Panel Absorber Sealing?

[Higgs]

Hello, and sorry if this has been covered here already and my searches missed it.

I have been reading quite a few things about DIY bass traps including Ethan's article here -> http://www.ethanwiner.com/basstrap.html . My understanding is that there are three different frequency specific designs (deep-bass, mid-high, high.)

Also, the plans (http://www.ethanwiner.com/BTPlans.gif) call for sealing the deep and high units airtight to the wall. I notice that most DIY traps I find images of do not appear to be sealed in this manner.

For the moment I am just planning on treating the corners of the room (the four verticals, plus where the walls meets the ceiling.)

Firstly, is there any reason other than cost, that the backs of the units cannot be sealed with plywood and therefore made modular? If so, should the backs be of the same thickness/material as the fronts?

Secondly, regarding only the corners, which of the three designs should I use? Should I use some of each, and if so, how do I know how to place them in relation to one another?


Thanks in advance!

[Ethan Winer]

Higgs,

> I notice that most DIY traps I find images of do not appear to be sealed in this manner. <

Most DIY traps use rigid fiberglass as the absorption mechanism. The wood panel traps in my plan are a completely different design and work on a completely different principle.

> is there any reason other than cost, that the backs of the units cannot be sealed with plywood and therefore made modular? <

You can do that, but it will be easier to just use rigid fiberglass. And that works well too.

> If so, should the backs be of the same thickness/material as the fronts? <

No, the rear panel, if you do that, needs to thick and rigid and massive so it doesn't flex at all. Such as 3/4 inch plywood or MDF.

Besides the bass trap plans you referred to, see my Acoustics FAQ HERE.

--Ethan