?DIY tube traps?

[cellardweller]

DIY tube traps


Here are designs for a DYI tube trap. Seems they would be cheaper/easier to construct/implement than membrane traps.

Question is, are they comparable in the "bang for a buck" category? Are they absolutely inferior to the membrane traps?

 

[Todzilla]

Dwellzie,

Panel (aka membrane) traps are really a different beast from your basic wad-o-absorption traps, such as the referenced DIY tube trap. Panel traps go significantly lower (downwards to 50Hz) than wad traps. They are also reflective at mid and high range. Thus, they are more suited for low end. The wad approach, including tube traps or 4" of high-density fiberglass across a void in a corner are more full range absorbers, rolling off somewhere just below 100Hz.

I will say that the panel (or membrane) traps are pretty straightforward to construct, especially if you're doing a bunch. Once you set up saws, etc... you can just cut the lumber (avoiding your fingers) and assemble.

For perspective, I have employed both panel traps and wad absorbers, just to cover my bases (and basses!). However, I went with the aforementioned corner span absorbers over the tube traps, because I believe they have more surface area and better performance. Thus:

http://www.toddejones.com/hugebuilding.html

The prevailing wisdom (though not unanimous) is that tube traps are overrated performance wise, thought they look cool.

Good luck!

 

[cellardweller]

Thanx for the reply and the link. That view would be very inspiring, especially in comparison to my view of a brick basement wall...

Are those membrane traps in your corners?

I see you used the "frame within a frame" for mounting your 703.
Any trial and error wisdom you could impart pertaining to their construction? Especially pertaining to the "frame within a frame".

What kind of caulk did you use to seal it up?

Keep in mind, I am somewhat carpentarially challenged!

 

[Todzilla]

No, my corner traps are just two thicknesses of 2" OC703, mounted in railing that I affixed to the walls. It straddles the corners at about 30 degrees. Unlike panel traps, they are not scrupulously sealed.

My trial and error wisdom is to build the sides with integrated rails, build the box from them (sans cover), affix them to your wall very firmly, caulk the living hell out of the wall mounting, then put in 703, then apply the panel, then caulk the living hell out of the outside. This is just like the standard Ethan Winer DIY panel, except I went with 6" depth, since I had 2" thick OC.

I just used 30 year flexible silicone caulk. By the time it fails, I won't be able to hear anything anyway.

Carpentarily challenged? Get a friend who isn't. You'd be amazed at how far a six pack bribe goes...