Soundzipper Acoustic Consultants : Julian Martinez | Johnny Lee | Cindy Lin
Soundzipper Project Managers : Donovan Phoon
The Challenge
Soundzipper was employed to perform acoustic test and analysis for a Stereo Listening Room and recommend viable solutions. The client wanted a clearer and higher fidelity listening experience in his living room sound system. He wanted a reduction of excess reverberation time in his living room resulting in muddled vocals and instruments.
The Analysis
The main problems were identified as the reflections off the sloped ceiling and the high walls that made up the dimensions of the living room. The wall areas were already furnished by blinds, cabinets or paintings, thus there was limited wall surface area at listening height available for acoustic treatment.
The Design
We decided for Topakustik 14/2M to be mounted on the soffit wall directly facing the audio system in order to treat the mid to high frequencies. The Topakustik panels being a timber solution allow for a good ratio of absorption and reflections of high frequencies, adding liveliness to the sound which is a desired sonic trait in music rooms.
Low frequencies were treated using custom steel bass traps hidden behind a concealed aluminum grid ceiling mounted on the sloped ceiling. A clip-on type of ceiling, Talent Clip in system perforated aluminium ceiling tiles, was chosen to prevent any rattling from the sound system. The 0.6m thick aluminium perforated plates are a lightweight alternative which will not compromise the structural loads on the existing ceiling.
