Home Theater Acoustics

The following information is intended to be a general discussion on home theater acoustics. We do not consider ourselves audio experts. However, having spent over twelve years in the industry, we have absorbed much of the information that is discussed below and appreciate the opportunity to share it with you.

Sound Absorption/Diffusion

The primary acoustic goal of the Artesian Panels is for enhanced control of the home theater sound. This is accomplished through the use of three types of acoustic panels: Absorptive, Reflective and Diffusive.

The absorptive panels will be used most often. In an untreated room, sound reaches the listener at different time intervals. By using absorptive panels, you eliminate the sound waves from bouncing off the untreated wall surfaces. This reflected sound results in "muddy" dialogue and an echo effect in the Home Theater. Therefore, absorptive panels will enhance the overall clarity of the sound energy of the room which is most notable in the dialogue.

In home theaters where there is a potential for too much sound absorption, which could result in a "dead" space, we recommend the use of our 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 35% 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". Once again, too much absorption will create a "dead" room.

Fortunately, because the Artesian Panels are designed to "float" on a hard surface rather than encompass the entire surface, there should be little concern about too much absorption in your home theater acoustics.

Acoustic Wall Panel Placement

There are many theories about acoustic wall panel placement in the home Theater and much depends on the specific features of each interior wall as well as the type of speakers you are using. For our purposes we will discuss panel placement in very general terms.

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. One way to determine this point is to place a mirror on the side wall in between your front seat and the front speaker. The reflection point will be at the exact spot where you can see the front speaker in the mirror from your seat.

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. Once again this would depend on what other attributes the room contains such as exposed windows or hard doors.

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.

Size Matters

We currently offer 1" and 2" thick panels. The 2" panels do a better job of absorbing the sound waves in the Home Theater, especially the lower frequencies (bass). That's not to say that the 1" panels are ineffective, just that 2" is better than 1".

The disadvantages of the 2" panels are that they are slightly more expensive and may also be a little more intrusive on the eye.