Ok, I've thought things through a bit more...
Theoretical questions:
I couple questions I need answered before I can decide on dimensions:
I just realized that low frequency diffusers need to be placed very far from the seating position (around 180 inches or 15 feet for the plan I'm thinking about!).
Is there any point building diffusers that can handle low frequencies if you cannot place the diffusers the necessary distance away from the listening position? Also, I plan to record guitars and vocals in this room (the same room I mix in). I was planning on mic'ing these up in the back of the room in close proximity to the diffusers, say like 5 feet away or so. How will the "Minimum distance to seating position" affect this?
Also, I see that around 5 periods is suggested when doing Barker's Sequence. The back wall section that I intend to cover is
8'x6'. However, as I said, I intend to keep these diffusers for a long time, and I won't be living here much longer (a few years tops). I eventually want to construct a home studio, and I have no idea what the dimensions of
that back wall will be. Therefore, I need flexibility. The dimensions of wood I can get will be a factor in what size I settle on, but I'm thinking around
2.5'x6'x1' panels. However, it was said that larger=harder build, so I might split this into
2.5'x3' panels. It would be nice to have the 2.5'x6' panel. It looks like larger panels have a tendency to flex, sag, and cause various issues though?
Construction:
I'm also reading up on a lot of y'alls construction tips in this thread:
QRD Prime + Period Question (Live Room)
There are some really good tips getting thrown around. I just want to compile it all into one fluid idea so I know what I'm doing and what mistakes to avoid. I see many of you have gone through this build process and know these mistakes very well.
Staining/Varnishing
I think I will do staining and varnishing with a sprayer on each
assembled unit - something like
Tool Force A-C1 50 PSI 2-in-1 HVLP Spray Gun.
Glue
As far as glue, it looks like a combination of
white glue and
liquid nails. Liquid glue to attach the faces to the blueboard, white glue for everything else. But, does liquid nails react with blueboard??
Blueboard -
AKA - STYROFOAM™ Brand Square Edge Insulation Extruded Polystyrene
Where can I buy this stuff? Is it at Lowe's or Home Depot? Can I buy it online cheap with shipping? There is a Dow Chemical Company about an hour away. Do I need to go there? Unfortunately, I don't know which depth I need yet (1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, 5cm...)
Wood
No specifics yet, but:
- Plywood backing - thin unless it will cause issues. In which case, thicker.
- Plywood faces - Lotta work cutting these and the blueboard. Any issues I don't know about?
- Wood outer frame
- Silicone sealer - do I need to use this to seal the diffuser air-tight?
Technique
I didn't follow Xenon when he was explaining how to build the ends of each module to connect with the next period on either end. It seems to me the best way would be to move panel half a well left to make the build symmetrical. Then, you could use the frame as the connecting '0 depth' well.
This picture
N23 Array Build sums up my idea on how to build the unit. But what happens when you come across a full depth (or close to it) well. Do you fill the hollow well with a spacer or something to keep the well from collapsing?
I read it is best to install both the blueboard and the faces at the same time to avoid staining issues with glue.
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I know this is a ton of questions. I could really use the help though. I've got the tools and a cabinet maker as a neighbor (lucky me
). I think I can pull it off with help
