Acoustic treatment for your home theater. Is it worth it?

[@acreguy3156]

Excellent video, Tym. I have a large system in a large room with almost no treatments. The most difficult task is treating the frequencies from 100 Hz and lower. Dennis Foley from Acoustic Fields claims to have the only panels that effectively treat that zone. Problem is, his prices are crazy high - $35,000 for my room, which is about 20' x 34' x 7.5'. To compensate, I introduced a second subwoofer and using the REW software, was able to time align the two subs into a nearly flat response. All the same, I agree 100% with your ideas of treating the upper frequencies. Thanks for taking the time to explain this area of the sound spectrum 👍.

[@Oneness100]

Thanks for being honest in your introduction. I wish others did that. Yes, I'm not a qualified acoustic engineer, but I have gained expense along the way having talked to many acoustic engineers and companies that make acoustic treatment. One thing to know up front, is that home theaters, because they have lots of SPL in low frequency, most rooms will have a low frequency problem to deal with first. Room treatment for low frequencies is EXPENSIVE. Cabinets to absorb those frequencies in the 30 to 50hz range have to be deep, heavy and they are expensive. Plus, depending on the room, the system and how much SPL of low frequencies are going to in that room will depend on how many units you'll need. 40% wall space coverage? I have someone that says more like 65 to 75% coverage of wall space and that includes the Ceiling. You have to understand what makes a proper diffusor, where to place them, etc. because if you don't, you could actually mess up the sound where it's hard to get a good image. So, PLEASE don't just buy a diffusor where they claim it's a diffusors.. Quadratic diffusors are the ONLY true diffusors. They can be either vertical diffusors for a horizontal pattern OR horizontal diffusors for a vertical pattern and then you can combine the two for a 2D pattern. Each has their place. But the other thing to consider is that they are designed for different frequency range and you do need a certain distance to allow their pattern to form. So you have to be real careful about diffusion. IF the diffusor isn't a quadratic diffusor type device, then chances are that it's not a REAL diffusor and it might be some gimmick product that will do something, just not what your room actually needs. So, be careful as to what products you buy. And a word of caution, building insulation can be VERY toxic and exposure isn't a good idea, as most of it was designed for thermal insulation and noise absorption for internal wall cavaties, not room treatment for music and speech. So, bear in that in mind too. And lastly, every absorption product has what's called absorption coefficient measurements and that every type of acoustic foam has their own SOUND, if you will. There own absorption coefficient curve. And Human's have a hearing curve, so it's a good idea to look for a company that has designed their product to the hearing curve and hopefully you'll get a good absorption material. And by all means, get panels of different foam, or materials and get a room and compare. I'm surprised no one has take absorption materials and a variety of different brands of acoustic foam and done a comparison video showing their respective absorption coefficients to show the differences in materials, and then done a listening test where they have enough product of each to put in a room to compare voice and speech for people to hear the differences. Maybe some day someone will do that.

[@laurabrown6809]

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[@Oneness100]

@@laurabrown6809 Sadie. Please inform people that you have to identify what frequencies and amplitude that product will actually attenuate and everyone has different amounts and frequencies to attenuate depending on what noise they are trying to block from coming it and what noise they might be trying to block going out. Curtains are only going to block so much noise and isn't always the best solution. Seriuoslu, inform people with facts and honest answers and information rather than marketing hype.

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for your comments. I have a 5.2 surround sound system in a multipurpose room. I am learning about sound treatments & various sound treatment companies. I have come to trust Accoustician Anthony Grimani. He said to tame tge midrange frequencies in a small ( 20'x18'x8') first & foremost. Also, I don't play my music higher than 60 dB & I don't listen to hard rock,Rap, Metal,etc. Anthony said to focus on the mid range freq by placing 3-4 inch absorber pannels on the back wall behind the listening area & run diffusers on along the top Mist part of the wall, then add diffuser panels on the ceiling directly above the listening position. He said treating early points, reflexion reflection points, at the front of the room, should be done with diffuser, not pannels. Anthony stated that these new approaches are based upon the latest vigorous 11:00 research trends in accoustics Do you know who has the most competitive pricing for quadratic diffusers that have an established track record of effectiveness? Also, I welcome your thoughts/tips on treating my room. since I don't listen to music loud & don't listen to loud music on my stereo, there us no logical reason to ys bass traps around the room. I keep my 2 subwoofers turned way down. Finally I welcome your recommendations for accoustic companies Thanks So Much

