This Acoustic Panel Absorbs Down To 30Hz

Summary

In this acoustic treatment lesson, the focus shifts to learning from top studio designer Philip Newell's neutral studio room design, which excels in low-frequency absorption down to 30 Hz. The tutorial explains how to construct a broadband diaphragmatic absorber using various materials, including air gaps, insulation, and mass-loaded vinyl, to achieve superior acoustic performance. The instructor also discusses the trade-off between studio space and acoustic quality, offering a free acoustic treatment guide for home studio enthusiasts at soundproofstudio.com/acoustic.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The channel is shifting focus in 2024 to more on acoustics of rooms, with inspiration from Philip Newell's design ideas.
• 📚 The speaker is studying Philip Newell's book 'Recording Studio Design' and will share insights from it on the channel.
• 🏠 The lesson discusses a design for a neutral studio room that can also be used in a control room, focusing on low-frequency absorption down to 30 Hz.
• 🔨 The design involves a broadband diaphragmatic absorber, which is more effective for low frequencies than traditional acoustic panels.
• 💡 The importance of an air gap in soundproofing and acoustic treatment is highlighted, with recommendations for its size.
• 🛠 The construction of the acoustic wall includes multiple layers of materials such as insulation, mass-loaded vinyl, and drywall, detailed step by step.
• 📏 The design requires precise measurements and careful layering, with the use of contact adhesive for assembly.
• 💰 The cost of materials for the acoustic treatment is estimated to be around $865 per square foot, excluding labor and framing.
• 📈 The trade-off between room space and acoustic quality is discussed, emphasizing the need for a balance in studio design.
• 📉 The comparison between traditional acoustic panels and the pressure containment system shows the latter's advantage in low-frequency absorption.
• 🔗 A free acoustic treatment guide is offered to help design a home studio room at a reasonable budget, available at soundproofstudio.com/acoustic.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the channel shift in 2024 for the acoustic treatment lessons?

The main focus of the channel shift in 2024 is to concentrate more on the acoustics of rooms, specifically on isolation and design ideas from Philip Newell, a top studio designer, as well as spreading that information on the channel.

What is the purpose of the broadband diaphragmatic absorber discussed in the script?

The purpose of the broadband diaphragmatic absorber is to effectively contain low frequencies of a room and absorb sound down to 30 Hz, which is challenging to achieve with traditional acoustic panels.

Why is an air gap important in both soundproofing and low-end acoustic treatment?

An air gap is important because it helps to prevent resonance and increase isolation, which is crucial for effective soundproofing and low-frequency absorption in acoustic treatment.

What type of insulation is recommended by Philip Newell for the design of the acoustic wall?

Philip Newell recommends using cotton waste felt of 60 kg per meter cubed density, which is roughly equivalent to 3 lb per foot square foot cubed in the United States.

What is the role of the 'dead sheet' in the acoustic wall design?

The 'dead sheet,' which is similar to mass-loaded vinyl, acts as a limp elastic membrane with a lot of inertia and flexibility, serving to dampen and absorb certain frequencies that pass through it.

What are the dimensions of the acoustic wall design in relation to the isolation wall?

The acoustic wall design should be built at least 2 to 4 inches in from the isolation wall, with an ideal air gap of 1 to 3 feet, resulting in a total projection from the isolation wall of approximately 8 to 11 inches.

How does the broadband pressure containment system work for absorbing low frequencies?

The broadband pressure containment system works by sealing up a cavity and creating lots of mass and damping, which helps with low-frequency absorption down to 30 Hz.

What is the approximate cost per square foot for building the acoustic wall as described in the script?

The approximate cost per square foot for building the acoustic wall in the United States is around $865, not including the cost of framing the 2x4 wall.

What is the difference between using bass traps and broadband pressure-based diaphragmatic absorbers for low-frequency treatment?

Bass traps primarily use an air gap behind insulation to attenuate lower frequencies, while broadband pressure-based diaphragmatic absorbers use multiple layers of different materials to absorb a wider range of frequencies more effectively down to 30 Hz.

What is the recommended approach for acoustic treatment in a control room according to Philip Newell?

For a control room, Philip Newell recommends either treating all four walls and using wood slats for a somewhat reflective ambiance or choosing between a live and dead end, where the front end of the room is absorbed and the back wall is more diffusive, or vice versa.