room treatment effectiveness

I'm in the same position you are. I need to address some specific bass loading issues and I have been considering treating my room with bass traps. However, my audio dealer friend (whom I have great respect for) has informed me that, unless the traps are EXTREMELY large, they will have no effect on the lowest frequencies, which are, in my case, the frequencies that are causing the problem. The size of my room will not permit me to install very large traps (I'm talking about several feet or more in thickness) and traditional sized "bass" traps will only have an effect on the frequencies that are not an issue (the "upper-lower" frequencies). In layman terms, if I have a low frequency problem, I certainly don’t want to leave the low frequencies and reduce/tame the middle frequencies… This is disappointing to me, because I was all ready to order materials to build some DIY traps. If you haven’t already done so, you should test your room to find the specific “problem frequencies.” You may be able to solve your problems with broadband absorbers and traditional bass traps. However, it is the low frequencies that present the biggest problems. Make sure you know what frequencies the traps you plan to use will truly impact.

If anyone has read this far in my ramblings, I would like to take liberty with Rhljazz’s thread and inquire about room correction devices. I have searched these forums and I believe the consensus is that any equalization is undesirable. What about a custom devise specifically designed to filter the known problem frequency/frequencies? I think I know the answer, but just how, and to what extend do such a filtering device degrade the Sonics?? This may be beneficial to you too Rhljazz.

Thanks.

Darkmoebius:
Until my friend measures the room this weekend, I won't know the exact range(s). We both believe that the problem is near the 30-36Hz range. I did not have the same problem with my previous speakers that only went to 38Hz. My current speakers go below that down to 28Hz. I believe what my friend has tried to explain to me is that although a given product/material may be rated at absorbing a specific lower range of frequencies (i.e.: the 20" ASC Tube Trap), in order to effectively treat a given room, one would need specific quantities of that given material/product, and according to my friend, I would need more of that particular material/product than would fit reasonably into my room.

I agree with Dazzdax to some extent, however, if you are fortunate enough to have the flexibility and options to rearrange your speakers and listening positions (which I don't), then you can reduce, or even eliminate many of the room issue - see this - I've used this method in every location I've ever lived with great results.

If, like me, your current room restrictions limit your ability to "tune" the room, then there is the option of utilizing parametric EQ. Like everyone else reading this, I too cringed at the thought of "degrading" the signal path. However, if the issue is low frequency standing waves, you have to ask yourself whether or not the compromise justifies the end results. To me, the bloated undefined bass is not a condition I can tolerate. I will try a single or 2-band customized filter, which is something you, Rhljazz, may need to consider depending on your success with absorption treatments. Do try the "Iron chef Speaker Setup" approach.

Good luc