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for your comments. I have a 5.2 surround sound system in a multipurpose room. I am learning about sound treatments & various sound treatment companies. I have come to trust Accoustician Anthony Grimani. He said to tame tge midrange frequencies in a small ( 20'x18'x8') first & foremost. Also, I don't play my music higher than 60 dB & I don't listen to hard rock,Rap, Metal,etc. Anthony said to focus on the mid range freq by placing 3-4 inch absorber pannels on the back wall behind the listening area & run diffusers on along the top Mist part of the wall, then add diffuser panels on the ceiling directly above the listening position. He said treating early points, reflexion reflection points, at the front of the room, should be done with diffuser, not pannels. Anthony stated that these new approaches are based upon the latest vigorous 11:00 research trends in accoustics Do you know who has the most competitive pricing for quadratic diffusers that have an established track record of effectiveness? Also, I welcome your thoughts/tips on treating my room. since I don't listen to music loud & don't listen to loud music on my stereo, there us no logical reason to ys bass traps around the room. I keep my 2 subwoofers turned way down. Finally I welcome your recommendations for accoustic companies Thanks So Much

[@Oneness100]

​@@davidstein9129 I don't agree with Anthony's focus on the midrange first attitude. I can give you my personal opinion as to why he suggests doing that, but I can wholeheartedly disagree. No, I'm not an acoustic engineer, but from what I know about room acoustics, it makes no sense to start with the midrange. The biggest problems and the most difficult to treat are the low frequencies and in MOST small rooms, they tend to start in the 30hz to 50hz range and they are Axial Modes. Once you treat the low end, then the harmonics (higher frequencies) tend to snap into place. If you don't treat those lower frequencies, then the you aren't treating the fundamentals and then it just sound really muddy/boomy bass when it should be nice and tight with a good decay and it'll clear things up. Personally, there is only one company that I've run across that has properly designed and built products for acoustic treatment. They sell prebuilt units or they have design plans so you can build many of their products by yourself if you have the tools, skillset. you can buy the build plans for quadratic diffusors, but you first have to get the rest of the treatment in first, otherwise quadratic diffusors can make it sound worse. Always treat low frequency problems first, which are pressure based. THEN treat the mid range/high frequencies, which are reflections. and THEN do diffusion. You need at least 50% to 70% as a rule of thumb of surface coverage on EACH surface for optimal results. Obviously, it also depends on the application. Are you treating a room for a stereo for enjoyment, or are you treating a room to record vocals, mix/mastering control room, home theater, etc. They all have an impact on how to treat the room. I would suggest heading over the Acoustic Field's KZbin channel. They usually post about 3 videos a week, they cover many different subjects and they are short but informative. They have something like 700 or so videos, many cover the same information. I've seen them all, some many times. FYI, I have been in several rooms with their treatment and I can't say I've been in a better sounding room. For what it's worth, they made the room disappear and you simply get as direct connection to the music and even the speakers disappear, sonically speaking.

[@stephena5752]

This is better than any explanation of sound paneling I’ve seen and I’ve been looking for a week now

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

thank you!

[@dd_zzero6827]

I know it is 3 years later but just starting to learn about this stuff and your video was really great. Thanks for the info.

[@TheRedGlint4427]

The quality of your presentation is incredible. Know that you are appreciated.

[@ravikiran3456]

Thank you very much for clearly explaning how a diffuser is as important as absorption.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

You’re welcome

[@troyschouest4359]

Very informative and realistic for non-textbook perfect rooms. Best Video I have seen on Acoustic treatments for a room. Thank you for sharing.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Thank you, Troy! We try hard to distill the tech into a format that's easy to understand, yet still informative.

[@MrILStatek]

Thank you soooo much!!!!!!! Very informative video!!

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Glad it could help!

[@codysize3068]

Awesome videos!! I learned alot thank you.

[@hypnotechno]

this was really clear. Good job

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Thanks, friend!

[@dustman96]

This was so much better than a lot of the lectures, and in a much shorter time.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Thank you!

[@ChrisBulman]

Fantastic video and just what I needed thank you, loving this series.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Thank you, Chris!

[@laurabrown6809]

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[@jdubdoubleu]

Can you recommend some absorption panels please?

