Bass traps

[Phatbass]

Well I have finished the 9 absorbtion pannels, but I have 1 and 1/2 sheets of insulation left over. So I have been thinking of making some bass traps for my room. Here is a link to the room, both diagrams and pictures to help everyone see what I am talking about(<a href=''http://community.webshots.com/user/phatbass03-date'' target=''_blank''>link</a>).<BR><BR>I can do two things:<BR><BR>1. (3) 19"x24" pannels.<BR><BR>2. (1) 2''x4'' pannel and (1) 2''x2'' pannel.<BR><BR>The 3 pannels would be 1 to a corner excluding the doorway corner(like #1 in the link below). The big 2x4 pannel woulld be along the back wall over the corner between the wall and the ceiling(like #2 in this ,<a href=''http://www.realtraps.com/placing_mt.htm'' target=''_blank''>link</a>) with the 2x2 pannel in the front left corner(like #1). <BR><BR>I think I want the second option because it provides more surface area of the absorbers, but would like to make sure that it is a good idea.<BR><BR>I am also going to make the frames differently, this time with all 1"x3" wood, first surrounding the insulation, and then 3 strips on the back to provide support, just like COF''s description of the frame ( <a href=''http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=28194&forumID=37&catID=1&search=1&searchstring=&sessionID={0AE26B6D-3C62-47BF-B2AE-C005815B9776}'' target=''_blank''>link to COFs pannels</a>). <BR><BR>Any feedback from anyone is greatly appreciated.

[crazyoldfart]

<BR>
<DIV>Corner bass traps give you the biggest bang for the buck, so I would focus on a corner trap.</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>You want as much surface area for the resonating panel as possible. In a corner trap, if you don't have enough rigid fiberglass, you can use fiberglass batting (the kraft faces stuff) to fill in the untreated area in the cavity.</DIV><BR>
<DIV>Here's an&nbsp;diagram of a good bass trap&nbsp;I posted in a <A href="http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=28868&forumID=29&catID=1&search=1&searchstring=&sessionID={C29445FD-B86D-40E2-8F93-9BC6008B3BFB}">great thread on acoustics</A>:</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>http://home.austin.rr.com/flint/Pictures/CornerBassTrap.jpg</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>If you could make the bass trap 8 feet high in the corner behind the couch, the effect would be magnificent.</DIV>

[lund101]

Is there a way to make traps like this as an enclosed unit that I could just stand or hang in the corner?

[crazyoldfart]

<BR>
<DIV>Not easily. The bass traps I have been posting images of all function because the area behind the panel is sealed airtight. If there are any gaps at all, the bass trap loses nearly all effectiveness. </DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>I have heard of people building these panel traps where the rear wall is replaced with 3/4" MDF and they have good results. However, that will not perform as good in a corner unless you build it will a corner shaped MDF back. That would be extremely heavy and not very portable. </DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>I have neer heard an MDF backed bass trap, so I cannot comment on their effectiveness. </DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>I know of one commercially available bass trap that will meet the need you describe, and they are not very expensive at all, for you get: <A href="http://www.realtraps.com">www.realtraps.com</A></DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>They still need to be mounted close to the wall and are most effective in corners.</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

[Phatbass]

I would really love to do that but I don't think I can right now. I have the sheet and a half (6'x2') right now and am looking to use it up, to do the 8' that would be another $150 and I would have 5 sheets left over. I also plan on moving out sometime in the near future (still living with the parents). So I don't want to be mounting something that big on the ceiling. I am not even shure if that would be allowed.<BR><BR>Basically I am asking would it be worthwhle to do what I posted above with the paper side facing the room, sorta like a cheap imitation of the mini trap?

[AllenW]

Just wondering, does the mean listening level affect how you acousticly improve a room and by how much does it effect it?<BR><BR>I'm figuring it does, but wondering if listening levels are low, possibly less is needed to be done to the room?<BR><BR>also, with a long narrow room, 11' wide and 26' long, would the corner basstrap funtion well at the back of the room or would I be better using something else?<BR>Al

[crazyoldfart]

<BR>
<DIV>Phatbass -&nbsp;anything you do will offer some improvement. The trick is to determine if the improvement is worth the effort. A panel trap that was 2' by 6' would be better for bass absortion than using the 705 with the foil facing out. </DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>We takes our chances. </DIV>