic Baffles
Catenary Acoustic Baffles provide vertically suspended sound absorption for spaces where ceiling access, aesthetics, or airflow are key design considerations. These panels hang individually from tensioned cables or ceiling grids, offering excellent acoustic performance and a visually dynamic ceiling design.
Baffles are ideal for large-volume spaces with high ceilings, exposed structures, or distributed mechanical systems.
Baffles are ideal for large-volume spaces with high ceilings, exposed structures, or distributed mechanical systems.
Performance & Design Highlights:
- Vertical Orientation: Enhances sound absorption without blocking airflow or lighting
- Custom Spacing & Layouts: Density and orientation can be optimized to achieve desired reverberation reduction
- Architectural Appeal: Available in fabric or vinyl finishes with a variety of color and edge options
- Adaptable Installation: Suspended with aircraft cable, grid hangers, or Unistrut attachments for fast setup
- High NRC Values: Up to 1.00 depending on configuration and spacing
Catenary banners
Key Attributes
Catenary Acoustic Banners are high-efficiency absorptive panels that hang from tensioned cables, providing versatile sound control for open-plan or large-volume spaces.
- Constructed with a high-density fiberglass core encapsulated in a Class A fire-rated fabric or vinyl covering.
- Designed to deliver high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) values (up to 1.05 depending on mounting and thickness).
- Available in horizontal or vertical orientation for flexible acoustic design.
- Lightweight and low-profile, minimizing impact on structural loads and ceiling systems.
- Cleanable, impact-resistant finishes suitable for gymnasiums, recreation centers, and cafeterias.
Catenary banners
Design & Installation Considerations
- Horizontal vs. Vertical Orientation:
Horizontal installations maximize surface area coverage and are ideal for reducing overall reverberation.
Vertical installations provide targeted control and add visual dimension to open ceilings where horizontal installation may be impractical. - Suspension Hardware: Each banner is supported by tensioned aircraft cables anchored to ceiling trusses or structural members. Turnbuckles and cable clamps ensure proper alignment and tensioning.
- System Integration: Memtech coordinates banner layout with lighting, HVAC, and sprinkler systems to maintain proper clearance, code compliance, and visual harmony.
- Moisture-Resistant Options: For natatoriums or high-humidity areas, vinyl-faced and encapsulated designs prevent moisture absorption and microbial growth.
The Memtech Advantage.
We partner with contractors, facility managers, and performance directors to specify, deliver, and install
complete acoustic banner systems that match your specific project needs.
complete acoustic banner systems that match your specific project needs.
Custom Design & Modeling
Acoustic analysis and modeling simulates room geometry, layout, and optimizes panel performance.
Tailored System Layouts
Banner quantity, spacing, and orientation optimized for your specific environment.
Architectural Integration
Coordination with architects and contractors to match finishes, rigging, and ancillary support equipment.
Material Specification
Absorptive banner options in fabric, PVC, or sailcloth finishes.
Local Turnkey Implementation
Procurement, delivery, and installation support for a complete acoustic system.
Performance Verification
Optional field measurement and performance optimzation post-installation.
Technical Highlights
Engineered to meet IBC, LEED, and ASTM E90 requirements.
Core Material
1" or 2" thick fiberglass core with resin-hardened edges for dimensional stability.
Surface Finish
Fabric or vinyl covering (many colors and textures available).
Fire Rating
Class A per ASTM E84.
Acoustic Performance (NRC)
Up to 1.05 depending on thickness and spacing.
Product Weight
Approximately 1.0–1.5 lbs per square foot (varies by configuration).
Size Options
Standard sizes from 4′ x 8′ to 4′ x 20′; custom sizes available upon request.
Technical Data &
Product Literature
Support Beyond the Product
Installation assistance available for Michigan and Great Lakes region clients
Engineering consultation to ensure proper material selection
Custom sizing and integration with other Memtech acoustic systems
Replacement panels and parts available for future reconfiguration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a catenary acoustic banner?
A catenary banner is a flexible, sound-absorbing panel suspended from ceiling-mounted cables to control reverberation and echo in large, reflective spaces like gymnasiums or cafeterias.
How do catenary banners improve acoustics?
They absorb mid- and high-frequency sound waves that cause long reverberation times. By strategically hanging banners across ceiling planes, sound reflections are reduced to make speech clearer and reduce overall noise levels.
Where are catenary banners most effective?
They’re ideal for large-volume spaces such as gymnasiums, multipurpose halls, natatoriums, cafeterias, and open offices where traditional wall panels can’t provide enough surface area for sound absorption.
How are catenary banners installed?
They’re suspended from tensioned aircraft cables anchored to structural points or ceiling trusses. Memtech designs the layout to ensure proper spacing, tensioning, and code compliance with lighting and sprinkler systems.
Can catenary banners be customized?
Yes. Sizes, colors, fabrics, and orientations can be fully customized to match the space’s design intent and acoustic requirements. Moisture-resistant and cleanable finishes are available for high-traffic or humid environments.
What maintenance do they require?
Minimal maintenance is needed. Periodic dusting or vacuuming is sufficient. Durable fabrics and vinyl finishes are resistant to impact and can be cleaned with mild detergent.
Do you provide turnkey services?
Yes. We provide full-service delivery, measurement, engineering, design/build, installation, and post-installation validation. You receive a complete, proven solution from one, accountable partner.
What’s the typical lead time for material supply?
Lead times vary by project, but most banner systems can be fabricated and installed within 4–6 weeks after design approval.
Let’s Engineer the Right Solution, Together.
Let's Get Started. Contact Us.
Talk to our experts. We’ll assess your needs and recommend a solution that works for your project.
