Bass Traps

[br??]

Hi,

I'm in the process of getting some treatment in my room, but I'm not sure what to do about bass traps. Pretty much everywhere I look, people say to make some sort of DIY rigid fibreglass absorber. I like the idea, it's just that I'm short on time, money and I'm not sure whether it's entirely necessary, in which case I could just get some like these. My room is medium sized and bass has been annoying on occasion, but never seemed like too much of an issue. That being said this is my first real hifi endeavour so I don't really know what I'm talking about. I've gathered that the thicker and denser the better, but, as fun as the DIY project would be, I don't know if all the extra effort would be worth it over just getting the mentioned traps.

Thanks for your help.

 

[TheWarrior]

Room dimensions and sub(s) used?

What was 'annoying'? Be specific!

 

[br??]

My room's about 3.7 x 2.7 x 2.3 m (or 12' x 9' x 7.6'), and I'm using a single SB2000, with a few frequencies that pop out in the mid-upper bass range being the main motivation at this stage.

 

[TheWarrior]

My room's about 3.7 x 2.7 x 2.3 m (or 12' x 9' x 7.6'), and I'm using a single SB2000, with a few frequencies that pop out in the mid-upper bass range being the main motivation at this stage.

What is the crossover setting on the subwoofer, and is it being governed by your AVR/Preamp?
(if the AVR is setting the crossover, make sure the crossover on the sub is as high as it will go!)

What is the flooring? Low ceiling suggests this is a basement?

What is the location of the subwoofer, with in the room? Have you tried corner or mid-wall placement?

Room correction has been re-run?

This is all the basic stuff to recheck before considering spending money!

 

[br??]

Sub is crossed over at ~80 Hz, carpet floors, not a basement (~7.6 ft is pretty much the standard here), sub has been placed as good as I can get it, and no access to room correction.

 

[TheWarrior]

Sub is crossed over at ~80 Hz, carpet floors, not a basement (~7.6 ft is pretty much the standard here), sub has been placed as good as I can get it, and no access to room correction.

What electronics are being used?

Sorry for so many questions, but this problem could have many possible solutions!

 

[br??]

Just using a DacMagic Plus as a DAC/Pre-amp, running to the sub and amp via separate outputs.

 

[TheWarrior]

Are you able to localize the sub at most times?

If so, you probably have the gain on the sub too high. Not that this is damaging in any way, but that your desire for bass impact / broad listening window exceeds the capabilities of the sub.

Assuming this describes your situation, I would consider adding a second SB2000.

As for any size/thickness of panel absorber, sure, you can DIY them! It's a plywood frame that surrounds the rigid fiberglass much like a picture frame. You wrap the frame in specific types of cloth that aid in transferring some frequencies in to heat as they graze the fabric.

GIK Acoustics makes excellent products, I have several including their Art Panels (wife approved!). They offer both ready-made and will also sell fabric and OC fiberglass too.

 

[br??]

I have the gain at about 2 o'clock, and given the SB2000 is certified for rooms more than double the volume of mine, shouldn't I be fine in that aspect? I know from hanging around here that using a second sub for bass-management is a better solution than using traps, but is the difference proportional given the cost of acquiring another sub? Should I just abandon room treatment and save up for another sub?

 

[br??]

Also, should I abandon traditional acoustic treatment and get some thinner rigid fibreglass panels for the ceiling and rear wall?

 

[Jaybeez]

I converted the 3rd car bay in my garage into a recording studio, which I also use as a band practice room and listening room.
I followed treatment advise for a recording space pretty closely and it works very well as a listening environment.
I have 4" Bass traps from GiK in all 4 corners and 6 2" panels across the walls.
My room is 18' x 10' x 8' and this set up works quite well.
For about the price of a good piece of gear, you could do this: http://www.gikacoustics.com/product/gik-acoustics-room-kit-package-2/
Depending on where you live you may have a local outfit that you can pickup panels at (shipping is pretty expensive due to bulk). I'm fortunate as live in the LA area, and got my 2" panels locally and saved the shipping $.
Not too hard to make, but like you I was lacking time.
At minimum, I would treat all 4 corners with bass traps and first point of reflection with broadband panels.

 

[br??]

Yeah, unfortunately you can't get anything like that down here for a reasonable price. Everything from places like GIK costs twice as much. I've enquired about getting some 110 mm thick rockwool panels to use for bass traps and around the room. Will I deaden my room too much if I use them as a replacement for more generic foam absorbers?

 

[Jaybeez]

Rockwool or compressed fiberglass would be way better than foam absorbers. Way better looking too. Many folks prefer rockwool.
In terms of deadening your room, start with the corners then add as you need. I found a big improvement with just the bass traps in the corners but added the smaller panels to control slap echo with drums and vocals (during recording).
If cost is an issue, you may want to find a handy friend to build out the panels for you. Very easy but will take time. The material cost isn't bad at all.
Where are you located? If down here means Australia / New Zealand John Sayers has a forum and you'll likely find helpful folks in your area that can assist: http://www.johnlsayers.com