00;00;00;00 - 00;00;04;27
Speaker 1
Hey, Gemini. I'm recording this for a podcast. Is that okay?
00;00;04;29 - 00;00;09;11
Speaker 2
I'm all ears. What's on your mind?
00;00;09;13 - 00;00;18;20
Speaker 1
Can you brief me on high level concepts to understand when acoustically treating a small space?
00;00;18;23 - 00;00;37;11
Speaker 2
All right, let's talk about making your space sound great. First up, think about what you'll be using the room for. Is it for recording music, podcasts or just chilling out? That'll change things a bit. Next, we'll want to figure out where the sound is bouncing around too much. We can do that by clapping your hands or playing some music and listening for echoes.
00;00;37;13 - 00;00;49;16
Speaker 2
Once we know where the problem spots are, we can start adding stuff to soak up some of that sound. Things like soft furniture, rugs, or even special sound absorbing panels. Does that make sense so far?
00;00;49;18 - 00;01;00;25
Speaker 1
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Can you tell me the difference between sound treating and sound proofing?
00;01;00;27 - 00;01;19;18
Speaker 2
Okay, here's the deal. Sound treating is all about making the sound inside your room better. Think clearer recordings or less echo. Soundproofing, on the other hand, is about stopping sound from getting in or out of your room. It's like building a sound fortress. Does that help clear things up?
00;01;19;20 - 00;01;27;10
Speaker 1
Yeah, but in the mechanics of it, what are the big differences?
00;01;27;12 - 00;01;47;22
Speaker 2
So for sound treating, we're talking about things like acoustic foam panels or bass traps. They're designed to soak up sound waves and stop them from bouncing around like crazy. Soundproofing is a whole different ball. We're talking about adding math and layers to block sound. Think thick walls, special windows, or even double doors. Does that make sense?
00;01;47;24 - 00;01;52;26
Speaker 1
Yeah. What is a bass trap?
00;01;52;28 - 00;02;14;07
Speaker 2
Bass traps are like the superheros of sound absorption. Especially for those low booming frequencies that can make a room sound muddy. They're usually thicker and denser than regular acoustic panels, and you stick them in the corners of your room where bass tends to build up. Think of them as giant sponges for those rumbling sound.
00;02;14;09 - 00;02;25;03
Speaker 1
Why do bass. Sound frequencies get trapped in corners?
00;02;25;06 - 00;02;44;22
Speaker 2
Okay, so bass frequencies are really long wavelength, which means they need a lot of these to fully develop when wavelengths kind of get trapped and amplified, making the bass sound way louder and boomy than it should. That's why bass traps are so important. They help even out those low frequencies and make your room sound much more balanced.
00;02;44;24 - 00;02;51;29
Speaker 1
Yeah, but mechanically, what is it about the corner that traps bass?
00;02;52;01 - 00;03;09;25
Speaker 2
All right, so think of it like this. When those low frequency sound waves travel through the air, they're basically pushing and pulling on the air molecules around them. Now, when they hit a corner, those air molecules don't have anywhere else to go. So they kind of get trapped and compressed. That compression builds up, making the bass sound way louder and boomy than it should.
00;03;09;27 - 00;03;21;20
Speaker 2
It's like the corner is acting like a megaphone for those low frequencies.
00;03;21;22 - 00;03;28;20
Speaker 1
So why does this happen to the low frequencies and not the high frequencies?
00;03;28;23 - 00;03;44;06
Speaker 2
Well, it all comes down to wavelength. Low frequencies have those super long wavelengths, so they need plenty of space to stretch out when they hit a corner. They get all bunched up. And that's what makes the bass sound so boomy. High frequencies, on the other hand, have much shorter wavelengths, so they don't get trapped in the same way.
00;03;44;09 - 00;03;53;21
Speaker 2
They tend to bounce around more, which is why you hear those echoes and reflections.
00;03;53;24 - 00;04;08;05
Speaker 1
I guess I'm struggling to visualize what, bass frequencies being stuck in a corner. Looks like.
00;04;08;07 - 00;04;43;08
Speaker 2
Okay. Imagine a ripple in a pond that's kind of like a sound wave. Now picture that ripple hitting the corner of a square pool instead of spreading out. The wave gets squeezed and amplified in that corner. It's the same idea with bass frequencies. They're like those big ripples, and the corner acts like a megaphone, making them sound way louder.
00;04;43;11 - 00;04;53;04
Speaker 1
I guess, once again, I'm still having trouble understanding why this doesn't happen to the higher frequencies.
00;04;53;07 - 00;05;10;29
Speaker 2
Okay, let's try this. Imagine those high frequency waves as tiny, fast moving insects. They're so small and quick that they don't get trapped in the corners like those big slow back wave do. Instead, they just bounce off the walls and fly around the room. Does that help you picture it a bit better?
00;05;11;02 - 00;05;15;26
Speaker 1
Yeah, that does a little bit better.
00;05;15;28 - 00;05;27;21
Speaker 2
Great. So now that we've got the basics down, what other questions do you have about sound treating. Maybe we can explore some specific techniques or materials.
