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Post by parkman on Jun 28, 2016 21:59:23 GMT
Looking for the best solution to handle my reflective reclining sectional. It's leather, and very large so I'm sure it's making a dramatic impact on the sound. And even just leaning forward away from the back of the couch a bit improves the sound significantly to my ears. I've treated the first reflection points on the walls and ceiling with 4 inch panels, and have a couple bass traps. (Plan on purchasing more when funds allow) I know on the RealTraps website batting and a "soft and fluffy" material was used. Just wanted to know if that would be the best I could do or if anything might be better to absorb more? I would like to cover the entire sectional if possible since it reclines, and when reclining it places more of that reflective leather where my feet are in between me and the speakers. (I know it's not ideal, but I have back and neck issues, so I wish I could be using different seating, but seating that doesn't allow me to recline is almost always uncomfortable for me over the length of your typical movie or listening session)
So material suggestions or any helpful recommendations, creative considerations, etc. would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Post by Hexspa on Jun 29, 2016 3:36:36 GMT
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Post by parkman on Jun 29, 2016 6:18:10 GMT
Thank you! Actually, I do have some nice headphones(Audeze LCD-X), which I thoroughly enjoy but it's just not the same to me. Selling the chair is an option, but that's more of a last resort for me. I definitely would've purchased differently had I known about reflections before I bought it, but now I would take a considerable beating financially if I decided to sell it and replace it with something else. I really like the first product, but would that be a bad idea to have that because of the fiberglass? Or no?
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Post by rock on Jun 29, 2016 13:45:01 GMT
I'm going with a simple approach: If you have a fluffy cotton bed comforter, try folding it in half and see if that helps. You probably only need to eliminate mid/high reflections and don't need to address LF trapping. They make a denim product if you want to make something custom yourself www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Insulation-Denim-Insulation/N-5yc1vZbvev but for med/high freqs, you should only need 2 inches thick or so. Cover the denim with soft cotton, maybe flannel. Cheers, Rock
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Post by Hexspa on Jun 29, 2016 17:58:15 GMT
Good idea, Rock. While I've never used Ultratouch (denim insulation) it seems like an itchless and safe solution to make a pillow out of.
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Post by rock on Jun 29, 2016 18:55:51 GMT
Thanks. Actually, if one was so inclined, I believe a superior bass trap could be made to resemble a functional sofa or over stuffed chair using traditional upholstery methods with ultratouch and other acoustic materials like Guilfords of Maine fabric etc. I think something like this would be a perfect solution for wall/floor corners where typical panel traps seem to only take up floor space. The idea is the "traps" would normally be empty (not sat upon) mainly because they would be well out of the sweet spot but could accommodate the occasional sitter, and it wouldn't look like you just leaned some panels against the wall. The ultimate wife friendly absorber!
Cheers, Rock
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Post by parkman on Jun 29, 2016 21:04:06 GMT
I'm going with a simple approach: If you have a fluffy cotton bed comforter, try folding it in half and see if that helps. You probably only need to eliminate mid/high reflections and don't need to address LF trapping. They make a denim product if you want to make something custom yourself www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Insulation-Denim-Insulation/N-5yc1vZbvev but for med/high freqs, you should only need 2 inches thick or so. Cover the denim with soft cotton, maybe flannel. Cheers, Rock Good idea! How about the R30 Roxul? Would that perform/function similarly do you think?
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Post by Ethan Winer on Jun 29, 2016 21:05:05 GMT
The last section in this short article shows a couch cover I made from thick batting doubled-up to be one inch thick, then covered with soft "baby" fabric: Early ReflectionsIf you make or buy something similar, have it be as thick as possible. --Ethan
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Post by parkman on Jun 29, 2016 21:21:26 GMT
The last section in this short article shows a couch cover I made from thick batting doubled-up to be one inch thick, then covered with soft "baby" fabric: Early ReflectionsIf you make or buy something similar, have it be as thick as possible. --Ethan Yes I had looked at that article, that's actually how I learned about reflections in general, so thank you! As thick as possible--got it! Which material would be your go to for the best batting/insulation absorption? Just thick batting or the denim r30 stuff?
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Post by rock on Jun 29, 2016 23:22:15 GMT
I would not use mineral wool or fiberglass if I was gonna' lounge or get cozy in it... even if I covered it with cotton fabric. Cotton batts like Ethan describes or the ultratouch should work fine. Other than Ethan's test, I don't know of test's comparing the fabric store cotton batts to ultratouch or similar "people friendly" products. I sense we're on the verge of "overthinking the material selection" here. I'm sure one product may perform slightly better or worse than another so go for reasonably dense and thick (2" should be fine) but as Ethan says "thick as possible". If you have any soft cotton comforters laying around, do some experimenting and see what works better.
Cheers, Rock
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Post by parkman on Jun 30, 2016 0:02:40 GMT
I would not use mineral wool or fiberglass if I was gonna' lounge or get cozy in it... even if I covered it with cotton fabric. Cotton batts like Ethan describes or the ultratouch should work fine. Other than Ethan's test, I don't know of test's comparing the fabric store cotton batts to ultratouch or similar "people friendly" products. I sense we're on the verge of "overthinking the material selection" here. I'm sure one product may perform slightly better or worse than another so go for reasonably dense and thick (2" should be fine) but as Ethan says "thick as possible". If you have any soft cotton comforters laying around, do some experimenting and see what works better. Cheers, Rock Thanks very much, I'll do that. Haha, I have a tendency to over think everything, so this wouldn't be the first time. I'm very excited though, I've working on my room on and off for the last 5 years now, trying to get the sound right, having unfortunately been through some of the cable and ultra high-end DAC marketing deception and what not, and I never knew how important room treatments were! And just with dealing with those first reflection points, it's been a world of difference.. slowly but surely I think I'll get to the point where I'm satisfied. Thanks again for your input, it's been very helpful to me! I'll try some things and post back with my findings.
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Post by Hexspa on Jun 30, 2016 7:20:26 GMT
Tendency to overthink, interest in acoustics - you're in good hands.
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Post by NigelSpiers on Jun 30, 2016 7:42:57 GMT
Hi,
I'm always surprised that this forum does not mention Polyester as an alternative to Cotton, rock wool and fiber glass. Polyester is 100% domestic and commercial building regulation compliant, 100% Recycled, non toxic, non carcinogenic, non flammable and fantastic to work with with no itching or loose fibers and does not need fabric covering. Its almost a complete no-brainer - but for some odd reason you don't seem to have heard of it or use it in the U.S. Why is that?
Best Regards
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2016 16:57:26 GMT
I use it all the time in 20 - 25mm thick (called polyester wadding) to cover the face of rock wool to hide its colour, and also add a soft padded effect to the covering on the face of the trap. Great to work with and very soft - non itchy!
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Post by Ethan Winer on Jun 30, 2016 17:59:54 GMT
Polyester is great. I don't know how its absorption compares to cotton, but I'm sure it's fine. Can you even get cotton batting anymore? I assume it would be much more expensive.
--Ethan
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