DIY Acoustic Panels?

[speakerman39]

Folks, found this site about how to make your very own Acoustic Panels. Seems simple enough. Basically, just you make a frame of ~ 48" X 24" and glue the insulation to the frame, no? The question that I have is why is there no back to the frame for added support? Just gluing the 2" insulation to the frame seems to me that it may not be very stable, no? For added support, would it hurt anything to add some sort of back to the frame? Or, would that be problematic/ counter-intuitive?

http://acousticsfreq.com/how-to-build-your-own-acoustic-panels/

It looks like that I am going to need at least (12) of these panels for my room. Not sure just yet what each one will cost. But, hope to get some estimates together soon and get started. Plan to also add some corner bass traps as well. The window to my left is also going to get a 32 oz. curtain depending on cost. Never done anything like this before, but it looks doable to me. Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[KenM10759]

Which website is that? You can make just about anything work. Effectiveness of them comes into play with design and choice of materials. A backing shouldn't be needed, though it can help keep frames from sagging.

You don't need to completely cover your walls with (12) 2'x4' panels. Just a few in strategic places will do wonders.

 

[speakerman39]

Which website is that? You can make just about anything work. Effectiveness of them comes into play with design and choice of materials. A backing shouldn't be needed, though it can help keep frames from sagging.

You don't need to completely cover your walls with (12) 2'x4' panels. Just a few in strategic places will do wonders.

Ken, I knew I was forgetting something......LOL!!!! Link embedded now. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I don't plan to cover my walls entirely, but I do think that (12) would make a significant difference. Of course, not going to build these all at once. But rather, a few at a time. As you mention, may not really need (12) of them. Will experiment with that and go from there. I do, however, like the idea of keeping said panels from sagging. So, adding a back to the frame will not be problematic?

Cheers,

Phil

 

[KenM10759]

Looking at that website and seeing what they're doing I think only ceiling mounted panels would be in any danger of sagging. Few people ever put panels on ceilings of living space, though not uncommon in dedicated home theater spaces.

 

[speakerman39]

Ken, I could do like (3) panels on my front wall instead of (4). But, then I would want to go bigger than 2'X4'. More like 4'X6' instead. Adding a back to the frame would make it easier to do and add some extra support to keep from sagging. I will need (2) on my left wall on each side of my window. Then, (2) on my right wall, and (3) on my back wall all of which 2'X4' will work just fine. The front wall I want to use (3) larger panels. I also have (5) corners in my room and plan to place some bass traps there at each one. Lastly, going to add a 32 oz. curtain of some sorts to my window. May even look into adding a few panels to my ceiling. Not really sure how to place panels on the ceiling though. Have any ideas on how to do that? Not sure how many I would need either. Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

here few links for you to read:
http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/two-absorption-techniques-that-do-not-work/
http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/acoustic-foam-panels/

One of places to get 703 a bit cheaper is here:
http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/owens-corning-703-fiberglass-acoustic-board-2-3/

There also these guys, I'm not 100% sure their towels method works, but I guess they do method to the madness - absorption material density matters, that's why cheap acoustic foam doesn't really work.

 

[speakerman39]

here few links for you to read:
http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/two-absorption-techniques-that-do-not-work/
http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/acoustic-foam-panels/

One of places to get 703 a bit cheaper is here:
http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/owens-corning-703-fiberglass-acoustic-board-2-3/

There also these guys, I'm not 100% sure their towels method works, but I guess they do method to the madness - absorption material density matters, that's why cheap acoustic foam doesn't really work.

Thanks Bored will do some reading up on it. I think that I have seen this video before. Will check it out again as well. Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

here few links for you to read:
http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/two-absorption-techniques-that-do-not-work/
http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/acoustic-foam-panels/

One of places to get 703 a bit cheaper is here:
http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/owens-corning-703-fiberglass-acoustic-board-2-3/

There also these guys, I'm not 100% sure their towels method works, but I guess they do method to the madness - absorption material density matters, that's why cheap acoustic foam doesn't really work.

Thanks a lot Bored. This is very informative and helpful. The 703 is more affordable too. This looks doable even for a guy like me. However, wished there was a way to make bass traps. They sure are expensive! Was hoping to get (15) of them. Maybe just get a few at a time. The article said the more the merrier.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Hey, I found these bass traps on Amazon. Are these worth the money?

https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Foam-Studio-Soundproofing-Corner/dp/B00TT7BGQM/ref=pd_sim_267_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HSSNEDM6A9ZFSZSKDYHT

You can get the 8-pack for $78 w/free shipping. Might order (2) 8-packs. Is this a good deal? Know of a better deal? Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[KenM10759]

I think you could do better (more effective) in making them out of the Owens Corning 703 foam. A can of Super 77 spray adhesive, glue a stack of (6) 2" thick boards (from three 24" x 48" boards cut in half on the 24" width) then when dry slice on the diagonal with an electric knife. Wrap in your favorite fabric, done.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hey, I found these bass traps on Amazon. Are these worth the money?

https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Foam-Studio-Soundproofing-Corner/dp/B00TT7BGQM/ref=pd_sim_267_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HSSNEDM6A9ZFSZSKDYHT

You can get the 8-pack for $78 w/free shipping. Might order (2) 8-packs. Is this a good deal? Know of a better deal? Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

Didn't I just wasted my breath explaining what cheap foam doesn't work - it just doesn't have the density?
besides - get in the habit checking every new product, especially one with glowing reviews here:
http://fakespot.com/product/acoustic-foam-bass-trap-studio-soundproofing-corner-wall-12-x-12-x-12-4-pack

 

[speakerman39]

I think you could do better (more effective) in making them out of the Owens Corning 703 foam. A can of Super 77 spray adhesive, glue a stack of (6) 2" thick boards (from three 24" x 48" boards cut in half on the 24" width) then when dry slice on the diagonal with an electric knife. Wrap in your favorite fabric, done.