00;05;27;24 - 00;05;48;10
Speaker 1
Since, since lower frequencies are better at going through objects. Does that mean that less is reflected back?
00;05;48;12 - 00;06;09;28
Speaker 2
That's right. Lower frequencies have longer wavelengths, which means they can travel through objects more easily. Think of it like this. Imagine trying to stop a wave in the ocean. It's much harder than stopping a ripple in a pond. The lower frequencies need more math and density to block them effectively.
00;06;10;01 - 00;06;20;12
Speaker 1
So do echoes. Generally, a mass in the higher frequency range. Because of that.
00;06;20;14 - 00;06;39;02
Speaker 2
Yep. You got it. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, so they tend to bounce off surfaces more easily, creating those echoes. That's why you often hear more echo in the higher frequencies compared to the lower ones.
00;06;39;04 - 00;06;51;21
Speaker 1
Okay. Can you take me through, I guess kind of the best practices of sound treatment, and we'll go from there kind of.
00;06;51;24 - 00;07;09;27
Speaker 2
All right. Let's talk best practices. First off, start by figuring out what you want to use the room for. That'll help you decide how much sound treatment you actually need. Next, think about where the sound is bouncing around too much. Usually the corners and flat walls. You can use acoustic panel or bass traps to soak up those reflections.
00;07;09;29 - 00;07;20;27
Speaker 2
And don't forget about soft furnishings like rugs or curtains. They can make a big difference to.
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Speaker 1
Is there any situation where I would want to keep any of these hard surfaces, or is it almost universally ideal to have the soft surfaces?
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Speaker 2
It really depends on what you're using the room for. If you're recording music, you might want some hard surfaces to reflect certain instruments. But for something like a podcast audio, you'll generally want softer surfaces to absorb sound and minimize echo. What kind of space are you working with?
00;07;53;18 - 00;08;05;06
Speaker 1
I'm working for a, I'm looking at a very small podcasting space.
00;08;05;09 - 00;08;30;16
Speaker 2
Okay. For a small podcasting space, you'll want to focus on minimizing echoes and reflections. Think about adding acoustic panels to the wall, especially behind your microphones. You might also want a rug to dampen sound from the floor. And don't forget about bass traps in the corners. They'll help keep things sounding clear and professional.
00;08;30;19 - 00;08;42;13
Speaker 1
So you said to put the acoustic foam panels, especially behind the microphone. Why is that?
00;08;42;16 - 00;08;55;15
Speaker 2
You definitely want acoustic foam panels behind the microphone. They help soak up any echoes coming from behind you, making your voice sound clearer and more professional. It's all about getting that clean, crisp sound.
00;08;55;18 - 00;09;10;23
Speaker 1
Is that because the speaker is speaking towards the microphone and those sound waves go straight and they hit whatever's behind the microphone and bounce back?
00;09;10;25 - 00;09;28;12
Speaker 2
Exactly. Those sound waves go straight out. Hit whatever's behind the mic and bounce right back. Putting a panel there stops that echo from messing with your recording.
00;09;28;14 - 00;09;42;06
Speaker 1
So let's say that I am speaking to another person and there's a mic maybe in the middle. What does that room look like?
00;09;42;09 - 00;10;03;00
Speaker 2
If you're speaking to someone with a mic in the middle, you'll want acoustic panels on the walls facing the mic. That way, everyone's voice sounds crisp and clear. You might even want some panels on the ceiling to prevent echoes from above. What kind of room are you working with?
00;10;03;03 - 00;10;21;15
Speaker 1
Two adjacent sides have a built wall and two adjacent sides opposite that don't have anything. I was going to enclose it with maybe some blankets or something for now. And then the ceiling is also open.
00;10;21;17 - 00;10;39;25
Speaker 2
Okay. For that setup, you'll want to focus on treating the walls facing the mic. Blankets can work in a pinch, but they might not absorb lower frequencies as well as acoustic panels. You could also hang a thick blanket or moving blanket from the ceiling to help reduce reflections from above. How many people will be recording in the space?
00;10;39;28 - 00;10;43;18
Speaker 1
1 to 2.
00;10;43;21 - 00;11;06;22
Speaker 2
Okay, for two people, you'll want to make sure both sides of the microphone are covered. Think about hanging a thick blanket or moving blanket behind each person to absorb sound. You could also try placing some acoustic panels or foam on the walls facing the microphone. That should help keep things sounding nice and clear.
00;11;06;24 - 00;11;17;12
Speaker 1
Are the walls to the sides less important?
00;11;17;14 - 00;11;25;16
Speaker 1
Gemini are the walls that are to the sides less important?
00;11;25;18 - 00;11;43;21
Speaker 2
The wall to the sides are less important, but they can still affect the sound if they're close to the microphone. They might create some unwanted reflections. You could try adding some panels or blankets to those walls as well. Just to be safe.
00;11;43;24 - 00;11;49;26
Speaker 1
And then maybe like a rug or something for the floor.
00;11;49;28 - 00;12;02;29
Speaker 2
A rug is a great idea. It'll help absorb sound reflecting off the floor and keep things nice and quiet. You might also want to think about adding some soft furniture, like a couch or some pillows, to soak up even more sound.
