About Those Sound Deadening Panels......

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your construction method of building the sound absorption panels. I'm considering building some for myself.

One question I have though is once they are built, how do you suggest positioning and mounting them?

I would plan to use them in my recording/mixing room as am alternative to products like Auralex. Would it make sense to build a number of these panels and simply mount them on the walls of my studio space?

Thanks.
Dave King

Dave,
One of the main misconceptions about setting up a vocal booth area is that it has to be totally covered in sound-deadening material. You still need a little “life” in your room.
That said, there is a difference between sound-proofing and sound-deadening. If you need a room that keeps all sound out (like the neighbor’s lawnmower), then you need to do much more than just controlling the sounds you are making in your room.

If your recording room is still the one you used in the “Recording Pretty Kitty” photos on your website, your solution should be simple. The panels we describe can be simply stood against the wall about a foot from the corner and again at 3 to 5 foot intervals along the wall. A more decorative (and better sound-control) approach would be to hang the panels on the wall like accent pieces. An example would be to turn a panel on its side and hang it where you now have the two pictures. The key is to knock down sound reflection from broad flat surfaces such as those walls. Those would knockdown some reflection—not cover the wall.

The beauty of the individual panels is that you can position them around the room to test the best effect. Then mount or stand as needed.

Thanks for your note, Dave. We’ll keep studying and pass on more info as we learn.


Hey Willie,

Thanks for the detailed response.

I'm guessing that by positioning the panels diagonally in the corner(s) it would make them operate as bass traps, correct?

I'm thinking about making a number of these panels and mounting them on the walls in my studio space. I'm wondering if it matters if they are mounted flush against the wall, or would it be better to have say a half-inch or more distance between the panels and the wall? This could accomplish by using spacers of some type. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks, again.

Dave,
Good call on the corner. That’s what I’m doing in my vocal space. However, probably the best bass trap is a large trash can filled with concrete. The best bass frequency absorber is mass. But I guess it all depends on how much bass frequency sound you are producing. Voiceovers, vocals and acoustic instruments should be effectively handled by your diagonally placed corner panels.

Now, about direct mounting the panels to the wall. Solid objects tend to vibrate according to certain harmonic resonance. That means at some frequency, the solid backing in your panels will be affected. Will it transfer to the wall? Probably, but the chances of that affecting the sound response to your mic are unlikely and can be determined for sure by testing.
Sound engineers suggest definite air-space between the sound insulator and the mass of the wall. That will also help defuse sound coming through the wall from the other side.
So, yes—a little off-set from the wall is a good thing. I would try small foam pads (nothing expensive) to off-set the panels ½ to 2 inches from the wall. Sound engineers will tell you that the distance of the off-set should be at least 4 inches. But what sounds are we producing? Heavier and louder may need more radical measures.

The advantage of the separate panels is the flexibility it gives you to test. Position them in the most likely place to absorb reflections and then move them around to see if it affects the sound. Test, play, record and listen. You are looking for the sweet spot in the room and you will know when you find it—you will hear it. Hopefully, that sweet spot will be right where you currently have your gear set up now.

Again, I am not an expert. I certainly am not a sound engineer. I just learned from experience and advice from sound engineers. All I ask from you is to share what you learn as you set up your room.

Willie
VO Mic Test Page