703 Is Up, What's Next for me?

[Nate74]

With the help of my friends here at HR, I've essentially started over on my home studio's sound setup. I took down all the cheapy (foam by mail) panels and built bass traps.

In my 10'x14' room I have 34 sqft of 4" inch traps, and 20 sqft of 2" deep traps. All with made with 703 insulation. The layout it like so:

The mixing position points the long way of the room in this "wonderful" representation.

On the primary reflection point are two angled 4" deep traps and one 2"x2'x2' trap hanging right on the wall.

Thus far I haven't added any higher frequency absorbtion stuff. I imagine at this point it makes sense to pony up for real Auralex foam. But how much and where should it go?

BTW, durring the Christmas shut down, the carpet is coming out of the room and the wife and I are going to put in some sort of Pergo like florring... don't know if that matters but I've read bad things about carpeting.

 

[pandamonk]

With the help of my friends here at HR, I've essentially started over on my home studio's sound setup. I took down all the cheapy (foam by mail) panels and built bass traps.

In my 10'x14' room I have 34 sqft of 4" inch traps, and 20 sqft of 2" deep traps. All with made with 703 insulation. The layout it like so:

The mixing position points the long way of the room in this "wonderful" representation.

On the primary reflection point are two angled 4" deep traps and one 2"x2'x2' trap hanging right on the wall.

Thus far I haven't added any higher frequency absorbtion stuff. I imagine at this point it makes sense to pony up for real Auralex foam. But how much and where should it go?

BTW, durring the Christmas shut down, the carpet is coming out of the room and the wife and I are going to put in some sort of Pergo like florring... don't know if that matters but I've read bad things about carpeting.

Other absorbtion in the side first reflection points, and that should do you. Sit in your mixing position and get someone to hold a mirror against the waill, and move it around a bit until you can see the speaker, and that's where to place the absorbsion.

 

[mshilarious]

Thus far I haven't added any higher frequency absorbtion stuff. I imagine at this point it makes sense to pony up for real Auralex foam. But how much and where should it go?

Why Auralex? Rigid insulation works as well or better, and it looks nicer too. I agree with panda's recommendation on placement.

BTW, durring the Christmas shut down, the carpet is coming out of the room and the wife and I are going to put in some sort of Pergo like florring... don't know if that matters but I've read bad things about carpeting.

That's a good idea.

 

[Nate74]

Other absorbtion in the side first reflection points, and that should do you. Sit in your mixing position and get someone to hold a mirror against the waill, and move it around a bit until you can see the speaker, and that's where to place the absorbsion.

Thanks. I have one 2"x2'x4' sheet of 703 left. I could make a couple more 2"x2'x2' panels for the side locations.

If I go with the 703 I'm limited to just 8 sqft total since I can't see buying another 96sqft of it... but if I went with the Aurelex, I could mess around with placement and different amounts.
I am noticing that with no high frequency absorbtion the room is fairly bright and the couple mixes I've tried with the room as it is now have translated fairly mid-heavy bordering on muddy.

Also, wouldn't it help tame the high end a bit better?

 

[mshilarious]

Thanks. I have one 2"x2'x4' sheet of 703 left. Should I make a couple more 2"x2'x2' panels for the side locations or would Auralex Wedgies work?

Yeah, go for the side panels.

I am noticing that with no high frequency absorbtion the room is fairly bright and the couple mixes I've tried with the room as it is now have translated fairly mid-heavy bordering on muddy.

Your room does have lots of high frequency absorption, just possibly not in the right place. All your bass traps are high frequency absorbers, so is the carpet. However, I think the wood floor and the side panels will help. There is also the familiarity factor, you probably need to adapt to your new setup.

 

[Nate74]

There is also the familiarity factor, you probably need to adapt to your new setup.

Excellent point!

So you think 4sqft on each side (2" thick) will be enough?

I have to go buy more burlap which means fighting with the blue-hairs at the fabric store as well.

Off to work, will check back in this afternoon. Thanks for your thoughts everybody. Anyone else?

 

[mshilarious]

Excellent point!

So you think 4sqft on each side (2" thick) will be enough?

Depends on how much you move your head Ideally I'd think you'd want 4 times that much, but it's better than nothing.

 

[Nate74]

On the topic of "better than nothing" I also have about 50 sqft of the 1" thick Foam By Mail left from my original project from a year ago. Any reason to put some of that up? Either at my side reflection areas or elsewhere?

 

[Nate74]

Well, I made 2 more 2"x2'x2' traps and have them up. I'll be recording a new group in the next few weeks and will really get some 'on the job training' with the new setup.

I'd like to thank all my HR friends for helping me make my room really kick ass!!! Thanks guys!

 

[mshilarious]

On the topic of "better than nothing" I also have about 50 sqft of the 1" thick Foam By Mail left from my original project from a year ago. Any reason to put some of that up? Either at my side reflection areas or elsewhere?

Did they ever demonstrate that their stuff was fireproof? Try burning a small piece before you put it up.

 

[Nate74]

Try burning a small piece before you put it up.

Great minds must think alike! I read some stuff about that very topic and took a piece outside (away from my car) and tried to burn it. It poofed out almost instantly.

However, at this point the room sounds sooooooo freakin' good, I'm hesitant to cover much more up. And it looks cool enough as is that it's acceptable to my better half which is always an underlying concern on such matters...