00;12;03;01 - 00;12;09;02
Speaker 1
What about the table?
00;12;09;05 - 00;12;31;17
Speaker 2
You could put a thick tablecloth on it to help absorb some of the sound. Maybe even drape a blanket over the table to create a little sound dampening tent. That would help keep things nice and quiet for your recording.
00;12;31;20 - 00;12;40;21
Speaker 1
Okay. Can we cover different types of sound treatment material?
00;12;40;23 - 00;12;59;09
Speaker 2
There are tons of materials you can use. Acoustic foam panels are great for absorbing echoes, and bass traps are perfect for taming those booming low frequencies. You can also use things like thick blankets, rugs, or even furniture to help soak up sound. What kind of budget are you working with?
00;12;59;11 - 00;13;03;10
Speaker 1
As low as possible.
00;13;03;12 - 00;13;23;23
Speaker 2
If you're on a tight budget, you can get creative with things you already have. Thick blankets or quilts can work wonders for absorbing sound, and you can even use egg cartons or cardboard to build your own acoustic panels. Just remember, the goal is to add math and softness to the room to soak up those sound waves.
00;13;23;25 - 00;13;34;24
Speaker 1
Okay, if, I'm buying foam panels, what is something that I need to keep in mind?
00;13;34;26 - 00;13;52;09
Speaker 2
If you're buying foam panels, look for ones that are at least two inches thick. That'll give you the best sound absorption. Also, consider getting a mix of flat panels and bass traps. The flat ones are great for general echo reduction, while the bass traps are designed to soak up those low, boomy frequencies.
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Speaker 1
How do I identify the difference between these?
00;13;58;06 - 00;14;18;01
Speaker 2
You can usually tell by the shape flat panels are, well, flat and they come in squares or rectangles. Backdrops are thicker and often wedge shaped. Designed to fit snugly into corners. Does that help you picture the difference?
00;14;18;04 - 00;14;31;22
Speaker 1
Can you describe in detail a bass based panel? A bass trap.
00;14;31;25 - 00;14;49;15
Speaker 2
Okay. Picture a thick, wedge shaped block of foam. That's your basic bass trap. They're designed to fit snugly into the corners of your room, which is where those low frequency sounds tend to build up. Some bass traps even have a membrane on the front to help absorb even more of that booming bass. Would you like me to find some examples for you?
00;14;49;18 - 00;14;56;13
Speaker 1
What is the membrane generally made of?
00;14;56;16 - 00;15;14;16
Speaker 2
The membrane is usually made of a thin, dense material like plastic or rubber. It helps trap those low frequency sound waves and stop them from bouncing around. It's kind of like a tiny drumhead that vibrates and absorbs the sound energy.
00;15;14;19 - 00;15;32;12
Speaker 1
So where's the trade off there between, that material that is more dense, bouncing back, short wavelength, sound waves?
00;15;32;15 - 00;15;48;27
Speaker 2
That's a great question. The trade off is that while a denser membrane is better at trapping lower frequencies, it might also reflect higher frequencies back into the room. You want to balance where the membrane absorbs most of the bass without making the room sound too muffled. Does that make sense?
00;15;48;29 - 00;15;53;11
Speaker 1
Yeah.
00;15;53;13 - 00;16;03;24
Speaker 2
Great. So we've covered a lot about sound treating your podcast space. Do you have any other questions about materials, placement or anything else?
00;16;03;26 - 00;16;16;27
Speaker 1
Yeah. Tell me about, rock walls, quality of insulation, sound insulation for sound treatment quality.
00;16;16;29 - 00;16;37;25
Speaker 2
Sound dampening insulation is a great way to improve sound quality. It works by absorbing sound waves and reducing echoes within a space. There are a few different types, like fiberglass, mineral wool, and even cotton. They all work a little differently, so it depends on what kind of sound you're trying to control. Do you want to reduce outside noise or just improve the sound quality inside the room?
00;16;37;28 - 00;16;45;15
Speaker 1
I just want to improve the sound quality inside the room.
00;16;45;17 - 00;17;03;13
Speaker 2
Okay. If you want to improve the sound quality inside the room, you might want to look into something like mineral wool or cotton insulation. They're great at absorbing sound waves and reducing echoes. Fiberglass is another option, but it's not quite as effective for sound dampening. What kind of budget are you working with?
00;17;03;16 - 00;17;07;19
Speaker 1
As low as possible.
00;17;07;22 - 00;17;32;02
Speaker 2
Okay, if you're on a tight budget, you can still improve the sound quality without breaking the bank. Try adding soft furnishings like rugs, blankets, and pillows to the room. They'll help absorb sound and reduce echoes. You could also try building your own acoustic panels using materials like wood frames and fabric. There are tons of tutorials online that can walk you through the process.
00;17;32;04 - 00;17;42;00
Speaker 1
Tell me about what a soft foam versus a hard. What kind of difference that makes?
