All room acoustics can be improved, but some better than others

Posted on October 6, 2009

Room modes (peaks and dips in frequency response) are directly related to the dimensions of the room. Room mode calculatorThis room mode calculator is helpful to determine where the problem frequencies are in your room. Another method to determine the problem frequencies of a room is to acoustically measure a room with a calibrated mic and software. There are many software programs on the market, and even combined with a budget calibration mic, will provide useful information about the acoustics of your room. The main issue is that rooms with larger peaks and dips (nodes) provide a more challenging starting point than a room with less severe and more dispersed room modes. Rooms that are reasonably flat to begin with require far less acoustic treatment to achieve an accurate listening environment that a “lumpy” room. Also, lower frequency room modes are more difficult to tame. A 50Hz peak is significantly more difficult to control than a 100Hz peak. When facing a losing battle it may be necessary alter the internal dimensions of a room by building additional angled walls, so as to disperse room modes.

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