Room mode compensation?

[Steve Conner]

Hi all,

I'm writing to ask for your opinions on room mode compensation.

The acoustics in my living room have always sucked. I got the upper frequencies under control with some rugs and wall hangings, but the bass is still dreadful.

Lately I did some research, and discovered that the room has two plastered brick walls on opposite sides. Brick is very solid, so it doesn't absorb bass, and rugs and drapes don't either. The speakers are against one brick wall, and the couch is against the other, so the conditions are just right for a big standing wave. I can't really move them, because the couch is too big to fit against the non-brick wall.

So, I experimented with a parametric EQ, and found that if I cut 8dB at 60Hz with a Q of 3, the problem was solved! Bass never sounded better. Also, the 60Hz figure agrees with theoretical calculations from the distance between the two brick walls. There will be other modes, but just notching this one made a huge difference.

So the question is, what to do about it? Why should I bother building bass traps, and having them take up room space, if I can just EQ it? And, what should I EQ it with? I don't really want my parametric EQ tied up. I could build a box with a stereo 60Hz notch filter inside. Or for about $150 more than the cost of parts for that, I could get a Behringer DCX2496, and have lots of other cool features besides EQ. None of which I need.

[Don Moose]

Originally Posted by Steve Conner

I could get a Behringer DCX2496, and have lots of other cool features besides EQ. None of which I need.

None of which you've tried. Not that I've looked at what they may be

+150USD for a neat toy or the experience (and hobby-resume item) "Acoustic Analysis and Compensation - Found 60Hz standing wave in main listening area and built -8dB Q=3 notch equalization unit to correct.

-- given the way character sets cross borders, I need to ask if you meant USD (the symbol I get), UKP or Euro.

Hope this helps!

[Enzo]

If you can simply EQ it out, then why indeed build bass traps?

MY first thought was also a cheap Behringer processor. So what if it has extra features? WHy gripe that your aspirin also works on sore muscles when all you have is a head ache?

But there are other units than a new Behringer, an older used two channel - or more - parametric unit can be had cheap - probably from a guy who bought a new Behringer.