00;17;42;02 - 00;17;59;15
Speaker 2
Soft foam is great for absorbing mid to high range frequencies, while hard foam is better at trapping lower frequencies. So depending on the sound you're trying to control, you might want to use a combination of both. Do you have any specific sounds you're trying to eliminate?
00;17;59;18 - 00;18;13;17
Speaker 1
I don't know. If I'm recording a podcast, what kind of, frequencies do you think I would need to eliminate?
00;18;13;20 - 00;18;37;04
Speaker 2
For podcasting. You'll generally want to focus on eliminating mid to high range frequencies. These are the sounds that make voices sound harsh or echoey. Soft foam is great for this, as it absorbs those frequencies and helps create a clearer, more professional sound.
00;18;37;06 - 00;18;50;23
Speaker 1
And so the effect that is caused by a poorly treated room is that solely reverb.
00;18;50;26 - 00;19;00;25
Speaker 2
A properly sound treated room will have very little reverb. You might still hear a tiny bit of natural room sound, but it shouldn't be noticeable in your recording. Does that make sense?
00;19;00;28 - 00;19;09;10
Speaker 1
Yes, but, reverb is primarily what you're trying to eliminate.
00;19;09;12 - 00;19;30;07
Speaker 2
Yeah, reverb is the main thing you're trying to eliminate with sound treatment. It's those echoes and lingering sounds that can make your recording sound unprofessional. You'll also reduce standing wave, which can cause certain frequencies to sound louder or quieter than they should.
00;19;30;09 - 00;19;35;28
Speaker 1
Can you tell me a bit more about standing waves?
00;19;36;01 - 00;19;52;12
Speaker 2
Standing waves happen when sound waves bounce back and forth between parallel surfaces at certain frequencies. These waves can interfere with each other, creating areas where the sound is louder or quieter than it should be. This can really mess with your recording, making them sound uneven. Does that make sense?
00;19;52;14 - 00;19;56;28
Speaker 1
Yeah. How do you avoid that?
00;19;57;00 - 00;20;18;06
Speaker 2
You can avoid standing waves by using bass traps in the corners of your room. Backdrop backdrops help absorb those low frequency waves and prevent them from building up. You can also try using diffusers on your wall. Diffusers scatter sound waves in different directions, which helps prevent them from interfering with each other. Does that make sense?
00;20;18;08 - 00;20;32;16
Speaker 1
Yeah. Are the, foam panels that are like, diamond cut and kind of ridged? Are those considered diffusers?
00;20;32;18 - 00;20;55;08
Speaker 2
Those egg crate shaped foam panels are actually more for absorption, not diffusion. They help soak up sound waves, but they don't scatter them in the same way as a true diffuser. Diffusers have a more complex pattern of well than ridges designed to spread sound evenly. Does that make sense?
00;20;55;11 - 00;21;02;29
Speaker 1
Tell me more about the difference between diffusion and absorption.
00;21;03;02 - 00;21;22;11
Speaker 2
Imagine throwing a bouncy ball in a room. Absorption is like covering the walls with soft blankets. The ball hits and just stop. Diffusion is like covering the walls with a bunch of oddly shaped blocks. The ball hits and bounces off in all different directions. Absorption soaks up the sound while diffusion scatters it around.
00;21;22;14 - 00;21;27;22
Speaker 1
Which do you want?
00;21;27;25 - 00;21;52;06
Speaker 2
It really depends on the sound you're trying to achieve. Absorption is great for creating a dead dry sound, perfect for voiceovers or podcasts where you want to clean, crisp recording. Diffusion, on the other hand, helps create a more spacious, natural sound. Ideal for music recording or any situation where you want to preserve some of the room's ambient. What kind of sound are you going for?
00;21;52;09 - 00;22;01;16
Speaker 1
I'm going for a podcast, but I kind of want to leave some of the ambiance.
00;22;01;18 - 00;22;20;04
Speaker 2
Okay. For a podcast with some ambiance. You'll want a mix of absorption and diffusion. Focus on absorbing the direct reflections from your voice with soft foam panels, but use diffusers on the walls to scatter the remaining sound and create a more natural feel. You might also want to leave some untreated surfaces in the room to preserve a bit of that natural reverb.
00;22;20;06 - 00;22;23;11
Speaker 2
How does that sound?
00;22;23;14 - 00;22;28;09
Speaker 1
Sounds like we're getting closer.
00;22;28;11 - 00;22;39;14
Speaker 2
We're getting close. To recap for your podcast with some ambiance, you'll want a mix of absorption and diffusion. Focus on absorbing direct reflections with softer and use diffusers to scatter the remaining sound.
00;22;39;16 - 00;22;39;27
Speaker 1
Gemini.
00;22;39;29 - 00;22;42;19
Speaker 2
You might also want to leave them.
00;22;42;22 - 00;22;53;23
Speaker 1
I want to go more into planning the actual layout of what it should be.
00;22;53;25 - 00;23;15;11
Speaker 2
Okay, let's talk layout first. Think about where you and your guests will be sitting. You'll want to position your microphone so they're facing away from any untreated walls or windows to minimize reflections. Placing some absorption material behind the mics will also help for diffusion. Consider placing diffusers on the walls to the sides of your listening position. Does that make sense?
