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Post by Martin Joyce on Nov 14, 2016 23:52:18 GMT
So, I have a large room 35x20x12 (LWH) 2nd story room above my garage. The room is carpeted, quite symmetrical and I sit 38% away from the rear wall.The front wall is quite reflective with built in wood cabinetry. My very directional horn/conventional bass speakers sit 7' into the room and 5' away from the side walls.
Having read a thousand web pages, I am now confused as to what I should do to make a good/great listening room. I've explored bass trap ideas, but I'm overwhelmed by the recommendation to have 20+ traps. I'd like to have a discussion of options and weigh the value of various ideas. As suggestions are made I'll revel additional information and ask additional questions.
This is a mostly dedicated room, I'm willing to spend some funds for improvement and I am concerned about the appearance. What would folks consider doing and why?
Thanks in advance for any participation.
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Post by Hexspa on Nov 15, 2016 1:22:14 GMT
Nice big space! First, Ethan's articles are the gold standard. Second, I have a book and companion video series outlining what has worked for me in a linear, simple fashion: hexspa.com/listening-room-ebookwww.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf112S63WiBsq_oWZ8Pa5RLACk_O18qhYReally there is an established process. You're free to use some or all of it or go in any order but really I suggest following a plan. Measuring, placement and treatment are your friends. Keep it simple and good luck, -m PS - There seems to be a moment where it'll all click. Unfortunately, that probably won't be until after you treat your room or even several rooms. If there's one problem about DIY acoustics it's that it requires a leap of faith since the upfront investment tends to be heavy either in terms of time or money. Luckily you've found the best place on the internet to help solve your problem!
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Post by rock on Nov 15, 2016 2:47:22 GMT
Sounds like you're not in a hurry for a quick fix and willing to do your homework. So yeah, I agree with hexspa about measuring (placement and treatment too). Do that first so you can see what you are hearing. From there, you can decide what needs the most attention first but for now, I'll make a SWAG. Since your room is fairly large, the lowest modes might not be as troublesome as in smaller rooms so consider going after early reflections, flutter echoes and RT60 first. In any case, I highly recommend measuring since it's the cheapest thing you can do and once you establish a routine with it, it will be easy to repeat as you apply treatment.
Cheers, Rock
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Post by Hexspa on Nov 15, 2016 8:08:56 GMT
I'd like to add - and please forgive any assumption on my part - since you have a big room and are willing to "spend funds" then why not go the commercial route?
Sure, DIY can look great and be effective but there's no substitute for full service. It's up to you but Real Traps can certainly provide you a solution.
I'd never steer anyone away from going it alone but if you can do the commercial route...
And since Rock originated Cheers I'll say..
Sláinte,
-m
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Post by Martin on Nov 15, 2016 16:31:13 GMT
Thanks for the thoughtful replies.
Can flutter echos go between side walls as well as front to back?
Can flutter echos go between side walls as well as front to back?
Does my curved fireplace on the middle of the left side stop the flutter echo? It has a curved granite base and the upper 2/3 is 1/4" sheet rock over studs, with some pink fluff in the walls and a large rug on the face of the curved wall.
The front wall, as I mentioned has a large built in wood cabinet, with 8' tall bookcases on each side. The top 4 feet of the room is sheet rock. The back wall has 2 french doors 6 ft wide by 8 ft tall.
I've thought of making the window end very dead, either with bass traps or super chunks in the corners and maybe covering the doors with drapes. Are there any recommendations on acoustic drapes?
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Post by rock on Nov 15, 2016 23:07:45 GMT
Yes, flutter echoes bounce between parallel walls. Just clap and listen, you'll hear them if they are there.
Curved walls, flutter echoes, not so much.
Is the window end at the back? Yes, a dead back will absorb reflections and if thick enough LF too.
I don't know anything about acoustic drapes except that they need to have deep pleats to be most effective at LFs and can be expensive. You can mount panels on the doors and might be as good as better than drapes. Need to compare manufactuers data if available.
Cheers, Rock
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Post by Hexspa on Nov 15, 2016 23:11:57 GMT
A few pics would help. Maybe a diagram.
Thanks,
-m
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Post by Martin on Nov 16, 2016 16:17:12 GMT
Yes, windows at the rear. Having trouble posting pics, working on it.
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Post by Ethan Winer on Nov 16, 2016 17:53:28 GMT
I'll add that my home studio is almost exactly the same size as Martin's room. I have about 40 bass traps and other panels, and that's what's needed in a very large room if the goal is excellent acoustics. But you can start with fewer, and carpet also counts as treatment (sort of) which I don't have in most of my room.
--Ethan
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Post by Hexspa on Nov 17, 2016 10:37:55 GMT
My room is 8x13x24 approx and I have 20 4" panels plus nine 47x31" superchunks in four corners floor-to-ceiling (plus an odd man out).
My results have been posted though idk if they qualify as "excellent" acoustics - I still experience flutter echo in non-critical areas.
-m
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