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How to Get the Most Out of Your Room
The mechanical properties of a TubeTrap’s one-of-a-kind diffuser provide a slightly “softened” reflection, perfect for spaciousness enhancement. In order to take full advantage of this, some useful guidelines should be followed.
Enjoy this snippet from the notebook of Art Noxon, PE Acoustical
Spacious Sound Room
by Art Noxon
There is an area along the back wall, just in from the corner. It is about half way between the speaker and the side wall. The reflection from this area causes a “wall wash.”
TubeTraps are placed along the side wall so they intercept the wall wash reflection. The treble diffuser panel is rotated so only the wall wash is reflected to listener.
The listener hears the direct signal at 10′, then hears the reflection from the curved cylindrical diffuser (#2 TubeTrap). The path difference is 10 – (16 +6 + 8) = 10 – 30 = -20 feet delayed, or about 20 milliseconds. We want this reflection to be about 20 dB below the direct signal so that it is a spacious signal.
The diffuser panel is set toward the back wall. In this position, the TubeTrap absorbs the early reflection from the right speaker and crosstalk reflections from the left speaker.
Early side wall reflections are absorbed and replaced by late side wall reflections all by the same set of sidewall TubeTraps. This technique creates quiet, very time delayed side wall reflections: the acoustic signature of a wide, spacious room.
Use these tips to elevate your listening experience. Smaller diameter TubeTraps work well in this application, with 9″ and 11″ models used most commonly. Not sure where to start? Pick up a six-pack of StudioTraps for maximum flexibility, and experiment – and have fun!