00;23;15;14 - 00;23;19;27
Speaker 1
Yes, it does.
00;23;19;29 - 00;23;39;07
Speaker 2
You'll want to position your microphone so they're facing away from any untreated walls or windows to minimize reflections. Placing some absorption material behind the mics will also help for diffusion. Consider placing diffusers on the wall to the sides of your listening position. Does that make sense?
00;23;39;09 - 00;23;49;12
Speaker 1
What would you recommend for materials for absorption? Is that like a rock wall?
00;23;49;14 - 00;24;08;29
Speaker 2
Rockwool is a great option for absorption. Especially for those lower frequencies. You could also use fiberglass insulation, but it's not quite as effective for sound dampening. If you're on a tight budget, you could even try using thick blankets or moving blankets. What kind of budget are you working with?
00;24;09;01 - 00;24;15;23
Speaker 1
What would you use to to fuze the sound?
00;24;15;26 - 00;24;37;05
Speaker 2
For diffusion you could use something like a quadratic residue diffuser. These are panels with a series of wells and ridges that scatter sound waves evenly. You could also try using a skyline diffuser, which has a more random pattern of blocks and is great for diffusing sound in all directions. Do you want me to find some examples for you?
00;24;37;07 - 00;24;41;27
Speaker 1
What could I use on a budget?
00;24;42;00 - 00;25;03;09
Speaker 2
On a budget? You could try making your own diffusers using wood or foam. There are lots of tutorials online that can walk you through the process. You could also try using bookshelves filled with books of varying sizes. They actually work pretty well as diffusers. Do you want me to find some tutorials for you?
00;25;03;12 - 00;25;27;25
Speaker 1
I don't think that I'm going to use bookshelves or anything like that. I want that wall to be a back wall. That is pretty, discreet. And I'm going to end up putting probably a green screen over it.
00;25;27;27 - 00;25;42;19
Speaker 2
Okay. If you're planning to put a green screen over that back wall, you'll want to focus on absorption rather than diffusion. You could use rockwool insulation. It's a bit more expensive, but it's great at absorbing sound, especially those lower frequencies. Does that sound like a good option for you?
00;25;42;21 - 00;25;51;10
Speaker 1
What if I wanted to do like a thin diffusion situation?
00;25;51;12 - 00;26;07;14
Speaker 2
If you're looking for a diffusion solution, you could try building a panel with a series of wells and ridges. Kind of like an egg crate, but with more variation in the shapes. You could use wood or foam for this. Another option is to hang a tapestry or thick curtain on the wall. The folds and texture will help scatter the sound weight.
00;26;07;16 - 00;26;14;00
Speaker 2
Do you want me to find some tutorials for building diffusion panels?
00;26;14;03 - 00;26;27;28
Speaker 1
If I were to build an ideal diffusion panel for under $50, how would you recommend I do it?
00;26;28;00 - 00;26;47;15
Speaker 2
For under $50. You could build a simple diffusion panel using wood or foam. You'd want to create a series of wells and ridges on the surface to scatter the sound waves. There are lots of tutorials online that can walk you through the process step by step. Do you want me to find some examples for you?
00;26;47;17 - 00;26;55;02
Speaker 1
No, not right now. How about, you recommended a blanket?
00;26;55;05 - 00;27;15;23
Speaker 2
If you're looking for a budget friendly way to add diffusion, a thick blanket can actually work pretty well. The folds and texture of the fabric will help scatter the sound waves. You could also try hanging a tapestry, or even a large piece of artwork with a textured surface. Do you want me to find some examples for you?
00;27;15;25 - 00;27;21;09
Speaker 1
What about like an old down comforter?
00;27;21;12 - 00;27;36;00
Speaker 2
An old down comforter could work. It would absorb some of the sound wave, but it might not be as effective as a proper absorption panel. You could try hanging it on the wall behind your microphone to see if it helps reduce echoes. Do you want me to find some tutorials for building absorption panels?
00;27;36;02 - 00;27;46;29
Speaker 1
No, no thank you. What would you recommend putting on the ceiling? Would you go with like a rock wall for the ceiling?
00;27;47;01 - 00;28;06;22
Speaker 2
For the ceiling. Rock wall is a good option, but it can be a bit pricey. You could also use fiberglass insulation. It's more affordable, but not quite as effective for sound dampening. Another option is to hang acoustic panels from the ceiling. They're designed specifically for sound absorption and can be quite effective. What kind of budget are you working with?
00;28;06;25 - 00;28;16;28
Speaker 1
Tell me about the acoustic panels you would recommend. Hanging from the ceiling.
00;28;17;00 - 00;28;36;01
Speaker 2
If you're looking for acoustic panels to hang from the ceiling, you'll want something lightweight and easy to install. Foam panels are a great option. They're affordable and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You could also try using fabric wrapped panels, which can add a nice esthetic touch to your space. Do you have any specific style preferences?
00;28;36;03 - 00;29;05;04
Speaker 1
No, not really. I'm looking for practicality on the ceiling at least. Would you recommend a flat ceiling that's made of absorbent of materials, or would you recommend a, a ceiling where there may be foam pieces hanging at different, spots?
