What about Space Couplers???

[kickdrummer58]

I have read a lot about treating rooms on this forum but have not read anything that I can remember on Space Couplers. I currently have to deal with a small room to mix in. Wondering if this would be of any use to me. I have floor to celling bass traps in the 2 corners in front of me, a cloud above, and a panel on either side to control reflections. the room is the extra room in my apt so its small, aprox 13x11 with carpet. Here is a pic of what Im dealing with and the item in question.

[spm_gl]

Do a search, there have been 2 discussion threads on couplers recently.
But in your room, there is not really much space to couple. I really think you're better off with more "traditional" methods first. Depends on what exactly you are trying to achieve, of course.

[kickdrummer58]

I figured. I guess im just trying to understand what they do exactly.

Thanks

[Jeffrey Hedback]

Well I'm the guy to add to this topic.

The SpaceCoupler was developed and manufactured by Russ Berger's (of RBDG [Home]) Part Science brand of acoustical products that are sold through Auralex.

It has two great and distinct applications:

(1) to accomplish Russ's "loosely coupled space" design approach as defined by his AES white paper from mid 90's (forget year off hand). This design theory can be oriented vertically or horizontally. One volume of space is typically larger with low decay time. A second volume of space is typically smaller and reflective/diffuse. between the two is an aperture (opening). In Russ's large facilities...you don't even see this at play as it is so ingrained in the architecture. The SpaceCoupler allow say a 13'x15' room with drop tile to be a version of this. You want 3' of space between grid and deck above. Use in range of 30% coverage of Couplers...placed to outer edges the result is a warm secondary ambience...placed in center of room the ambience is brighter. The secondary space has a decay slope that varies from lower and the result isn't a big room sound...but a bigger space sound. Very musical.

(2) extend the depth of absober and/or skew specular reflections without removing energy from space. These applications are again best used in relation to all space...meaning just a Coupler or two may or may not have any bearing on space...but at the same time, I've very succesfully used them in ceiling clouds to greatly diminish floor/ceiling axial mode while creating increasing detail and imaging due to diffuse energy retained in mid/hi. Often I consider them a "food processor" acoustical tool.

Not for every application...but that being said...truly one of the most effective tools for small room acoustics to come forth in this decade.

[PaulP]

I've been thinking about these things as well. The rear wall of my music
room is mostly a large opening into the adjoining dining room. Since the
ratios are a lot better for just the music room itself I'd like to put something
between the two rooms, preferably using the dining room for some sort of
beneficial acoustic function.

The way I understand space couplers is that sound is diffused when exiting on
the far side. I imagine the sound will be even more diffused on its way back.
I've played with openings like a space coupler in the Ripple Tank Simulator
and sound appears to be highly diffused going through them. I think some sort
of french doors with space couplers instead of windows might work well between
my two rooms.

I like the idea of a coupler as part of a cloud as well, though I'm not sure I
have enough room under my 9' ceiling for it to work properly.

Paul P

[Jeffrey Hedback]

Paul P,

First, the 9' ceiling is all the more reason to utilize the Couplers if possible.

It's a system of the Couplers, air &"fuzz" that works best. Ex: 2-4" rig. fib. panels mounted off the ceiling same depth as panel, then the couplers below either flush or 1.5" spacing using the installation pieces available with the product.

As for the rear room, this pic is one of my designs in finishes stage (Houston, TZ). Basic overview: space is hybrid "all in one" room. 25' deep control room. What you are looking at is a portion of rear wall. Those built-in grids open into a 9'x11' drum booth. Two-direction function. For the Control Room, this extension is part of bass trapping system. For the drums, there are hinged panels that can seal or open the Couplers allowing "room" mics to be placed in front of the Couplers.

[PaulP]

Thanks for the extra info Jeff. I'm glad to hear that they can help on
the ceiling since it's such an important surface and the closest. Could
look pretty nice too, I imagine.

Paul P