• RE: Basement Suggestions - Ethan Winer 12:22:31 01/20/13 (5)
  In Reply to: RE: Basement Suggestions posted by eric.lemberg@gmail.com on January 19, 2013 at 12:28:21

  I wouldn't worry about the low ceiling. Is the ceiling drywall, or is it open joists? Either way, absorption is the key. A ceiling that's 100 percent absorbent is acoustically the same as a ceiling that's infinitely high. Either way, sound goes up and doesn't come back down.
  
  That space is plenty large to get a big sound, but it's a mistake to think that the ambience of your room adds to the spaciousness. In fact, in a room that size it's the other way around. All of the needed reverb and space is already present in the recordings you listen to, so the goal is to keep the small-room sound of nearby walls from drowning out that larger sound.
  
  So I'd treat the room generously, especially with bass traps, and especially the side-wall and ceiling reflection points. If you have the budget for (or ambition to build) diffusers, those can help increase the perceived size of the room. But absorption alone can do a great job too.
  
  --Ethan
  

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  • RE: Basement Suggestions - eric.lemberg@gmail.com 16:18:13 01/20/13 (4)
    In Reply to: RE: Basement Suggestions posted by Ethan Winer on January 20, 2013 at 12:22:31

    Thanks Ethan! Yes, my ceiling is drywall. As far as diffusion goes, where is the best place to use diffusion panels in my room? I really appreciate your comments and knowledge on the subject. I didn't realize just how important treating the room was until I found your site.
    
    

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    • RE: Basement Suggestions - Ethan Winer 11:25:08 01/21/13 (3)
      In Reply to: RE: Basement Suggestions posted by eric.lemberg@gmail.com on January 20, 2013 at 16:18:13

      The most common place for diffusers is along the entire rear wall behind the listening seat. Adding diffusers at other non-reflection point locations can also help to increase the perceived size of the room. But that gets expensive (if you buy) or time-consuming (if you DIY). This video shows a small room treated to the hilt with diffusors, though you don't need that many to make a big improvement!
      
      Hearing is Believing
      
      This might be useful too:
      
      All About Diffusion
      
      --Ethan
      

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      • RE: Basement Suggestions - eric.lemberg@gmail.com 12:47:08 01/22/13 (2)
        In Reply to: RE: Basement Suggestions posted by Ethan Winer on January 21, 2013 at 11:25:08

        Thanks for all your help and the videos Ethan!
        

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        • RE: Basement Suggestions - eric.lemberg@gmail.com 17:31:47 01/28/13 (1)
          In Reply to: RE: Basement Suggestions posted by eric.lemberg@gmail.com on January 22, 2013 at 12:47:08

          I have one last question Ethan. Would it be detrimental to cover my entire ceiling in Owen Corning 703, 4 inches thick? I was planning on covering and gluing pieces to the entire ceiling and then creating a hanging fabric ceiling for aesthetics.
          
          Thanks,
          Eric
          

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          • RE: Basement Suggestions - Ethan Winer 12:29:45 01/29/13 (0)
            In Reply to: RE: Basement Suggestions posted by eric.lemberg@gmail.com on January 28, 2013 at 17:31:47

            It probably wouldn't hurt to cover the entire ceiling, but it's not necessary for mid and high frequencies. The only reason to do that is for the added bass trapping, which is always welcome.
            
            --Ethan
            

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