00;29;05;06 - 00;29;21;26
Speaker 2
For a ceiling on a budget. You could try hanging foam panels. They're lightweight and relatively inexpensive. You could arrange them in a pattern to add some visual interest. Another option is to use fabric wrapped panels. They can add a nice esthetic touch to your space. What do you think?
00;29;21;28 - 00;29;37;00
Speaker 1
Tell me more about how to specifically design the hanging foam panel pattern on the ceiling to be most effective.
00;29;37;02 - 00;29;53;06
Speaker 2
Okay, for maximum effectiveness, you'll want to cover about 20 to 40% of your ceiling with foam panels. Start by placing them at the first reflection point. Those are the spots where sound bounces from your speakers to your ears. You can find these spots by having someone hold a mirror against the ceiling while you sit in your listening position.
00;29;53;09 - 00;30;10;14
Speaker 2
Mark the spots where you see the speaker's reflected and place panels there. You can then add more panels to other areas of the ceiling, spacing them evenly. Does that make sense?
00;30;10;16 - 00;30;30;27
Speaker 1
Yeah. So mainly from the source of the sound to the ceiling and then bouncing back to where the microphone is, is where I want to treat.
00;30;31;00 - 00;30;49;15
Speaker 2
Exactly. You'll want to treat the first reflection points on the ceiling. Those are the spots where sound travels from your voice to the ceiling, and then bounces back down to the microphone. You can find these spots by having someone hold a mirror against the ceiling while you sit in your recording position. Mark the spots where you see the microphone reflected and place your foam panels there.
00;30;49;17 - 00;30;51;13
Speaker 2
Does that make sense?
00;30;51;16 - 00;30;56;03
Speaker 1
Totally.
00;30;56;06 - 00;30;59;21
Speaker 2
Great. So to recap, you'll want to place foam ceiling.
00;30;59;22 - 00;31;06;15
Speaker 1
Not ready for recapping? Hang on. Can you tell me some of the more. No problem.
00;31;06;15 - 00;31;08;16
Speaker 2
And let me know when you're ready to recap.
00;31;08;16 - 00;31;20;06
Speaker 1
Can you tell me some more of the common pitfalls that people fall into when sound treating a room?
00;31;20;09 - 00;31;41;27
Speaker 2
Some common pitfalls are over treating the room, which can make it sound too dead and unnatural. Another is focusing too much on absorption and neglecting diffusion, which can lead to a dull, lifeless sound. And finally underestimating the importance of bass traps. Those low frequencies can cause a lot of problem if they're not properly controlled. Does that help you avoid some of those mistakes?
00;31;41;29 - 00;31;51;10
Speaker 1
Yeah, I definitely, I definitely would like to talk a little bit more about over treating.
00;31;51;12 - 00;32;09;16
Speaker 2
Over treating a room is a common mistake. It's easy to think that more absorption is always better, but that's not the case. An over treated room can sound too dead and unnatural, which isn't ideal for most recording situations. You want to balance between absorption and diffusion to create a natural sounding space. Does that make sense?
00;32;09;18 - 00;32;44;09
Speaker 1
Yes, that makes sense. What would you recommend? Let's say that I have a room that is or, four feet wide by eight feet long by eight feet high. I'd like you to kind of map out a plan of absorption and diffusion patterns to properly treat that room.
00;32;44;11 - 00;33;01;15
Speaker 2
Okay. For an eight by eight by eight room, you'll want to focus on treating the corners and the wall behind your microphone. Bass traps in the corners will help with those low frequencies and absorption panels on the back wall will reduce echoes for diffusion. You could add panels to the side walls or ceiling, leaving some untreated areas for a natural sound.
00;33;01;17 - 00;33;04;18
Speaker 2
Does that make sense?
00;33;04;21 - 00;33;13;04
Speaker 1
Yeah. Do you think I should fully treat the each of the back walls, the shorter walls?
00;33;13;06 - 00;33;29;00
Speaker 2
Yes. Treating the shorter back wall is a good idea. You could use absorption panels to reduce echoes coming from behind the microphone for the side walls. You could use a combination of absorption and diffusion to create a balanced sound. Does that make sense?
00;33;29;03 - 00;33;33;25
Speaker 1
Yes.
00;33;33;27 - 00;33;46;11
Speaker 2
Great. So we've got a plan for your eight by eight by eight room. We'll use bass drops in the corners, absorption panels on the back wall, and a mix of absorption and diffusion on the side wall. Does that sound like a good starting point for you?
00;33;46;13 - 00;34;02;01
Speaker 1
Yeah. So does. If I'm not, mistaken, stuff like mineral wool is better for absorption as opposed to diffusion.
00;34;02;04 - 00;34;25;17
Speaker 2
That's right. Mineral wool is excellent for absorption, especially in the lower frequencies for diffusion. You'll want something that scatters the sound waves more evenly, like a quadratic residue, diffuser, or even a bookshelf filled with books of varying sizes. Does that help clarify things?
