Listening Room Dimensions... I'm building one and need your help


Sounds simple but I'm having a hard time coming up with most 'ideal' dimensions for this dual -purpose room that I'm building this year (hopefully).  



Purpose #1:
listening room for 2-ch hi-fi 
I have BIG speakers- several pairs 
*ideal is approx 25'x40'x12'
*want to sit 6-10 people in prime listening area 

Purpose #2: (other side of the room)
band rehearsal area (loud guitars, drums, keys, PA system, lots of 
*ideal is...bigger the better 

- I've read really good threads about general guidelines especially from Doctor Fine- hope he jumps in...
- I know the Cardas, and other rule ratios. But this room is a combination room so I'm not sure how much that changes anything 
- I know I'll probably have to use quite a bit of sound treatment 


My first inclination before research was 30' x 50' x 11'. 

What dimensions would you recommend and why??



ramoneo14

Showing 2 responses by audiokinesis

One reason for my suggestion of "hire a professional" BEFORE building the room is that there are differing schools of thought on the importance of room dimension ratios. I am quite familiar with golden ratios and their theoretical desirability, but in a particular application their use may not matter as much as maximizing room size, and/or they may not be practical for whatever reason... and if not, then what ratios do make the most sense?

Also, in a purpose-built dedicated audio room non-parallel walls are often appropriate, and if such is the case for a big dual-use room like this, might as well get those angles right to begin with.

Finally, construction techniques and materials choice make a significant difference. For instance, sound isolation to achieve a low noise floor will involve proper attention to the air conditioning duct work, as well as to any other openings to the room - including the wall sockets. And low-frequency damping behavior can be built into the walls for far less money than it would cost to add it after the room has been built. And so forth.

Duke
Early on in a project like this is when the most far-reaching decisions are made, and it is when your knowledge and experience are the least. So this is arguably when you will benefit the most from the services of a professional. I am a reasonably educated amateur (been building speakers for a variety of applications for over forty years), yet what a real professional acoustician can do leaves me in the dust.

I highly recommend Jeff Hedback of Hedback Designed Acoustics, he is a multi-award-winning studio designer and also does superb home audio room designs and acoustic treatments, with budget and decor very much in mind. Jeff has extensive expertise in what you are trying to accomplish at BOTH ends of your room, AND he is still affordable. Bring him in as early as you can in the process and it will be the best investment you could possibly make.

Just to give you a taste, here is an article Jeff wrote for GIK Acoustics. It does not delve into room design itself but that is likewise an area where he has world-class expertise:
https://www.gikacoustics.com/diffusion-by-jeff-hedback/

Duke