Room shape and acoustics. - Blu-ray Forum

Automission · 12-11-2008, 10:54 AM

So, my HT room has sloped ceilings. At the moment, my Tv/Speakers are inside an alcove where the ceiling slopes down. Now, I was wondering how will this affect acoustics and sound quality once I upgrade my speakers?
I was considering leaving it how it is, with the Sub and front/centre speakers all inside the front of this alcove. This is the basic shape, both on this side and the side opposite where I sit.

The Layout

(please excuse the mess, this isn't a dedicated Ht room)

Now the other sides are flat walled, however one is somewhat boxed in, leaving no space. The only other flat surfaced wall is where my window is. So, should I bother moving the position of my setup, or will these ceilings cause no obvious problems to my sound reproduction?

If you want more pictures of the room layout, please just say.

Beta Man · 12-11-2008, 11:59 AM

The link in my signature shows multiple pictures of my room (sloped ceiling, alcoves etc) you may have to go quite a few pages into it to see all the pictures though.

Anyways, what I am doing (since it's not done yet) is putting acoustic panels on the first points of reflection, and I'll also be putting bass traps in the corners (there are a lot of corners too)

Since your room isn't a dedicated theater space, this may be an issue, because asthetics can't be sacraficed that much, so make sure you have a LOT of materials in the room that will absorb sound..... such as...

Rug, LOTS of pillows, plants (these do work....) and maybe put a foam backing on pictures so you can absorb soundwaves without being too intrusive in the room.. Just put SOMETHING that will absorb sound in each corner (such as a plant) I'd keep the screen on the wall that works best for the room layout, and work on the acoustics accordingly.

mattym · 12-11-2008, 12:09 PM

beta man is correct, bass traps are important as is absorption.

can you post a plan of the room, it might pay to change the layout if you can, the alcove is likely to be boomy, though sloping ceilings help to avoid standing wave issues...

yellowblanket · 12-11-2008, 12:26 PM

...you don't want sound reproduction, get some absorber.
Michael store is your best bet if you want to do it cheap. They have these yellow foam sheet 1.5 inches. You could spray paint it flat black if you like, but they work wonder. but if you have like couple hundred to blow, then yeah, get some Corwin material.

i freakin hate it when i see a messy room! ...

Automission · 12-11-2008, 11:28 PM

Okay, here is a sort of panoramic collect of images, detailing my room layout. Like I said, excuse the real mess, I need to sort it out soon. It's not a dedicated room, since I still live at home.
It's an all into one room. Just point out any really obvious, glaring faults I may have.
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine

So, no nitpicking on wires everywhere, clutter and what have you.

Just where I'l need absorbers, bass traps, etc.

Beta Man · 12-11-2008, 11:56 PM

It's a pretty small space, so I'd say you have enough stuff (like couch, bed etc) stuffed into the room to handle any sound wave issues..... I'd say you're working with the space you have....... not much more you can do with it..... The ceiling is sloped, but there aren't really any 90 Degree angles, so that's good.... I think I'd leave it "as is"

yellowblanket · 12-12-2008, 12:02 AM

... i'm study to be an interior designer and wow if i ever see you in real life...i will kill you. No no i mean it, i will hire a fat guy to sit on you until you are dead.

lol on to serious matter. You will def need an absorber in the ceilling, look at the bat barn thread, here it is https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=72745

btw, are you polish? ... lol i see a red and white room

Automission · 12-12-2008, 12:05 AM

Yes I'm a polish guy who can not design a room. do i look like an interior designer? Tell me, when you can design a room to house a sofa, a bed, a computer and a home theatre into such a small space, with style, feel free to give me your card.

I don't have my own home to make dedicated Ht rooms. And judging by the Uks economy, I never will have.

mdabb · 12-12-2008, 12:10 AM

Is there any particular reason why you feel you need acoustical treatments. I don't think in your situation you will benefit from them. I would use that money on other upgrades or even better save it for a larger purchase like for new speakers, etc........

If your panels are not at least two inches thick you will see no real benefit at all. Not all panels/treatments are created equal either. There is real chance that it will be a big waste of time and money. Figuring out placement is something that you'll have to do on your end. We do have a thread here about this sort of thing with a fair amount of info, products and DIY.

If this project is important to you, do it right research and learn as much as you can. It takes a fair amount of knowledge to tackle a project like that. Simply throwing a few things up on the wall is likely to be a band-aid and have little effect if any. Also know, common flimsy foam treatments are a waste of money.

Sorry to sound like such a bummer........... Good luck !!!

Automission · 12-12-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

Is there any particular reason why you feel you need acoustical treatments. I don't think in your situation you will benefit from them. I would use that money on other upgrades or even better save it for a larger purchase like for new speakers, etc........

