Auralex® Acoustics, Inc. Practical Guidelines For Constructing Accurate Acoustical Spaces Including Advice On The Proper Materials To Use by Eric T. Smith Edited by Jeff D. Szymanski, PE July 2004 Version 3.0 Published & © Copyright 1993, 2004 by Auralex® Acoustics, Inc. 6853 Hillsdale Court, Indianapolis IN USA 46250-2039 • www.auralex.com FOREWORD.........................................................................................................................................4 WELCOME........................................................................................................................................4 CHAPTER 1..........................................................................................................................................6 BASICS OF ACOUSTICS.................................................................................................................6 ACOUSTICAL DEFINITIONS ...........................................................................................................7 Acoustics 101 Definitions ...........................................................................................................7 GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................9 STC................................................................................................................................................9 Absorption Coefficients and NRC ............................................................................................12 A final thought ...........................................................................................................................13 CHAPTER 2........................................................................................................................................14 MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS DISCUSSED................................................................................14 Common Construction Materials .............................................................................................14 Specialty Construction Materials .............................................................................................15 Auralex Products .......................................................................................................................16 CHAPTER 3........................................................................................................................................18 FLOORS .........................................................................................................................................18 Stringers.....................................................................................................................................21 CEILINGS .......................................................................................................................................22 (Non-)Flat Ceilings.....................................................................................................................23 Cathedral Ceiling Treatment for Live Rooms ..........................................................................24 Mr. T (Bar)...................................................................................................................................25 WALLS............................................................................................................................................26 Existing Walls ............................................................................................................................26 Construction ..............................................................................................................................27 CHAPTER 4........................................................................................................................................29 DOORS ...........................................................................................................................................29 Isolation......................................................................................................................................29 Garage doors .............................................................................................................................30 Airlocks.......................................................................................................................................30 WINDOWS ......................................................................................................................................31 Exterior .......................................................................................................................................31 Interior ........................................................................................................................................31 HVAC (HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS) ..............................................................................33 The Air Handler ..........................................................................................................................33 The Fan.......................................................................................................................................34 Connections ...............................................................................................................................34 2 Ducts...........................................................................................................................................34 Terminations ..............................................................................................................................36 ELECTRICAL ISSUES....................................................................................................................36 CHAPTER 5........................................................................................................................................38 MONITOR MOUNTING SOLUTIONS .............................................................................................38 ROOM DESIGNS ............................................................................................................................38 Angled Surfaces ........................................................................................................................38 Room Dimensions .....................................................................................................................39 The Acoustics 101 Room ..........................................................................................................40 5.1 Mixing Rooms ......................................................................................................................40 Other Resources........................................................................................................................41 APPLICATION EXAMPLES ...........................................................................................................41 General Resources ....................................................................................................................41 Night Club Isolation...................................................................................................................41 Garage Isolation and Treatment ...............................................................................................42 MORE CONSTRUCTION TIPS.......................................................................................................43 PERSONALIZED ROOM ANALYSIS FORM..................................................................................44 APPENDIX 1.......................................................................................................................................45 LINKS..............................................................................................................................................45 Online Forums ...........................................................................................................................45 Professional Organizations ......................................................................................................45 Professional Design Assistance ..............................................................................................45 Acoustical Prediction, Test and Measurement .......................................................................45 Cool Corporate (non-Auralex) Stuff .........................................................................................45 Cool People ................................................................................................................................46 Other Cool Stuff .........................................................................................................................46 APPENDIX 2.......................................................................................................................................47 THE ACOUSTICS 101 ROOM ........................................................................................................47 3 FOREWORD WELCOME Welcome to our newly expanded and revised Acoustics 101.com, the world’s best source for bottom line, no BS, just-the-facts-ma’am advice on how to build a good sounding recording studio or listening room. The tips contained in this small booklet have worked for