DIY Acoustic Treatments - The Thread

[Consul]

Since we're all about DIY music studio stuff, how about acoustic treatment?

I'm just now learning about how to do this, so I am no expert, but maybe this will bring some experts out of the woodwork.

For starters, here are a couple of links to some BBC research papers on treatments:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/reports/1990-15.pdf
Handmade diffussion

http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/reports/1992-10.pdf
Modular low-frequency absorbers

Anyone have any thoughts? What I'm after are treatments that are portable, easily set up and removed, and work with a reasonable degree of effectiveness. Perfection is not required here.

 

[Consul]

Yeah, seeing Ethan posting is part of what inspired me to start this thread. :wink:

The other part was thinking about the way my life goes. My life never stays stable enough to stay in one place for long periods of time. So, I stay content with renting and moving from place to place, so I want to think about studio gear, including acoustic treatments, that can move with me. Those modular bass traps in the second paper I linked look like just the ticket.

 

[Consul]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/reports/1992-11.pdf

Here's another one that I was trying to find. This one is for a broadband absorber design.

EDIT: The link has been corrected.

 

[Consul]

I just wanted to bump this so people would actually see it.

 

[Guest]

By Auralex - a lot of good background
http://www.acoustics101.com/

Ethan.. (what more can one say)
http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html


Ethan - Bass Traps
http://www.realtraps.com/articles.htm


SoS magazines articles
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/feb98/articles/soundproofing.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/mar98/articles/soundproofing.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/apr98/articles/soundproofing.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/may98/articles/Soundproofing.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/jul98/articles/acoustics1.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/aug98/articles/practicalacoustic.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/sep98/articles/acoustic_3.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/oct98/articles/acoustics.html
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/nov98/articles/acoustic5.htm

Pauls Studio Build Diary - how to convert a double UK garage into a proper studio - complete with totally isolated floating concrete floor
(in fact that forum is the top for any acoustics - these guys take it waaaayy seriously)
http://forum.studiotips.com/viewtopic.php?t=107


John Sayers
His acoustics and studio building guides are now available in the SAE library for download
http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/index.html
His home site is here (with instructions on how to build corner absorbers)
http://www.johnlsayers.com/

For portable solutions...
Rigid Fibreglass (Rockwool RW in the UK) in a timber frame can be attached to the walls (make sure to cover the rockwool first - nmasty fibres)
Or even use them like gobos (attached to a mic stand)
Be sure to do the measurements first though

 

[Consul]

Wow, thanks UK!

Shall we turn this into a Meta thread? :green:

 

[TomWaterman]

I've been reading Paul W's studio build diary - very inspiring stuff!
That guy will have an awesome room when he's done for sure.

Its really worth the read.

Tom

 

[Consul]

That looks like an awful lot to absorb.

I've seen Paul Woodlock on that certain other forum. I wonder if he knows we're here...

 

[Scenaria]

now that might make a nice forum catagory....

Studio accoustics, construction and electrical... or something like that

 

[XaiuM]

Great idea for a thread, I'll definately have to look into this.

 

[HiString]

I know we seem no nearer to sub-dividing the forums here, but I would have reservations about including an "Studio Acoustics" forum..........most information is already freely available on almost every "recording BBS" there is and if you want specifics just join John Sayer's studio design and construction forums. It is pretty "subject specific" just as this BBS is.

On the other hand having a list of useful links readily available does make sense.

 

[Consul]

I agree, I wasn't after a new forum, but a list of links wouldn't be a bad idea.

I still think a wiki is a good idea.

 

[Ethan Winer]

Viitalahde,

> Wait'till he comes and says his heavy word! <

I haven't seen any questions to address ... yet. But I'm here if you need me.

--Ethan

 

[Consul]

Ethan,

Did you get a chance to look at those BBC reports?

 

[Ethan Winer]

Consul,

> Did you get a chance to look at those BBC reports? <

Yes, but...

I'm not much of a math guy, so the paper on diffusion was way over my head. However, I do know exactly what that type of diffusor sounds like and what it does, and I certainly appreciate its benefits.

As for the other paper, yes, I'm already well aware of the usefulness of wood panel membrane traps.

--Ethan

 

[Consul]

So you feel then that these are good designs to pursue?

Thank you very much for your help!

 

[Ethan Winer]

Darren,

> So you feel then that these are good designs to pursue? <

Sure, QRD diffusors and panel traps are both great if you build them right.

--Ethan

 

[Consul]

Cool, thanks!

I'll have to do some more thinking, and then see what it would take to build some of these.

 

[pacemaker]

hi guys,
i'm building some of the BBC bass-trap linked in this thread,
and i was wondering the purpose of the battens fixed on the rear of them,
if anybody as a clue,
regards,
Francois