Acoustics

After installation of all the gear and furniture, it was the right time for an acoustic measurement.
Initially a frequency- & impulse response were scheduled to determine the problem area’s and which acoustic trouble (room modes? early reflections? etc) had to be dealt with.

The software that was used and I can highly recommend for this task is RPlusD from ETF Acoustic. Go see their website for details.

After the initial measurement it appeared that low frequency room modes and lots of reflections, especially at the mixing/mastering desk, were the key problems.

The following solutions have been applied:

• room modes are handled by moving the monitors & listening position across the long way of the room and installing bass traps (Auralex SonoColumns) in the corners
• reflections are handled by installing absorption panels (Auralex SonoFlat Panels) on the side walls (about 40% coverage) and Studiofoam Wedgies on the rear wall.
• to prevent the room from being too dead, several diffusion panels (Auralex Q’Fusors) have been applied to the rear wall.

The bass traps, absorption- and diffusion panels are part of Auralex’ SFS 184 room kit.

A second measurement was done, the acoustic treatment appeared to be effective to keep the room modes and reflections within acceptable boundaries.