00;34;25;20 - 00;34;42;21
Speaker 1
Yeah. It does. Mineral wool also do a decent job at absorbing those mid and high low, mid and high frequency that I want to get rid of.
00;34;42;23 - 00;34;56;27
Speaker 2
Yes. Mineral wool does a decent job of absorbing mid and high frequencies too. It's a pretty versatile material for sound treatment. Do you want to explore other options in high frequency absorption or are you leaning towards mineral wool?
00;34;56;29 - 00;35;06;16
Speaker 1
I'm kind of, leaning towards mineral wool because I can buy it in big chunks.
00;35;06;18 - 00;35;19;12
Speaker 2
Sounds like mineral wool is a good fit for your need, since you can buy it in bulk. You'll have plenty to work with. Do you want to talk more about installation or do you have other questions about your setup?
00;35;19;15 - 00;35;30;24
Speaker 1
I read somewhere that somebody used, something then with burlap over it.
00;35;30;26 - 00;35;47;23
Speaker 2
That's right. Burlap can work as a covering for mineral wool. It's breathable, so it allows sound waves to pass through and get absorbed by the mineral wool. Plus, it can add a nice texture to your walls. Do you want to explore other fabric options? Or does burlap sound like a good fit for your style?
00;35;47;25 - 00;36;02;28
Speaker 1
I don't know what would you recommend? Let's say I put the mineral wool, between the studs of this room. What would you cover that with?
00;36;03;00 - 00;36;16;13
Speaker 2
If you're putting mineral wool between the studs, you'll want a breathable fabric to cover it. Muslin is a good, budget friendly option. You could also use burlap for a more textured look. Do either of those options appeal to you?
00;36;16;16 - 00;36;22;24
Speaker 1
I was wondering about, like, deer fencing.
00;36;22;26 - 00;36;39;08
Speaker 2
Well, if you're looking for something that's already pre stretched and ready to go, you could try canvas drop cloth. They come in large sizes and are pretty affordable. Muslin is another good option. It's lightweight and easy to work with. Do either of those sound like a good fit for your project?
00;36;39;10 - 00;36;45;09
Speaker 1
Yeah. Would a painter's drop cloth work well?
00;36;45;12 - 00;37;01;09
Speaker 2
Yes. Canvas drop cloths would work well. They're breathable and come in large sizes, which is perfect for covering a wall. Plus, they're relatively inexpensive. Do you want to talk about how to attach them to the wall, or do you have other questions about your setup?
00;37;01;12 - 00;37;25;25
Speaker 1
Yeah, for the open parts and potentially for the ceiling, I was thinking about getting the cheaper moving blankets, not the ones that are like $80 for a dozen, but the ones that are like raw material and they're like 20 or like 35 for a dozen.
00;37;25;27 - 00;37;42;12
Speaker 2
Yes. Those cheaper moving blankets can work for sound absorption. They're usually thick and dense, which helps to trap sound waves. Just keep in mind that they might not be as effective as dedicated acoustic panels, especially for lower frequencies. Do you want to try them out and see how they sound?
00;37;42;15 - 00;37;51;18
Speaker 1
Do you think that they are more towards the diffusion side or the absorption side?
00;37;51;21 - 00;38;10;17
Speaker 2
Moving blankets are definitely more on the absorption side. They're thick in them, so they're great at soaking up sound waves, especially those lower frequencies. You can use them on walls or even drape them over furniture to help control echoes and reverberation. Do you have any specific areas in your room where you're noticing a lot of echo?
00;38;10;19 - 00;38;25;29
Speaker 1
I haven't really made the space yet. What would you recommend as a inexpensive, quick and easy alternative for diffusers?
00;38;26;01 - 00;38;44;23
Speaker 2
For inexpensive diffusers? You could try making your own. A simple option is to build a panel with a series of wells and ridges, kind of like an egg crate, but with more variation in the shape. You can use wood or foam for this. Another idea is to hang a tapestry or thick curtain on the wall. The folds and texture will help scatter the sound waves.
00;38;44;26 - 00;38;53;29
Speaker 2
Do you want me to find some tutorials for building diffusion panels?
00;38;54;02 - 00;39;05;02
Speaker 1
I think like a thick curtain might be a good idea because it's going to be on the open side.
00;39;05;05 - 00;39;21;01
Speaker 2
A thick curtain is a great idea for diffusion, especially on an open side. The folds and heavy fabric will scatter soundwaves nicely. You could even layer two curtains for extra diffusion. Do you want to explore any other diffuser options? Or does the curtain sound like a good fit?
00;39;21;03 - 00;39;35;25
Speaker 1
Do I want the curtain to be not stretched out all the way? So it still has? Like lots of ripples. Kind of like a hotel curtain.
00;39;35;27 - 00;39;56;03
Speaker 2
Yes, that's a great idea. Having lots of ripples in the curtain will definitely help with diffusion. Think of it like a sound wave obstacle course. All those fold will scatter the sound in different directions. It's thick enough to actually affect the sound waves. Do you have any specific curtains in mind?
00;39;56;06 - 00;40;08;11
Speaker 1
No. What do you have in mind for, what do you have in mind in that aspect? For materials, maybe.