[@AGC828]

Terrific video. Something very few HT room owners do. Which isn't surprising yet odd. They don't factor in the cost of "acoustic treatment" within the room or "sound supression" to keep the sound within the the room (so you can turn up the volume any time an not wake the baby outside the room or upstairs). For the ultimate HT room this has to be done first BEFORE we buy the gear and luxuries. I guess these HT would end up costing over $100k easily. Love to see you price out a 18x24 foot room that's been both acoustically treated "enough" AND "sound suppressed" (can't "sound proof" a room...that I'm aware of...can't 100% seal off any sound....or can you??). in a Dolby Atmos + 4k projector (Sony or JVC) room. Just short of building a Theo Kalomirakis 1M room. :)

[@o.c.g.m9426]

I just brought 10 acoustic panels and hung em up on my walls. Makes my living room theater(9.2.6) sound beautiful. $700 worth of panels does wonders for a single guy with plain walls

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

That must make a HUGE difference! Great job!

[@patricknichol3384]

Apriciate the knowledge understanding is most important thanks

[@OverflowMusicStudio]

Amazing and informative video! I have a question? When you say false wall, is the false wall made out of sheetrock? Like another layer of wall?

[@sipinpaul]

Thank you. Very informative and nicely presented.

[@winspiff]

First, I’ve watched several videos so far and this one was the one that really propelled my understanding (even though I’m still a novice!). That said - ceilings. We have exposed steel I-beams supporting a concrete floor above. There are HVAC ducts, electric cables, and plumbing lines snaked all over the place. Should we try to suspend absorption panels on 40% of the ceiling? And/or diffusers? Or is that 40% rule different for ceilings? We also have corners, doors, a staircase, a column - complex!

[@jimmymcgill5572]

What would you suggest in a more “open” living room as opposed to 4 walls like you draw? Say a wall behind tv, wall to your left, and 1/4 of a wall behind you then the rest is wide open?

[@laurabrown6809]

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[@reviewgodusa9613]

@@laurabrown6809 scam

[@AllAccessConstruction]

KISS.. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.. 💪🏽💯.. WISE MAN TOLD ME THAT 30 YEARS AGO.. FYI NOT CALLING YOU STUPID. GREAT EXPLANATION 💯💯

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Thank you, friend!

[@babasuleng]

Thanks this was very helpful. i have decided to get acoustic room kit from GIK ACOUSTICS

[@sensomniintegrations7240]

Thanks for your subject bro

[@albertoalvarez5607]

would you mind sharing where you went to take that 5 day class please?

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

HAA - Home Acoustic Alliance - homeacoustics.org/ Gerry Lemay is awesome, and does a great job.

[@RuppertsReef]

Curious what are thoughts or knowledge on acoustic treatments in a room with a sound bar. I know not the best for sound but just building and sound bar is on budget until next year. With a sound bar trying to replicate height speakers center and left and right. I assume it relies on sound bouncing off walls. Would acoustic panels ruin this effect. Room is 12x18 just trying to figure out if panels would be helpful or hurtful.

[@ChrisMosesBrownMind]

Thank you.

[@eliasnewman1130]

Second time I’ve heard you mention Idaho... represent!

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Boise!

[@eliasnewman1130]

TYM Smart Homes & Home Theaters that’s where I was born... my sis still lives there. I’ve been doing research on home theaters from down here in Guatemala... nobody know what the heck they are doing down here. Anyway, great content bro. Keep up the good work!

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Elias Newman will do thanx my man for the support

[@essam939]

thanks for info

[@hitechupgrades1397]

great video, well done. how often (if at all) are you doing any acoustical treatments on the ceilings ? Obviously if the room has a drop ceiling (grid and tile) it's easier to integrate ACT (acoustical ceiling tiles), but most of our theaters are drywall ceilings on lower floor (or basement) of a custom home.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Honestly, haven't done much yet, but we want to do more. A lot of acoustic gurus tell you the ceiling acoustics immediately over the King's chair is some of the most important, doesn't work well with the star ceilings a lot of our Clients ask us for, so we've been looking for creative solutions. Lot of cool solutions out there though groups like Artnovian that make it esthteiclly pleasing now

[@Oneness100]

With drop ceilings, those ACT units you're talking about aren't that good, they certainly won't do anything below 125hz as you need DEPTH to go down to lower frequencies. If you have drop ceilings, then I would probably recommend getting some high quality acoustic foam, cut them to size and glue them to the ACTs. I recommend Acoustic Field's foam and you can cut them to size and glue them and they will be far better than just the ACTs. Acoustic Fields sold ACTs with their foam on them. I don't know if they still offer them, but that's how I would approach it. But again, it will just be for reflections at 100hz and above. If you don't have drop ceilings, and you have ceilings that are 8ft, or 9ft, then I'd probably recommend the Acoustic Fields CPA's, which have 6inch foam with a perforated panel. I think they are 7inch total with the frame. They are effective down to 65hz, but they do weight a little, so you can't use them for drop ceilings.