If your panels are not at least two inches thick you will see no real benefit at all. Not all panels/treatments are created equal either. There is real chance that it will be a big waste of time and money. Figuring out placement is something that you'll have to do on your end. We do have a thread here about this sort of thing with a fair amount of info, products and DIY.

If this project is important to you, do it right research and learn as much as you can. It takes a fair amount of knowledge to tackle a project like that. Simply throwing a few things up on the wall is likely to be a band-aid and have little effect if any. Also know, common flimsy foam treatments are a waste of money.

Sorry to sound like such a bummer........... Good luck !!!

I wasn't really planning treatment, just asking if there were any tips to reduce echo, sound problems. i'm not going to make this room perfect, since its not going to be my home Theatre forever.

Also, panels? As in wood panels? As in wood panel walls? If so, then good grief you people need to hear of stone.

Big Daddy · 12-12-2008, 12:19 AM

How long are you planning to stay in this room? If it is a temporary place, my suggestion is not to waste your money and set up your equipment any way that is convenient. If, however, you plan to live there for a few years, then you need to be a lot more creative. Parts Express sells relatively inexpensive room treatments. They should help you with echoes and bass sound.

Incidentally, your TV is bigger than your room.

Looks like you are a true Home Theater addict. Kudos to you.

Automission · 12-12-2008, 12:23 AM

Yeah I want a Tv even larger, but that means moving it closer to my sofa. Bigger screen+closer=blind. But yeah, I suppose I will probably be here a while. Well, I'l wait and see how it sounds first. Then I can invest in a total remodel of my room if I wish.

mdabb · 12-12-2008, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automission

I wasn't really planning treatment, just asking if there were any tips to reduce echo, sound problems. i'm not going to make this room perfect, since its not going to be my home Theatre forever.

Also, panels? As in wood panels? As in wood panel walls? If so, then good grief you people need to hear of stone.

OK I got ya. Still there is some info in the acoustical treatment thread that will help you. As far as echo's...... use heavy curtains, a thick rug and even a heavy wall tapestry could help.

.......... and wood paneling

? No that's not what I'm referring to. If you do a Google on this subject you should be able to find some useful info as well.

mdabb · 12-12-2008, 12:28 AM

Here you go ................

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=61681

BACsader · 12-12-2008, 12:34 AM

When using room enhancements such as dampners, where are the best place to put these in relation to your speakers?

Beta Man · 12-12-2008, 12:34 AM

Are there a lot of noticeable echoes now??????? If so, then I'd suggest VERY heavy curtains on the windows, and possibly putting foam panels on the door, and ceiling.... won't look pretty, but since the t.v. is half the room (damn nice t.v. too) I think it'd be worth it since it looks like the room is more suited for blu-ray watching than sleeping anyways

Beta Man · 12-12-2008, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACsader

When using room enhancements such as dampners, where are the best place to put these in relation to your speakers?

I usually go with the first point of reflection (unless you get your room analyzed)

BACsader · 12-12-2008, 12:36 AM

So what about behind speakers? My RB-52s have rear bass ports.

Beta Man · 12-12-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACsader

So what about behind speakers? My RB-52s have rear bass ports.

I never found the benefit since I'd just add foam INSIDE the port if I wanted to alter the bass-performance.

mdabb · 12-12-2008, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACsader

When using room enhancements such as dampners, where are the best place to put these in relation to your speakers?

Two good places for info.

RealTraps videos -- http://www.realtraps.com/videos.htm

Acoustic Science Corporation (website)
http://www.acousticsciences.com/

Try pulling your speakers out from the wall and see how it sounds. Especially since they are rear ported. Placement is critical for speakers.

12-11-2008, 10:54 AM	#1
Automission Active Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:England	Room shape and acoustics. So, my HT room has sloped ceilings. At the moment, my Tv/Speakers are inside an alcove where the ceiling slopes down. Now, I was wondering how will this affect acoustics and sound quality once I upgrade my speakers? I was considering leaving it how it is, with the Sub and front/centre speakers all inside the front of this alcove. This is the basic shape, both on this side and the side opposite where I sit. The Layout (please excuse the mess, this isn't a dedicated Ht room) Now the other sides are flat walled, however one is somewhat boxed in, leaving no space. The only other flat surfaced wall is where my window is. So, should I bother moving the position of my setup, or will these ceilings cause no obvious problems to my sound reproduction? If you want more pictures of the room layout, please just say.

