Acoustic Treatment Research Material

[RUR]

Originally Posted by richteer

Might be worth checking out the Echo Busters "Corner Buster". I've not tried them myself, but they were favourable reviewd in TAS a couple of years ago. $190 for four from Acoustic Sounds.

Because I couldn't fit RealTraps tri-corners in the two back corners of my room, I purchased some Corner Busters a while back, installed them in the two rear wall/wall/ceiling corners and noticed no audible difference. Perhaps that's just me. In any case, I think the first step and the biggest improvement will be had by placing traps in the front 2 vertical corners (wall/wall).

[richteer]

Originally Posted by RUR

Because I couldn't fit RealTraps tri-corners in the two back corners of my room, I purchased some Corner Busters a while back, installed them in the two rear wall/wall/ceiling corners and noticed no audible difference. Perhaps that's just me. In any case, I think the first step and the biggest improvement will be had by placing traps in the front 2 vertical corners (wall/wall).

Good to know as I'm considering some room treatments myself...

[RUR]

Originally Posted by richteer

Good to know as I'm considering some room treatments myself...

Don't ask me why, but I have two extra corner busters I can't use. Pale, pearly blue. They're yours for the postage. PM me for a nearly-free experiment!

[HDJK]

Is there a consensus as to what is more effective: Tris that fill your corner or traps like the Realtraps that leave some air behind them?

I've noticed that the cheaper models are fillers, while the more expensive ones are panels. The exception being those ASC Tubes.

I was thinking of getting 2 of these. If I can find them at decent prices I might also consider the Realtraps RUR suggested.

I'm just having a hard time making sense of those measuring charts...

[richteer]

Originally Posted by RUR

Don't ask me why, but I have two extra corner busters I can't use. Pale, pearly blue. They're yours for the postage. PM me for a nearly-free experiment!

Thanks for the kind offer--PM sent!

[jomari]

got any more of em RuR?

maybe we can use em for a pass the acoustic treatment kinda thingy.

if anyones willing to, we can probably have those interested in how acoustic treatments would help a room, and well, use something as simple as bass traps coupled with a little bit of tweaking can help out a room.

[RUR]

I'm afraid not. I ordered two (or so I thought) but received and paid for four. Not worth the hassle of returning them, so they've been sitting around, looking for a home. Honestly, if you've got the corner space, I'd get the much larger RealTraps version - their stuff really is first class.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by HDJK

Is there a consensus as to what is more effective: Tris that fill your corner or traps like the Realtraps that leave some air behind them?

I've noticed that the cheaper models are fillers, while the more expensive ones are panels. The exception being those ASC Tubes.

I was thinking of getting 2 of these. If I can find them at decent prices I might also consider the Realtraps RUR suggested.

I'm just having a hard time making sense of those measuring charts...

As I've said before, I'm no expert, but what passes for my common sense would indicate that the larger traps will be more effective, all else being equal. The models you've linked are 60cm square, and that would seem to be a pretty small absorbtion area. RealTraps is very good about publishing their absorbtion data, which cannot be said of some others.

The principal reason I'm looking at the ASC tubes for the rear is that I've got a sofa and side table back there on one side and the entry door on the other, all of which precludes my preference for more Corner Mondos.

[jomari]

my take on em? the bigger the room, the bigger the bass trap, the better.

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by RUR

As I've said before, I'm no expert, but what passes for my common sense would indicate that the larger traps will be more effective, all else being equal. The models you've linked are 60cm square, and that would seem to be a pretty small absorbtion area. RealTraps is very good about publishing their absorbtion data, which cannot be said of some others.

I agree with your statement about size. But we don't have a reseller for RealTraps here in Switzerland, so 2 corner Mondos plus

'4 MiniTraps to Switzerland $223.98' (quoted shipping charge example)

plus VAT makes it a little expensive. But it might be the route I take after all.

The other option was a D.I.Y. corner filler. I'll have to do some more research as to what effectiveness I can expect.

The principal reason I'm looking at the ASC tubes for the rear is that I've got a sofa and side table back there on one side and the entry door on the other, all of which precludes my preference for more Corner Mondos.

It looks like it won't be a compromise performance wise (going by their specs).

Thanks for your input

[Big Daddy]

Forgive me if someone has already discussed this.

An alternative to bass traps is ASC SubTrap. This was brought to my attention by Oddiophile.

SubTrap.jpg
SubTrap2.jpg SubTrap3.jpg

"Once you hear the difference, you’ll never go back. The SubTrap is more than a simple isolation stand. In addition to isolation, it absorbs excess bass and decouples your sub-woofer from room mode. The end result is a unique product available only from ASC. Raise your subwoofer up to its full performance potential. Just slip the ASC-SubTrap underneath your subwoofer and you’ll create the powerful “SubStack.” Instantly improve bass detail, changing “muddy” low frequency playback into a richly detailed picture. Not only does the SubTrap increase bass extension and punch, it also gets rid of "one note bass"."

"By raising the sub off the floor and putting a SubTrap under it, the subwoofer is effectively decoupled from the vertical room mode. Excess bass buildup is reduced and the playback volume of the subwoofer can be cranked up much higher than before."

18” SubTrap (50 Hz) Standard, most Subwoofers: $469
22” SubTrap (30 Hz) Large Subwoofer: $586

http://www.asc-home-theater.com/subtrap.htm

Reviews:
http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12...ap-6-2005.html
http://www.stereophile.com/musicinth...ic/index1.html

[RUR]

For those who need more attractive acoustic panels, here's the latest from Auralex: http://www.auralex.com/sonicprint/

Artwork screened onto the panels in a wide variety of themes from sports to movies to vintage art. Cost unknown, but probably not inexpensive. What price WAF?

