Here is a problem. Building a small studio for acoustic instruments recording. The actual recording area is about 20'x13' (8' ceiling), as you can see from the diagram. On three sides of that room are wood shelves, nailed and glued, that did hold music CDs. The shelves are about 6-1/2" deep. Rather than tear these shelves out and expose the concrete walls, it occurs to me that if these shelves are filled with some substance, that this would probably give much better sound. Also, it could be one or many substances, and they could be moved around, changed, etc. - more or less. Almost a way to fine tune the room. I would think these shelves would be good to help deal with bass - acoustic bass being used. But what do I know. That is why I am here. My questions are:
(1) Is this a good idea to put something in these shelves?
(2) What would be a good substance?
and
(3) Should I put fiberglass ceiling tiles on the ceiling?
Any help is very much appreciated. Thanks.
Michael Erlewine.
Unusual Acoustic Problem
Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 4458.
Michael, welcome. Your best bet, right now is to read, read, read. Do nothing on the building end. It is a story told over and over here. There is a sense of urgency to build, get it done, and get back to your music. Do not fall into this trap. If you want a good or even great studio, one word......read. Read then plan, then read some more. Repeat. I spent about 3 months just reading here before I started my studio. I have a lot less questions now, and a real sense that I actually know what I am talking about now. I also have a better feeling about what I am doing in my studio. Building with confidence if you will.
Start off by reading the board rules. Yes, it's a pain in the ass but the site owner and moderators put a lot of time in here for free. They have designed these rules so that your questions will be fashioned to get the maximum effectiveness in their answers. It is well worth it to play by the rules.
Then move on to the reference section: CLICK HERE
Read, Plan, Repeat.
After you have done your reading and basic planning, then ask your questions.
After that, when you are confident, build.
Happy to read the rules. I am sure they are hidden in plain sight, but try as I might, I can't seem to find them. Can you point the way, please?
Ok. Thanks for the link to the rules, which I read. I have also read a lot of the standard articles suggested here and there. A great help.
Now does anyone have any suggestions about what to do with all the rigid shelving in the room, which is my original question.? I am not in a rush, but I hope one of you reading this has some ideas about what to put in / lay in those shelves that might turn all these little shelf-boxes into helpful acoustic support. Ideas welcome!
Michael, it looks to me like you have a great space for a studio there, so I guess I will just spit it out. Tear the shelves out or build in front of them. The reason I told you to Read, Plan, Repeat is because there IS no good treatment for those shelves. Go read THIS to learn about proper wall construction for studios. Thats the best I can do. Sorry. :roll:
Use books, CDs,whatever to turn them into phased array diffusers. Either quadratic residue or primitive root. Voila, helpful acoustic support! AndreNow does anyone have any suggestions about what to do with all the rigid shelving in the room, which is my original question.? I am not in a rush, but I hope one of you reading this has some ideas about what to put in / lay in those shelves that might turn all these little shelf-boxes into helpful acoustic support. Ideas welcome!