00;40;08;14 - 00;40;25;06
Speaker 2
For the best sound diffusion, you'll want a heavy, dense fabric like velvet or velour. These materials have a high pile, which means they have lots of fibers sticking up. That texture is great for scattering sound waves. Do you want me to find some examples of velvet or velour curtains?
00;40;25;08 - 00;40;36;15
Speaker 1
Yeah. How much can I pick up? Maybe an eight foot velvet or velour court curtain for.
00;40;36;18 - 00;40;51;05
Speaker 2
An eight foot velvet or velour curtain can range quite a bit in price, depending on the brand and thickness. You might find some for as low as $30 to $50, but higher quality one could be $100 or more. Do you have a specific budget in mind?
00;40;51;07 - 00;40;58;13
Speaker 1
No. I might go to the goodwill this weekend and see what I can find.
00;40;58;15 - 00;41;22;06
Speaker 2
Goodwill is a great place to find budget friendly curtains. You might even find some hidden gems that are perfect for your studio. Just be sure to check the thickness and material to make sure they'll work for sound diffusion. Do you want me to help you find some tips for choosing curtains at thrift stores?
00;41;22;08 - 00;41;30;01
Speaker 1
Just a couple more quick things. Does the size of the room have a big effect?
00;41;30;03 - 00;41;44;07
Speaker 2
Yes. The size of your room definitely plays a big role in how you treat it. Larger rooms generally need more absorption to control echoes, while smaller rooms might need a bit more diffusion to prevent them from sounding too dead. What are the dimensions of your room?
00;41;44;09 - 00;41;50;07
Speaker 1
Probably only about four by eight feet tall.
00;41;50;10 - 00;42;05;12
Speaker 2
Okay, an eight by eight by eight room is pretty small, so you'll want to be careful not to over treat it. Focus on absorption at the first reflection point. Those are the spots where sound bounces from your speakers to your ears. You can find these spots by having someone hold a mirror against the wall while you sit in your listening position.
00;42;05;14 - 00;42;20;13
Speaker 2
Mark the spots where you see the speakers reflected and place absorption panels there for diffusion. You could add panels to the side walls or ceiling, leaving some untreated areas for a natural sound. Does that make sense?
00;42;20;15 - 00;42;27;10
Speaker 1
Yeah, that's pretty much what we've covered. What about shape of the room?
00;42;27;12 - 00;42;45;12
Speaker 2
The shape of your room can also affect the sound. Square or rectangular rooms can have more standing wave. Which of those annoying sound buildups we talked about? Oddly shaped rooms can sometimes be better, but it really depends on the specific shape. Do you have any unusual angles or features in your room?
00;42;45;14 - 00;42;57;23
Speaker 1
No, but I was thinking about, angling the back wall that I would be talking towards.
00;42;57;26 - 00;43;16;02
Speaker 2
Angling the back wall could definitely help. It would prevent sound waves from bouncing directly back at you, which can cause echoes and other unwanted reflections. You could try angling it slightly to one side or the other, depending on the layout of your room. Do you want to experiment with different angles to see what sounds best?
00;43;16;04 - 00;43;26;22
Speaker 1
Yeah, I might do that. But, I think I think that we're pretty much set. What do you think?
00;43;26;24 - 00;43;47;02
Speaker 2
Yeah, I think we've covered a lot of ground. We talked about the difference between sound treating and sound proofing. How to tame those pesky bass frequencies in the corners, and the best way to absorb and diffuse sound in your eight by eight studio. We even covered some budget friendly options like moving blankets and DIY diffusion panels. Do you have any other questions about your setup?
00;43;47;04 - 00;44;10;24
Speaker 1
It's more of a question about audience preference. I know that a lot of podcasts are kind of dead sound in the back in silent. But some podcasts or like shows have a level of ambiance in the background. Do you have any tips there?
00;44;10;29 - 00;44;28;14
Speaker 2
That's a great question. It really comes down to the vibe you're going for. A dead sound can be great for focusing on the voices, but some ambiance can make things feel more natural and engaging. Do you have a specific podcast or show in mind that you're trying to emulate?
00;44;28;17 - 00;44;42;29
Speaker 1
No, I just really love sound design and, I think it would be kind of a shame to kill all of the ambient sound.
00;44;43;01 - 00;44;59;28
Speaker 2
I agree that killing all the ambiance is a shame. Maybe you could try recording some test clips in the space and see how much reverb there is. You might find that you don't need to add as much treatment as you think.
00;45;00;03 - 00;45;06;14
Speaker 1
Yeah, I think, I think that's a good start.
00;45;06;16 - 00;45;13;20
Speaker 2
I think that's a good plan. You can always add more treatment later if needed. Do you have any other questions about your set up?
00;45;13;23 - 00;45;23;05
Speaker 1
No, I think that's perfect. I really appreciate you kind of guiding me through this today.
00;45;23;08 - 00;45;28;23
Speaker 2
You're very welcome. I'm glad I could help you plan your sound treatment. Good luck with your podcast.
00;45;28;25 - 00;45;30;17
Speaker 1
All right. Thanks, Gemini.