[jomari]

Originally Posted by RUR

For those who need more attractive acoustic panels, here's the latest from Auralex: http://www.auralex.com/sonicprint/

Artwork screened onto the panels in a wide variety of themes from sports to movies to vintage art. Cost unknown, but probably not inexpensive. What price WAF?

we had this discussion at the other pond, and find it amazing how long it took for em to think of this. a number of other people have considered different fabric instead at times, just to get the WAF points up.

nothing wrong with choosing fabric right?

[RUR]

^^^^^
Not sure if it's Auralex, but at least one other company will screen your own art onto these panels. How could one's wife object to a photo of her/the kids?

I ordered up a 7', 13" diameter ASC tube trap for one of my back corners. I'll report out when I get it in ~4 weeks.

[Big Daddy]

For those of you who are not as wealthy as Bill Gates or Warren Buffett and want to experience the advantages of room treatment, Parts Express sells good quality material made by Cascade Audio at bargain prices.

Cornertec Ceiling Corner Trap, 17"W (across convoluted face) x 24"H x 12"D (each side)
Price: $29.65 Each (1-3)
Quantity Price: $26.80 Each (4+)
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...Number=305-120

Pyramid Design Panel, 24"x24"x2"
Price: $19.90 Each (1-9)
Quantity Price: $18.38 Each (10+)
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage....n&WebPage_ID=3

Pyramid Design Panel, 24"x24"x3"
Price: $26.80 Each (1-9)
Quantity Price: $24.88 Each (10+)
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage....n&WebPage_ID=3

Acoustic Wall Tile, 2"x12"x12", Box of 16
Price: $54.55 per Box (1-3)
Quantity Price: $49.45 per Box (4+)
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...Number=300-900

Super Wedge Acoustic Wall Tile 12"x12"x5"
Price: $9.68 Each (1-9)
Quantity Price: $9.46 Each (10 -49 ), $8.19 Each (50+)
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...Number=300-895

You can also order them from Amazon Marketplace.

[RUR]

Certainly we all want to save money and it may be argued that some treatment is better than no treatment, but I would respectfully suggest that prospective buyers of acoustic treatments research the absorbtion qualities of the various offerings and balance cost vs. benefit before purchasing.

Many items sold as acoustic treatments do not provide measured data, sort of like buying an AVR without knowing the measured distortion or a car without knowing the gas mileage. I don't see this as a good sign. Others provide data which isn't as good as other, comparably (or better) priced stuff.

Here are the published absorbtion figures for polyurethane foam: http://cascadeaudio.com/commercial_r...neFoamTech.pdf

Here are the published absorbtion figures for 2" Dow Corning 703 (a very commonly used material in absorbtion panels): http://www.acoustimac.com/index.php?...mart&Itemid=21

and here for 2" Dow Corning 705: http://www.acoustimac.com/index.php?...mart&Itemid=21

Note the difference in absorbtion, across the frequency spectrum, between 2" polyurethane and the Dow Corning product. While some may prefer the "tech" look of the poly products, they should be aware that they are not as effective for purposes of acoustic absorbtion. Further, there are many low-cost offerings made from the Dow product, not to mention a wealth of DIY advice using this very inexpensive material. 2" DC 703 sells for ~$72 per 48 ft2, is easy to work with and can be used to make absorbtion panels or corner bass traps. mdabb and others have already linked some advice on this and there's plenty more to be found.

Last but not least, the following disclaimer from the Cascade Audio polyurethane link is worrisome, to say the least....

CAUTION: Polyurethane foam is flammable and may emit toxic fumes when burned. Do not use near open flame. Check local codes for allowed uses. Manufacturer assumes no liability.

[RUR]

Either this gent lives alone or his significant other is extreeeeeemely tolerant.


http://www.stereopal.com/HomeVisit/William.htm

Egg crates and a violin "strategically placed in the center of the room. It reflects sounds and reinforces the image of vocals and other instruments"

Thanks to sleepysurf @ MLC

[mdabb]

I am looking forward to the day when I can have my very own room. It might only have one chair in it or a nice couch but then again it's only for me. I plan on completely gutting it out and doing it the right way no matter how ugly some might think it is. Then again acoustical treatments don't have to be ugly at all. Might have a few stalactites hanging from the ceiling but whatever is necessary right.

All I need is one room. (with a lock)


As for the DIY route their is a good amount of info on here and out there if one is determined. Provide a little effort and one can have some nice panels for not much $$$. Everything I've read so far is suggesting a bare "minimum" of two inches thick to be effective and if possible double the thickness to four inches.

The best way to approach it is to figure out the room's flaws and see what can be done to counteract it. It is possible to turn that basement, family room or spare bedroom into a great room. It might not be perfect but what is???

[plowmanjoe]

i'm completely new to all of this and i recently got into audio mainly for watching movies. i'm almost done building 4 panels i made following this tutorial

i just now read through this thread a little bit and i'm wondering what you guys think of these panels.

i made it almost identically and my plan all along has been to make these decorative. so i wrapped these with canvas and i plan on painting something on them. something simple and abstract/ contemporary. i am no where close to calling my self an artist fyi.

so i have a few questions, will painting these take away from their function. and is the owens corning 703 material more ideal than the oc r-13 (pink fluffy stuff)?

[Big Daddy]

This information and diagrams are from CEDIA, “7 Steps to Home Theater,” by Anthony Grimani.

At the primary seating area you listen to more reflected sound than direct sound.

Reflections.jpg
Absorption.jpg
Diffusion.jpg
Echoe Solution.jpg
Room Treatment.jpg