Wisdom Audio DCAB-1 - Manual (Page 19)

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the floor. Wisdom Audio line sources simply do not radiate much energy up or
down; it is largely contained within the height of the planar magnetic element.
This leaves you with eight “first reflections” that you should consider minimiz-
ing somehow. These points are easily found by having a friend move a small
mirror along the four walls of the room, while you sit at the listening position.
Any place on the wall where you can see a reflection of either speaker is a first
reflection point.
If you can, arrange to apply either absorption or diffusion at these eight points
(don’t forget the wall behind you). Absorption can be as simple as heavy, insu-
lated drapes; diffusion can be provided by a well-stocked bookcase with books
of different sizes. Alternatively, you can buy purpose-designed room treatments
(some sources listed under References, below).
The important things to remember are these: a good room should have a bal-
ance of absorption and diffusion; and if you are going to treat only a few areas
of the room, the first reflection points are the most important ones to treat.
Professional Acoustic Design Does this all sound too complicated? For good reason. It is complicated.
The difference between the average listening room and one that is professionally
designed and implemented is huge. A great listening room will disappear to an
astonishing degree, letting the experiences captured in your recordings speak to
you directly. A well-designed room is also quieter and more comfortable. It can
easily become a favorite retreat for peace and rejuvenation.
If you decide to investigate the possibility of improving your room with the help
of a professional, it is important to find someone who focuses on domestic/
residential spaces. Most acousticians are trained to deal with large spaces — air-
ports, auditoriums, lobbies in commercial buildings, etc. The problems seen in
“small” rooms (residential spaces) are quite different, and outside the experience
of most acousticians. Find someone who specializes in and has a lot of experi-
ence designing home studios, home theaters, and the like. Your Wisdom Audio
dealer may be such a person; failing that, they can help you find such a profes-
sional.
References Books on Acoustics:
The Master Handbook of Acoustics, F. Alton Everest, TAB Books
Create your very own screening room; Secrets of high performance home the-
ater design, Anthony Grimani, Performance Media Industries, Ltd.
Suppliers of Acoustic Treatments:
Acoustic Innovations, http://www.acousticinnovations.com/
Acoustic Sciences Corporation, http://www.acousticsciences.com/
CinePanel, http://www.pmiltd.com/cinepanel.html
Echo Busters, http://www.echobusters.com
RPG Diffusor Systems, http://www.rpginc.com/