Hi Guys,

I have finally started converting my garage into a dedicated HT. Dimensions are 16'w x 19'l x 8.5h. I have framed two of the walls and will be commencing the third soon.

I have put a few built in shelves as i need to bring the wall in otherwise the room will be square. I plan on wrapping each of the shelves with material and thus help treat the first reflection points, is this a good idea?

Also when is the best time to install the soffits, before drywall or after?

Cheers

It depends what the material is. Also, if you fill the shelves with dvds, it would change from being absorptive to diffusive. Can the shelves go somewhere else so you can use standard fibreglass panels instead?

Thanks for the comments Jesse, the shelves will be holding my collection of collectable figures and movie memorabilia. I'm thinking of using a velvet or some sort of similar material.

Also with the soffits I might put some rails for drapes to cover the side walls just in case the sound isn't up to scratch.

What significance does "Indy" have? Are you in Indiana?

Also when is the best time to install the soffits, before drywall or after?If you have a choice (some do not) do it after. You want to punch very few holes in that drywall. Ideally, you run all your wiring and HVAC into the room through a single point, then around the room in the soffit, dropping down as needed into columns for HVAC supplies, outlets, speaker wire, etc... Another big benefit is you can leave the bottoms of the soffits open (covered by AT fabric) and use them as bass absorbers.

Velvet alone will not absorb at any useful level. You'll want 1" fibreglass behind the velvet at the minimum.

What significance does "Indy" have? Are you in Indiana?
Im in Melbourne Australia. Always loved the indy movies so went with that name, also might be the first movie I watch.

Another big benefit is you can leave the bottoms of the soffits open (covered by AT fabric) and use them as bass absorbers.?
I've followed your thread since you started awesome job. I will be basing my soffits on your design. 5inch high, 12 deep and 1 off the ceiling for the rope light. Also might be going down the path of the mission audio speakers.

I'm currently mapping out the dimensions for the shelves so I will take into account the thickness of some sort of insulation. Jesse in terms of fibreglass can you buy sheets of the stuff, could i use polyester batts in place that will compress to around 1 inch?

Cheers

You will typically want to do something with the first reflection points, but I have seen diffusion work better than absorption so your mileage will always vary. You have two big things to deal with, the balance of too "dead" vs. bad dialogue and getting the bass even.

Depending on how much time and effort you want to invest makes a difference on how you would proceed.

Is that vague enough :)

Curt

You have two big things to deal with, the balance of too "dead" vs. bad dialogue and getting the bass even.
Yeah i know what you mean the too "dead zone" is not something I have in mind so once i have the drywall up I will give the system a whirl and see what it sounds like.

As the room is separate from the house I'm not that worried about a bit of sound leaking out so initially I will put up one sheet of 13mm soundcheck and see how that sounds inside and out.

I don't want to upset the neighbors (if only they knew the levels im going too to reduce sound ;) ) so might use two sheets but time will tell.

Cheers

Im in Melbourne Australia. Always loved the indy movies so went with that name, also might be the first movie I watch.

Cheers

...another Aussie!! Welcome!

Michael.

If you haven't been there yet, lots and lots of thematic ideas here

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-501&va=indiana+jones+adventure&sz=all

victor

looks good Indy!

sincerely,
Indy :)

Jesse in terms of fibreglass can you buy sheets of the stuff, could i use polyester batts in place that will compress to around 1 inch?

Cheers

Yes, you can buy sheet of 1" fiberglass insulation (duct liner), such as Owens Corning 703. Polyester batts will not have the same absorption characteristic as duct liner, thus, not work as well.

Good luck with the build.

Hi Guys,

I did some framing over the past week, pics below.

Also what are the best lighting options for the ceiling, Im considering downlights using compact fluros so they dont heat up the insulation or due to cost might go with halogen and build some boxes to get the insulation out of the way.

Cheers.

Wondering if anyone can help me, I have brought one of my frames in from the wall to make the room less square.

In my wisdom I installed some built in storage at the bottom of the frame and close to where the bass will go. Have I created a big drum? There will be doors with seals but I have this feeling that when the bass goes its going to hit these storage cupboards and boom.

Should I add some batts to the inside of the cupboards and try capture the bass?

Cheers