Acoustic problems can cause major headaches in studios, schools, offices and even the home, and they can sometimes be difficult and counterintuitive to resolve.  Acoustic considerations are often low on a customer’s priority list, taking a back seat to equipment, furniture, aesthetics etc.  However, the acoustics of a room have a far greater impact on the sound within it than any audio equipment.
Low-frequency standing waves can play havoc with the bass response in both recording and listening rooms,Most modern audio gear has very good technical specifications, with frequency responses for microphones, speakers, etc typically around ±3dB (or better) across the audible frequency spectrum.  However, acoustic problems in a room can result in peaks and troughs of up to 20 or even 30dB across different frequencies!

• Certain notes or frequencies (or even entire instruments!) will “boom” or resonate for too long in the room, whereas others seem to disappear completely.
• Echoes and reverberation can make speech difficult to understand in classrooms, lecture halls or conference rooms,
• Spaces which are too “live” (or too “dead”) cause difficulties when recording music or speech,
• High frequency reflections can cause stereo (or surround) imaging to be muddled and indistinct.

The good news is that most of these issues are treatable, and we at Big Bear Sound have a wide range of solutions to suit any requirement and budget;  from simple, off-the-shelf DIY packages to fully customised solutions, tailor-made to your requirements – in a wide variety of designs, colours and finishes.  We can advise on the best course of action for a range of different environments, all with varying considerations and priorities:

Listening and control rooms;

• Recording and performance spaces;
• Conference, lecture or class rooms;
• Residential or commercial spaces;

Absorbers – to control the sound within the room, bring down reverb times, usually mid- to high-frequenciesWe can measure the acoustic response of your room to pinpoint exactly what and where the problems are, and offer expert guidance on suitable methods of treating them, e.g.:

• Absorbers – to control the sound within the room, bring down reverb times, usually mid- to high-frequencies
• Diffusors – to scatter mid- and high-frequencies, breaking up direct reflections without “muffling” the room sound
• Bass traps – various types: broadband or tuned to specific frequencies, to help tame low-frequency problems and standing waves

Proper placement of any acoustic treatment is crucial, and gives a much better result (and uses less material) than if positioned incorrectly.  Often, all that is needed are a few small panels or traps placed appropriately, rather than total wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling coverage.  If placed incorrectly, acoustic panels will either make no difference at all, or make things even worse!

We check for the most most beneficial spot to place any treatments, always with before-and-after acoustic measurements to test and ensure the right results.

If you would like more information, or to arrange an appointment, please do not hesitate to call or email us.