[@spazzychalk]

I have a couple 100 pound dogs, things get very dusty and dirty fast. I want to avoid foam and fabric that will become disgusting allergen traps. What are my treatment options?

[@mzaentertainment5618]

Hi. May i know is it important to treat room ceiling as well? I already install a few foam at reflection point on the wall and I can notice an improvement. I want to know whether ceiling treatment will give a more significant improvement.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

most people tell you that treating the ceiling just above the king's chair is one of the most important places for treatment.

[@josefernandez2722]

Thank you so much. That really helped. Sometimes when you call someone on the phone, if they don't think you're the CEO of a corporation, they don't want to give you the time of day. So, if you are placing panels on the ceiling, the best place is right on top of the listening position, and then behind? What do you think of combo absorber/diffusor panels all around?

[@albertyeung7890]

I'm building a riser in my home theater and I was wondering how important is it too add any acoustic treatments inside the riser like mineral wool?

[@Oneness100]

Mineral wool, by itself, isn't really going to solve the problem. May I suggest you talk to Acoustic Fields. They design and build risers that are rock solid and they use activated carbon as the fill material, which is FAR more porous and more dense than any type of building insulation. But it's also the rest of the design that's important, as well.. A riser, it's essentially a diaphragmatic absorption device. From looking at all of the acoustic treatment companies, Acoustic Fields has far more experience and knowledge of designing low frequency absorption devices, hands down. I've been in one of their rooms and I've heard for myself. I don't know if they sell the build plans for making your own risers, but they do cater to the DIY crowd, as well as selling pre-built units. Plus, they have tons of excellent and informative videos . Check em out. They, AFAIC, know the most about dealing with low frequency problems within a room.

[@brdoffire]

That Tom Cruise movie sounds really good!!!! He probably did his own stunts!!

[@peterwood2633]

I worry about absorbing first reflection points and losing spaciousness in sound. It tends to focus stereo image to the centre which is not good for home theatre

[@peterwood2633]

@riikerman no story is not worth hearing. Unless it's a bad story, told badly

[@jackyyoung9464]

just on the experience, of course, acoustic is best absolutely, but it will cost much more money and time, you must make a separate space for the speakers behind the screen, at the same time, the acoustic screen is much more expensive. At final, the most important is budget, if budget is no problem, all things are no problem.

[@miyahollands6136]

Have you ever used plants as absorption material?

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Ray Hollands I haven’t, and haven’t talked with anyone who has. I know plants have do absorb sound, and I’m sure there’s someone whose tried that. But that’s not in our current wheel house

[@Oneness100]

Also, replace the word "Echo" with "reverberation". Echo is a different term with a different meaning. Yes, there is what's called Flutter Echo, but that's different than 'ECHO".

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

Thanks for watching. Leave your questions and comments here!

[@Ajeesh.c]

nice video but dont waste papper..thank u

[@shinku5463]

If you can't afford the accoustic treatments and don't own a house where the walls are far enough not to piss off your neighbors. Invest in good headphones.

[@PiquedFlow]

No offense intended, but you're giving acoustic treatment advice after 1) saying you were no expert and 2) saying you attended a 5 day class through which you learned nothing. Probably not the best use of yours nor our time.

[@SmartHomeBrothers]

LOL - well there's levels of advice. The info in here is a good warm up for a lot of people, I'd say the majority of people. It's in no way meant to be a video to show you how to run all the math, and calculate everything for perfect acoustics. But teh reality is very few ever do that, they want basics on how to do 'just a little' to help the acoustics, that's what we've done here. I feel good about that, but if it wasted your time, don't watch it :)

[@Chase1297]

Ok he's not expert. All he's saying is "if you aren't doing any acoustic treatment, you should look into it. It will improve your listening experience!" There's nothing wrong with that you're just an asshole. If people are interested they can look at other sources for more in-depth detail.