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As we’ve shared, sometimes the best room treatment is to create a room within a room, or put another way, an “acoustic subspace”. This applies equally well to recording environments as to hi-end audio playback.

This week we share some technical information with our Pro Audio followers, although our Hifi listeners will certainly relate the magic of ASC’s TubeTraps when referred to in a recording studio environment. After all, so many amazing songs you enjoy on your Hifi were produced in the studio with StudioTraps that are much like the TubeTrap itself!

Acoustic Shadowing is seen (or heard) in both Hifi and Pro Audio recording rooms. Hifi listening rooms are improved by TubeTraps and Pro Audio recording rooms by StudioTraps (the TubeTrap’s Pro Audio cousin).

Casting and Reflection

Recording Engineers make use of StudioTraps to quickly create a Quick Sound Field (QSF). They do this by surrounding the mic with an array of StudioTraps–in this example, a simple circle of eight. The projected sound coming from the performer’s voice (or instrument) is now better controlled and enhanced by the QSF.

Notice how much of the wall is bathed in darkness, avoiding illumination by the singer’s voice. Imagine your speakers or monitors experiencing the same shadowing.

Also notice that the majority of the sound which does reach the walls will reflect around the room, likely to be caught by the outsides of the TubeTraps.

Let’s see what the same room looks like 20 milliseconds later.

Now the area within the ring is more illuminated by the reflective portions of the StudioTraps while the sound escaping the area is scattered and diffused. Eventually, this makes it back to the mic as a highly delayed, low-level ambience.

You’re no longer hoping for the best in an acoustically treated room, but rather creating your own acoustic area where you have far more control of reflections and diffusion.

 

Reflection? Diffusion? Tell Me More…

Art Noxon, PE shares his perspective on how TubeTraps (the StudoTrap’s brother) can help perfect your sound.

Thanks Art!

Now we’re understanding what’s happening in our listening spaces. There’s more learning to do about the benefits of TubeTraps and much more about ASC’s acoustic treatments throughout our website!