Question on absorbers

[songwritten]

http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/index.html

Hey guys, I would like to build a variable panel absorber like described and pictured in the link above. (click on absorbers, then at top of page click low frequency, then scroll down to bottom of page) I'm unsure of how to go about building one though...By insulation...do they mean 703? Also, how would I go about building a block like they show out of plywood? I understand the basic concept...but if anyone could explain could really take me through step by step it would be greatly appreciated! I only have space for one room and a seperate control room, so I like the idea of being able to alter the sound by using the variable panels.

Thanks alot everyone!!!

[Ethan Winer]

W,

> I would like to build a variable panel absorber <

That's a very complicated design.

How big is your room and what are you using it for? Mixing? Recording? Both?

Depending on your answers, I may be able to suggest something more appropriate - and easier and cheaper to build.

--Ethan

[songwritten]

thanks for replying Ethan!
We just need a room to record in...but if I can record and mix in one room I would be all for it! Thanks alot for the help...the design did seem more complicated then it appeared.

[Ethan Winer]

> if I can record and mix in one room I would be all for it! <

That's what I do.

Since you still didn't tell me the room dimensions all I can suggest is to read the Acoustics FAQ, second in the list on my Articles page:

www.ethanwiner.com/articles.html

It explains all about acoustic treatment, and what works and what doesn't.

--Ethan

[songwritten]

Sorry Ethan! I forgot to tell you the room dimensions!! The room is 16 by 22 with no angles ANYWHERE in the room...just one rectangle. There aren't even any closets in the room...just one big space and an open door frame on one end.

Thanks alot! i read the article on your site!

[knightfly]

Just a minor point - acoustics are not 2-dimensional, so when giving the size of a room you also need to state the height... Steve

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

Just a minor point - acoustics are not 2-dimensional,

Yea, its FOUR dimensional. Time is in there somewhere too
fitZ

[songwritten]

Damn, today has been a crazy day!!! The height of the room is 12 feet. Sorry about that guys!

thanks a bunch for the help!

[Innovations]

I agree with ethan, either some gobos or some hang on absorbers would be simpler.

[Ethan Winer]

SW,

> The room is 16 by 22 with no angles ANYWHERE <

Angles are nice, but not necessary.

Anyway, that's a nice size room, especially with a 12 foot ceiling. You certainly need a fair amount of treatment in there since there's so much surface to cover. Basically, all the advice in my Acoustics FAQ applies to your room too, and you could build a combination of wood panel traps and rigid fiberglass absorbers, or just use rigid fiberglass. If you want to see some plans for wood panel traps that are simpler than the ones you referenced above, see "Build a better bass trap," also on my Articles page linked above.

--Ethan