Carpet padded walls

[dcwave]

I have noticed in many basket ball gymnasiums that the lower half of the walls have a thick carpet on them - I presume to cut down on the slapback of a wooden floor being hit all the time. They also have what appear to be carpet covered panel traps on the upper walls.

The gyms I have been in are much more quiet than untreated ones.

I saw similar wall treatment for sale at a local wallpaper store, will this type of material be of any use for a control room or vocal booth?

[StarvingEyes]

not sure about thick "carpeting" but the gym in my school has real thick padding all around it. i don't think its for acoustic treatment, but so that the basketball players don't slam their faces off the concrete wall.

on a side note, i would like to record a drum set in an untreated wood gymnasium, for effect. i wish balancing a control room/vocal booth is as easy as putting carpet on the walls..

[xstatic]

Carpet is a really bad fire hazard as well. Especially if you leave an air gap behind it (which also makes it a little more effective).

[HogansHiro]

Instead of carpeting my walls I figured it would cheaper if i just carpeted my speakers since thats where all the sound comes from.... Honestly...the blue shag didn't change the sound one bit.

[dcwave]

Yeah, I know using floor carpet is a firehazard. This stuff is sold in a wall paper retail outlet. and made specifically for wall treatment. I realize too that treating a tracking room or control room is not as easy as putting carpet on the walls. Proper traps, and diffusors are still needed. I do believe however, that having the lower portion of the wall be less reflective would help reduce some issues. So what I am wondering is if anyone has any experience with this type of wall covering. Or can point me to a source that might. I have googled to no avail.
Thanks

[Matheon]

i'd get some thick insulation to put behind it. along with some bass traps at least.

you could do that real cheap.

[mshilarious]

Carpet is cheap and durable, and gyms don't have problems with bass nodes. They just wanna knock down reflections of sneaker squeaks and general conversation.

I'd skip it in a studio where your concerns are much different. Use rigid insulation.