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12-11-2008, 11:59 AM	#2
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	The link in my signature shows multiple pictures of my room (sloped ceiling, alcoves etc) you may have to go quite a few pages into it to see all the pictures though. Anyways, what I am doing (since it's not done yet) is putting acoustic panels on the first points of reflection, and I'll also be putting bass traps in the corners (there are a lot of corners too) Since your room isn't a dedicated theater space, this may be an issue, because asthetics can't be sacraficed that much, so make sure you have a LOT of materials in the room that will absorb sound..... such as... Rug, LOTS of pillows, plants (these do work....) and maybe put a foam backing on pictures so you can absorb soundwaves without being too intrusive in the room.. Just put SOMETHING that will absorb sound in each corner (such as a plant) I'd keep the screen on the wall that works best for the room layout, and work on the acoustics accordingly.

12-11-2008, 12:09 PM	#3
mattym Expert Member Member since:Jun 2007	beta man is correct, bass traps are important as is absorption. can you post a plan of the room, it might pay to change the layout if you can, the alcove is likely to be boomy, though sloping ceilings help to avoid standing wave issues...

12-11-2008, 12:26 PM	#4
yellowblanket Senior Member Member since:Oct 2007 Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:1 Trading Score:1	...you don't want sound reproduction, get some absorber. Michael store is your best bet if you want to do it cheap. They have these yellow foam sheet 1.5 inches. You could spray paint it flat black if you like, but they work wonder. but if you have like couple hundred to blow, then yeah, get some Corwin material. i freakin hate it when i see a messy room! ...

12-11-2008, 11:28 PM	#5
Automission Active Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:England	Okay, here is a sort of panoramic collect of images, detailing my room layout. Like I said, excuse the real mess, I need to sort it out soon. It's not a dedicated room, since I still live at home. It's an all into one room. Just point out any really obvious, glaring faults I may have. One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine So, no nitpicking on wires everywhere, clutter and what have you. Just where I'l need absorbers, bass traps, etc.

12-11-2008, 11:56 PM	#6
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	It's a pretty small space, so I'd say you have enough stuff (like couch, bed etc) stuffed into the room to handle any sound wave issues..... I'd say you're working with the space you have....... not much more you can do with it..... The ceiling is sloped, but there aren't really any 90 Degree angles, so that's good.... I think I'd leave it "as is"

12-12-2008, 12:02 AM	#7
yellowblanket Senior Member Member since:Oct 2007 Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:1 Trading Score:1	... i'm study to be an interior designer and wow if i ever see you in real life...i will kill you. No no i mean it, i will hire a fat guy to sit on you until you are dead. lol on to serious matter. You will def need an absorber in the ceilling, look at the bat barn thread, here it is https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=72745 btw, are you polish? ... lol i see a red and white room

12-12-2008, 12:05 AM	#8
Automission Active Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:England	Yes I'm a polish guy who can not design a room. do i look like an interior designer? Tell me, when you can design a room to house a sofa, a bed, a computer and a home theatre into such a small space, with style, feel free to give me your card. I don't have my own home to make dedicated Ht rooms. And judging by the Uks economy, I never will have.

12-12-2008, 12:10 AM	#9
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Is there any particular reason why you feel you need acoustical treatments. I don't think in your situation you will benefit from them. I would use that money on other upgrades or even better save it for a larger purchase like for new speakers, etc........ If your panels are not at least two inches thick you will see no real benefit at all. Not all panels/treatments are created equal either. There is real chance that it will be a big waste of time and money. Figuring out placement is something that you'll have to do on your end. We do have a thread here about this sort of thing with a fair amount of info, products and DIY. If this project is important to you, do it right research and learn as much as you can. It takes a fair amount of knowledge to tackle a project like that. Simply throwing a few things up on the wall is likely to be a band-aid and have little effect if any. Also know, common flimsy foam treatments are a waste of money. Sorry to sound like such a bummer........... Good luck !!!

12-12-2008, 12:19 AM	#11
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	How long are you planning to stay in this room? If it is a temporary place, my suggestion is not to waste your money and set up your equipment any way that is convenient. If, however, you plan to live there for a few years, then you need to be a lot more creative. Parts Express sells relatively inexpensive room treatments. They should help you with echoes and bass sound. Incidentally, your TV is bigger than your room. Looks like you are a true Home Theater addict. Kudos to you.

12-12-2008, 12:23 AM	#12
Automission Active Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:England	Yeah I want a Tv even larger, but that means moving it closer to my sofa. Bigger screen+closer=blind. But yeah, I suppose I will probably be here a while. Well, I'l wait and see how it sounds first. Then I can invest in a total remodel of my room if I wish.

12-12-2008, 12:28 AM	#14
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Here you go ................ https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=61681

12-12-2008, 12:34 AM	#15
BACsader Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cooper City FL Home Theater Gallery:29 Blu-ray collection:72 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:1	When using room enhancements such as dampners, where are the best place to put these in relation to your speakers?

12-12-2008, 12:36 AM	#18
BACsader Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cooper City FL Home Theater Gallery:29 Blu-ray collection:72 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:1	So what about behind speakers? My RB-52s have rear bass ports.

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