Acoustic Treatment
Absorbing sound versus blocking it
Absorbing sound reduces echo inside a room, while blocking sound limits what passes between rooms. Learn how each works, how each is rated and when each one helps.
The collection
Acoustic Treatment
Controlling sound inside a room: absorbing rather than blocking it, reducing echo on hard surfaces, placing panels well and handling low-frequency buildup.
Acoustic Treatment
Bass build-up in small rooms and how to tame it
Small rooms boom at low frequencies because their dimensions set standing wave peaks. Learn how to locate the boomy notes, treat corners and position speakers and seating.
Acoustic Treatment
Common mistakes with acoustic treatment at home
Disappointing acoustic treatment usually comes from overtreating a room, placing panels away from reflections or expecting panels to block sound. Here is how to avoid each error.
Acoustic Treatment
Reducing echo in rooms with hard surfaces
Bare walls, floors and windows reflect sound and make rooms ring. Learn how to test for echo, place absorbing material where reflections land and avoid overdoing treatment.
Acoustic Treatment
Where to place acoustic panels in a room
Acoustic panels reduce echo most at first-reflection points, room corners and the wall behind the listening position. Learn how to find those spots and set panel heights.