I'm trying to improve on the acoustics in my open designed room (actually enclosed with curtain panels). I've covered the windows with heavy velvet drapes and light blocking shades (left side of room). I'm going to be ordering ATS Acoustics 24x48 4" thick panels (http://www.atsacoustics.com/item--ATS-Acoustic-Panel-24x48x4--1008.html) to place behind the four window coverings. Should I opt for the open backed design or does the glass not reflect lower frequencies?

Also, I'm considering ordering an additional 24 x 48" open backed panel to lay sideways against the wall behind the true sub (it's used for sub 60 Hz because there's an MBM-12 nearfield). Does this appear to be a good option for bass trapping? Will it actually be effective for sub 60 Hz frequency absorption?

Next to the sub (see pic, in the right front corner of the room) there is a cabinet in the corner. I was thinking it could be used as a bass trap by removing the door, covering it with a DIY grill cloth/frame, and stuffing it with fiberglass batting. Am I on the right track with this idea or am I missing something?

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5040/basstrapcopyae2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/basstrapcopyae2.jpg/1/w1000.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img91/basstrapcopyae2.jpg/1/)

Where are the LCR speakers?

That's them in the cabinets and on that stand. They are the Klipsch THX Ultra 2 series. 'Drools'

That's them in the cabinets and on that stand. They are the Klipsch THX Ultra 2 series.

Correct. The sub is to the right below the right LCR and close to the loveseat.

Panels on the right are 2" thick ATS Acoustics panels (2x2)

Part of your problem is the speakers being in the cabinets.

I have a bunch of hyper kids and the LCRs on stands will be a problem. They'll eventually get damaged. I chose the Klipsch THX because of their ability to be cabinet mounted. Now I have them slightly forward the cabinet by approximately 1-2". I'm really looking for more absorption of both high and low frequencies.

Will bass traps help that area above the cabinets? Could try there and see if it gives you a better lower bass. If it were my room I think I would probobly experement with placing some Roxul 60 in the place you mention, but also above the left and right channels. When speakers go in cabinets it's usually a good idea to place insulation around them, so you would be effectively improving two things at once. While you have the Roxul 60, safe n sound,or other absorption for the cabinets you could try out above the cabinets. I think I might leave the door to the cabinets however. Some friction fit lightweight frames with some melamine fabric would work well for the other areas.

Here are some of your initial issues (without respect to other treatments).

Your L/R speakers are too close together to create proper imaging or a good sound stage. Your L/C/R speakers (particularily your center) has a significant portion of the direct sound from the speaker blocked by the coffee table. I presume your flooring is carpet over pad.

Until your room is measured (RTA at seating locations) it will be difficult to suggest what treatments are needed in your space.

Here are some of your initial issues (without respect to other treatments).

Your L/R speakers are too close together to create proper imaging or a good sound stage. Your L/C/R speakers (particularily your center) has a significant portion of the direct sound from the speaker blocked by the coffee table. I presume your flooring is carpet over pad.

Until your room is measured (RTA at seating locations) it will be difficult to suggest what treatments are needed in your space.

Dennis, thanks for the suggestions. The L&R speakers are 14' apart (each 7' from the center). Are you saying they are too close together or too close to the walls? The coffee table is usually moved when viewing. There is heavy padding under the wool rug. Ihave to find a good balance between performance and keeping the room "open" for the kids, dog, etc..

Will bass traps help that area above the cabinets? Could try there and see if it gives you a better lower bass. If it were my room I think I would probobly experement with placing some Roxul 60 in the place you mention, but also above the left and right channels. When speakers go in cabinets it's usually a good idea to place insulation around them, so you would be effectively improving two things at once. While you have the Roxul 60, safe n sound,or other absorption for the cabinets you could try out above the cabinets. I think I might leave the door to the cabinets however. Some friction fit lightweight frames with some melamine fabric would work well for the other areas.

Thanks for the suggestions. Is Roxul a fiber that must be contained, as OC703 does, to pervent inhalation or are their other "lung friendly" alternatives for low frequency absorption? What is your opinion on trapping bass in the outer lower cabinets? Should I remove the doors and cover with grill cloth or just partially open the doors (when stuffed with material)? Another option would be to just fully open the cabinets whe the audio is in use. This would require a reversing of the hinges to allow the doors to open towards the center of the room.

Thanks for the suggestions. Is Roxul a fiber that must be contained, as OC703 does, to pervent inhalation or are their other "lung friendly" alternatives for low frequency absorption? What is your opinion on trapping bass in the outer lower cabinets? Should I remove the doors and cover with grill cloth or just partially open the doors (when stuffed with material)? Another option would be to just fully open the cabinets whe the audio is in use. This would require a reversing of the hinges to allow the doors to open towards the center of the room.

No Roxul is safe. The only complaints I have had of working with Roxul was it made my eyes itch. It can get messy and crumble etc so it does need something to contain it. I think that leaving the doors on the cabinets will work to a degree, but not nearly as well as removing them. It really depends how loud the subwoofer is. The idea of leaving the cabinets open sounds like a good idea. Tunable bass traps are great for music listening. If I had cabinets that nice I wouldn't remove the doors unless there was some fabric that I really liked. I would probobly use a subwoofer equalizer sooner than do that since being a former cabinet installer, I really like cabinets. :) The doors themselves are probobly absorbing some decent low frequencies.

I'm going to be testing some Quiet Batt soon in the coming weeks which is very freindly on the lungs. It is an acoustical cotton which one of the most cost effective treatments. Shipping is also easier and shipping in my order was free. I could really use the break on the throat/lungs, and it's better than insulation.

No Roxul is safe. I take it you mean "No, Roxul is safe." ;)

I take it you mean "No, Roxul is safe." ;)

You are correct.

I'm going to be testing some Quiet Batt soon in the coming weeks which is very freindly on the lungs. It is an acoustical cotton which one of the most cost effective treatments.


I've thought about ordering Quiet Batt and filling the side cabinets. For $100 it should be a nice alternative to OC703.

Any thoughts on adding two 4" panels between the sub and the wall on the right front corner?

It is very difficult from the picture to see the relationship between the L, C, & R speakers. They may indeed to too close to the walls in which case your reflection points will need some diffusion.

I've thought about ordering Quiet Batt and filling the side cabinets. For $100 it should be a nice alternative to OC703.

Any thoughts on adding two 4" panels between the sub and the wall on the right front corner?

I would be worried of being able to localize this sub this way. Without measuring it is difficult to say which areas of the walls may be problematic, but that might improve some higher bass boominess. Adding some absorption near it will decrease the overall output of the sub however.

I have a question...
What is everyone using for sound diffusion?

They use diffusors.

Sorry. :D

Some rooms do better with diffusion than others. Also, good diffusors cost a lot more than good absorbers, whether you buy commercial models or DIY.

--Ethan

They use diffusors.

Sorry. :D

Some rooms do better with diffusion than others. Also, good diffusors cost a lot more than good absorbers, whether you buy commercial models or DIY.

--Ethan

Hahahaha.. I asked didn't I. :D