Acoustic Panels

[greggp2]

Can anyone recommend a really good website for very upscale acoustic panels? I saw someone that had some acoustic panels on this site that were actual pictures of a guitar pieced together.

I very much would like to add some panels/bass traps into my room, but want something that is aesthetically pleasing.

Any suggestions?

 

[jostenmeat]

That guitar treatment array belongs to Glenn Kuras of GIK. Pretty cool! If looking for solid colors only, Real Traps has very good fit and finish. But pretty pricey. I've also posted this as well, for some stealth treatments.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=462435&postcount=8

There are other companies that will allow custom printing, like Auralex.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48067

There are yet more, but their names escape me, atm.

 

[greggp2]

Can these planters really trap bass?

http://www.realtraps.com/p_planter.htm if I bought one of these, I would feel like I were buying a plant that I could get at Target for $20 for $199. Does someone have any experience with this product?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I don't know if those can or not but nothing looks worse than a fake plant.

I use the GIK Elites and they are very nice.

You could stick a real plant on one of these.

Can these planters really trap bass?

http://www.realtraps.com/p_planter.htm if I bought one of these, I would feel like I were buying a plant that I could get at Target for $20 for $199. Does someone have any experience with this product?

 

[greggp2]

I don't know if those can or not but nothing looks worse than a fake plant.

I use the GIK Elites and they are very nice.

You could stick a real plant on one of these.

Agreed. I like the stands... They look pretty cool, but I think I like the table in a dark Cherry wood. I have space right next to my L shaped Sofa. I'm thinking about doing one of those as a bass trap... I also have really tall ceilings. Do you think putting the acoustic panels with a nice print, I was thinking the guitar (3 panels) above the plasma screen would help also? All of that, plus some curtains on the window and slider should deaden the sound quite a bit...

P.S. Greg, I know I owe you a pic. They are still in my camera. I'm horrible about uploading that stuff... Just wanted you to know I hadn't forgotten...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Directly behind the speakers and on the side walls should be treated first. Use the mirror trick to check for placement on the side walls.

 

[greggp2]

Directly behind the speakers and on the side walls should be treated first. Use the mirror trick to check for placement on the side walls.

Mirror trick?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Set on your couch, have one of your girlfriends hold a mirror and walk along your side walls. The place were you can see your speaker in the mirror is the first reflection point. Change to girlfriend number 2 and do the other side wall.

Mirror trick?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Please note...You can use one GF for this but 2 seems like more fun...

 

[lsiberian]

Set on your couch, have one of your girlfriends hold a mirror and walk along your side walls. The place were you can see your speaker in the mirror is the first reflection point. Change to girlfriend number 2 and do the other side wall.

I think we are talking about 2 different mirror tricks

You can also use a protractor geometry and a measuring tape if you just like doing math.

I also think treating the back wall is a good idea, but start with the first order reflections and then do front wall and back wall.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

And then put a mirror on the ceiling......

I think we are talking about 2 different mirror tricks

You can also use a protractor geometry and a measuring tape if you just like doing math.

I also think treating the back wall is a good idea, but start with the first order reflections and then do front wall and back wall.

 

[greggp2]

And then video tape, upload it onto my private server and give all you guys access?

I don't know who is going to ban me from this site first... Moderator Mike or my girl friend..

 

[greggp2]

Seriously though, I'm screwed on my reflection points. One 1/2 of my room has a bar that opens to my kitchen... That wall is pretty much out for panels. The other, the reflection point is a huge window.. I can put curtains/panels there, which should help...

The back wall is actually a triple sliding door... All class, covered by plantation shutters made of wood. No panels there either, other than curtains... Looks like a bass trap table next to the sofa and I'm pretty much done... I have a huge 13x13 sofa that forms a big L though that sits under the window on the left side of the room and wraps around in front of the TV.. Lots of pillows on it too...

 

[greggp2]

The only other thing I can do is put some types of panels up above my TV since my ceilings are 14' tall..

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I can't put anything in back as it is open to a bar and kitchen. Behind the speakers work great.

I have a strong feeling that after the house is done, mine will not be allowed back up. That's a shame because they make a huge difference.

 

[greggp2]

I hear you. Then you'll be buying bass trap tables and acoustic panels with art on them... Like me!!!

 

[jostenmeat]

Seriously though, I'm screwed on my reflection points. One 1/2 of my room has a bar that opens to my kitchen... That wall is pretty much out for panels. The other, the reflection point is a huge window.. I can put curtains/panels there, which should help...

Yes, first reflections are normally the place to start. So, yes, that means sidewall, ceilings (and floor, but, um, that usually isn't practical). As for the rear boundary, the closer you sit to it, the more you will want to treat it. Usually, at least for those who are lucky enough to be away from it, the strength of the reflection from the rear wall is weaker because of the distance travelled. If you sit right up against the back wall, an acoustician would tell you that loads of broadband absorption is called for there.

Curtains can help, just use your ears/judgment. However, they aren't "broadband", and will only absorb a certain set of frequencies, and certainly in the upper register, and extremely little to nothing for bass or midbass waves.

The back wall is actually a triple sliding door... All class, covered by plantation shutters made of wood. No panels there either, other than curtains... Looks like a bass trap table next to the sofa and I'm pretty much done... I have a huge 13x13 sofa that forms a big L though that sits under the window on the left side of the room and wraps around in front of the TV.. Lots of pillows on it too...

All I think you can do is to stay as far away from that back wall as possible.

The only other thing I can do is put some types of panels up above my TV since my ceilings are 14' tall..

You are lucky to have such tall ceilings. I would guess that treating your ceiling is less imperative than it would be for most rooms with much lower ceilings, like 8' for instance.

Really though, just having the intention to treat your room, with the money and time that goes along with it, will hopefully get you to that happy place more quickly.