Home Theater Acoustics | Home Theater Sound
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Home Theater Acoustics
Sound Absorption
The primary acoustic goal of the Artesian Panels is to enhance the sound in your Home Theater. This is accomplished through the use of three types of acoustic panels: Absorptive, Reflective and Diffusive.
Absorptive panels will be used most often. In your untreated room, sound will bounce off the hard surfaces and reach the listener at different time intervals. This results in an echo effect and "muddy" dialog.
By using absorptive panels, you keep the sound waves from bouncing off the walls and other hard surfaces in your Home Theater.
Diffusion
In Home Theaters where there is a potential for too much sound absorption, we recommend the use of Diffusive panels. Diffusion is an excellent compliment to sound absorption because it doesn't diminish the sound energy of the room and can control the reflection of the sound. The Diffusive panels help keep the home theater sounding alive.
In order to achieve a tangible level of home
theater sound enhancement, we recommend that at least 30% of the rear and side wall space be covered with Artesian Panels.
Generally speaking, the more of the surface area of the wall that is covered by absorptive and/or diffusive acoustic wall panels the better. However, there should be some exposed hard surfaces, such as painted drywall to help keep the Home Theater sounding "alive".
Acoustic Wall Panel Placement
Front Wall: We recommend panels on the front wall bracketing the screen or TV. These front panels will absorb the excessive sound waves that might bounce off the rear wall.
Side Walls: At the first reflection point on the side walls, you always want absorption.
As for the rest of the side walls, you may use absorption or diffusion which would be based upon how much of the overall wall surface is being covered and what kind of speakers you are using.
Rear Walls: Many people recommend Diffusion for the rear wall. This keeps the room sounding "alive" and vibrant.
Ceilings: It is not necessary to place panels on the ceiling if you have a carpeted room because the sound energy emitted from the center channel tends to not bounce from the floor to the ceiling and back to the floor.