Thanks Ken. So, these would be just as effective as bass traps below 250 Hz? BTW, I plan to make me some speaker cables. I remember you did a fantastic job on yours. However, if I were to order some wire from Monoprice:

http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023902&p_id=2817&seq=1&format=2

Then, the pants from ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KnuKonceptz-12-Gauge-Speaker-Cable-Wire-Pants-Boots-/390331133310?hash=item5ae18c6d7e:g:KZ4AAOSwLVZVuv6b

Along with these banana connectors/spades:

https://sewelldirect.com/sewell-deadbolt-banana-plugs-12-pair

https://sewelldirect.com/sewell-deadbolt-45-degree-spade-plugs-6-pack-

Would this all work well together? Lastly, would you still put some 3/8" Tech Flex on the wire? Or would you just leave it in the white that it comes with? I actually like the white myself. Just hope it is not too tough to work with:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-3-8-100ft-Braided-Expandable-Tech-Flex-Sleeve-Harness-Loom-Wire-Cover-/161240935509?hash=item258ab56c55:g:SLEAAOSwal5YKbr1

Thanks Ken. Good plan or not?

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Didn't I just wasted my breath explaining what cheap foam doesn't work - it just doesn't have the density?
besides - get in the habit checking every new product, especially one with glowing reviews here:
http://fakespot.com/product/acoustic-foam-bass-trap-studio-soundproofing-corner-wall-12-x-12-x-12-4-pack

Good point, but not finding much on bass traps. Looks like I just will have to pony up the money for them a little at a time. But, the acoustic panels I will use OC 703. Going to order some soon. Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[KenM10759]

You can get the cable pants even cheaper from Parts Express. No white lettering of "KnuKoncepts" either, if that matters. The TechFlex can be pricey, so if you like the white casing on Monoprice cable just stick with it.

 

[speakerman39]

You can get the cable pants even cheaper from Parts Express. No white lettering of "KnuKoncepts" either, if that matters. The TechFlex can be pricey, so if you like the white casing on Monoprice cable just stick with it.

Thanks Ken. Yeah, I will order the pants from Parts Express then. I was really impressed with yours. If you lived closer I would just have you do them for me......LOL!!!!! No really thanks for the info!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Didn't I just wasted my breath explaining what cheap foam doesn't work - it just doesn't have the density?
besides - get in the habit checking every new product, especially one with glowing reviews here:
http://fakespot.com/product/acoustic-foam-bass-trap-studio-soundproofing-corner-wall-12-x-12-x-12-4-pack

Bored that is a cool website. I have it bookmarked now. Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[DD66000]

Just in case any missed this in the link.

*Note that choral music, piano, orchestral instruments, group singing, and pipe organ benefit from reasonably reverberant acoustics, with many reflective surfaces. Installation of sound absorption material can harm musician performance and sound quality for these specific applications.

Most certainly true, I've listened to music in rooms that were TOO dead, just awful. Sucks the life out of the music...so beware.

 

[speakerman39]

Just in case any missed this in the link.

*Note that choral music, piano, orchestral instruments, group singing, and pipe organ benefit from reasonably reverberant acoustics, with many reflective surfaces. Installation of sound absorption material can harm musician performance and sound quality for these specific applications.

Most certainly true, I've listened to music in rooms that were TOO dead, just awful. Sucks the life out of the music...so beware.

Yes, I did notice this. No worries. Only have so much money anyways. Doubt that it will ever be too much. But do hope to make 8-12 panels sooner or later. Thanks for the heads-up!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[DD66000]

Having used both, in an attempt to tame HF in a concrete room(next to no other choices where I live)....I prefer using Dirac Room Correction over having panels everywhere.
With Dirac, you can see what the FR is at the seat, then taylor it to suit what you need/want....in my situation, not letting the HF run wild, by lowering the roll off to <15 khtz gets rid of the excessive HF energy that otherwise just bounces off all the concrete and screws up the HF to making it unbearable to listen to.

 

[speakerman39]

Having used both, in an attempt to tame HF in a concrete room(next to no other choices where I live)....I prefer using Dirac Room Correction over having panels everywhere.
With Dirac, you can see what the FR is at the seat, then taylor it to suit what you need/want....in my situation, not letting the HF run wild, by lowering the roll off to <15 khtz gets rid of the excessive HF energy that otherwise just bounces off all the concrete and screws up the HF to making it unbearable to listen to.

My room is not that big. But, it is somewhat problematic. It is very doubtful that I will go overboard. My plan is to use at least 8-panels, maybe a few more. It just all depends on my budget. I am getting there slowly but surely. Thanks!

Cheers,

Phil