I've decided to finally get some treatments for my room, as I think I've reached a satisfactory level of quality in my speakers. I'm using the B&W CM1s and my room is pretty small, so there's a good amount of reflected energy I'm hearing (which I didn't hear when demoing the speakers in the showroom), which is unnaturally boosting the highs and smearing imaging. There's a noticeable ringing for about half a second when I clap my hands loudly.

Anyway, I've already purchased some panels from ATS Acoustics. Their prices seemed pretty unbeatable (and cost is one of the reasons why I've never tried treating my room before). I ordered eight 24"x24"x2" panels, one 48"x24"x2" and one 36"x24"x2". To treat bass I'm going to order two 48"x24"x4" open backed panels when the next paycheck comes through.

I drew a little mock-up of the layout in MS Paint. It's attached at the bottom of this post. The 4" panels will go in both front corners against the wall at a 45 degree angle. The custom 3' wide panel I'm going to use solely to cover the front of my TV when I'm not using it. If you count, there's only four 2'x2's in the picture. I haven't figured out exactly how to distribute the other four, but I know I need to treat the first reflection points. Do, you think my futon on the right side of the room is enough treatment for that side? I'll have to put panels behind my desk to treat the left reflection.

Does it look decent? Would you change anything?

Also, the "sub" in the pic isn't there atm. Just an idea of where I'll put my next one. I'm considering the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus, which is down-firing. With a crossover to my mains at 70Hz, do you think localization would be a problem at all in that position?

Thanks.

Consider some on the back wall to eliminate slap from that surface.

Thanks Kal. I forgot to mention though, there's a closet on that back wall, which is closed off by two large sliding doors. So I wouldn't be able to hang anything. However, I suppose I could just stand two 2'x4' panels against the doors. I'd have to move one when I wanted to get dressed :p but it wouldn't be so bad.

edit: There's also an almost 6'x4' window in the middle of the right wall, starting right above the height of the back of the futon, about 3'.

edit2: Ok, here's a little revised drawing. I added the window and closet, and some more possible mounting locations. Not sure which should be 2x2 and which 2x4, or whether they should all be 2x4. I'll have a bunch of extra 2x2s if I put 2x4s in all those places...

I came up with a revised plan. It uses all eight 2'x2'x2"s I already bought, I'll just need to order the two 4'x2'x4"s and additionally, five more 4'x2'x2"s. This is getting pricey quick. Oh well. :p

Thoughts?

The two spots that need absorption is 1st reflections off the side walls and absorption behind you.

I would strongly suggest to find a way to hang something on the closet doors behind you.

If the back wall closet is full of clothing or other absorbent stuff, you could just leave the doors open.

Another thing that works rather well is a bale of insulation. Leave it in the plastic wrapper.

I would suggest considering the first reflection point in the ceiling. Other than that, it looks like you have about the right amount of absorption, and the specific placement (other than corner traps and reflection points) is something you can better tune through experimentation than eye-balling on paper. Next on the list would be diffusion :-)

Next on the list would be diffusion :-)

Ah yes. Where are these usually placed? And is there any inexpensive options like the panels from ATS?

To treat bass I'm going to order two 48"x24"x4" open backed panels when the next paycheck comes through.


I just went to there web site and can't seem to find any testing with the open back. Do they have any?


Glenn

I just went to there web site and can't seem to find any testing with the open back. Do they have any?


Glenn

If you go to the page for either 4" panel, at the bottom there's an option for open backed under the title "Open Back Modification".