Bass Trap Conundrum (Center Rear Wall)

[Briz]

Hi All,

First, I appreciate your help in advance. I have a back wall (rear, behind the listening position) where a bass trap is needed. *There are two doors on this rear wall. I have traps in all of the corners.* The best I can do with the space between the doors is a 24" x 24" x 4" trap between the doors.

Here's the problem: I'm unable to place the trap at the optimal point behind the listening position because of the light switch?

My question: Is it better to place the bass trap higher than the optimal position (about 6" higher above the switch), or under the switch (below ear level).

Thanks again.

[Wonks]

Could you make a DIY bass trap with a cutout for the light switch?

[Drew Stephenson]

If you go higher up can you angle it across the wall / ceiling corner.

[Briz]

Could you make a DIY bass trap with a cutout for the light switch?

Possibly, but it would be a bit tricky, given the small size. If I can figure out how to attach a picture, I will. Thank you.

[Briz]

If you go higher up can you angle it across the wall / ceiling corner.

I have a wedge where the ceiling meets the wall. This would be positioned much lower, slightly above or slightly below listening height, given the light switch position.

I guess what I'm asking is, given the choice between a little higher than listening height or a little lower than, is one position preferable?

I'm also using Sonarworks ID for monitor / room correction. But, I also understand this software doesn't negate the need for good acoustic treatment. Thank you for your reply.

[Matt Houghton]

Could you make a DIY bass trap with a cutout for the light switch?

...or move the lightswitch?!

[Wonks]

Possibly, but it would be a bit tricky, given the small size. If I can figure out how to attach a picture, I will. Thank you.

The site doesn't host photos. You need to host elsewhere and link. You can use the insert image icon to display it directly if you link to the photo file (and not the page it's shown on - a common mistake). So the link file name should end in .jpg or .png etc.

[Drew Stephenson]

I guess what I'm asking is, given the choice between a little higher than listening height or a little lower than, is one position preferable?

I suspect that it's not going to make any material difference if you're just talking about a little higher or lower on the same wall.
So go with whatever gets you closest to the mirror points.

[Briz]

I guess what I'm asking is, given the choice between a little higher than listening height or a little lower than, is one position preferable?

I suspect that it's not going to make any material difference if you're just talking about a little higher or lower on the same wall.
So go with whatever gets you closest to the mirror points.

Thank you.

[Mike Stranks]

Posting pictures:

This may help: https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... hp?t=75253

[Hugh Robjohns]

Here's the problem: I'm unable to place the trap at the optimal point behind the listening position because of the light switch?

Space the trap off the wall sufficiently that you can easily reach behind to operate the switch... or fit a new switch to the frame of the trap and wire back into the wall switch... or leave the switch on and fit WiFi controlled bulbs which you can operate from your phone/computer.... leave it switched off and use table lamps etc switched locally...

If you can't/won't do any of those, the less worse height option will depend on locations of other reflective surfaces in the room.

I'd get some assistants to hold the panel in the optional locations while you sit in the hot seat and listen for what arrangement sounds best..

[RichardT]

If your studio length is small, then I’d do as Hugh suggests and experiment with various positions. If it’s more than say 4 metres it won’t make a lot of difference which position you choose.

[James Perrett]

Given that you can rarely have too much bass trapping in a room, why not use two traps? One above and one below the light switch.

[Hugh Robjohns]

genius!

[Briz]

Thank you all for your advice and feedback. I decided to buy 4 free standing bass traps (24" × 48" x 5.25" thick). I have them on adjustable stands that sit approximately 5" from the wall. I'm going to experiment with placement. When I find the right spot, I'll remove them from the stands and mount them on the wall, if possible. If it's not possible, I'll likely leave them on the stands until I can find a better solution. I really appreciate the advice.

[Wonks]

Presumably mounted on, but still held off the wall I presume?

[Briz]

Presumably mounted on, but still held off the wall I presume?

Yes, and since you mentioned it, would a 1.5" or 3.81cm gap between the flat rear wall suffice, or is a larger gap required? The reason I ask is because the traps are 5.25" thick.

[Wonks]

Normally recommended to have the same gap as the panel thickness for maximum effectiveness, but if you can't make the gap that big, make it as big as you can.

[Martin Walker]

Normally recommended to have the same gap as the panel thickness for maximum effectiveness, but if you can't make the gap that big, make it as big as you can.

Spot on advice from Wonks as usual!

(or I'm imagining a Thunderbirds scenario where the bass traps are normally flat against the rear wall, but on pressing your MIX button they slowly slide forward 5 inches )

[Drew Stephenson]

(or I'm imagining a Thunderbirds scenario where the bass traps are normally flat against the rear wall, but on pressing your MIX button they slowly slide forward 5 inches )

"No Mr Bond, I expect you to appreciate the noticeable improvement in control between 150 and 300Hz."