FRK... To use or not to use, that is the question

[dft3670]

I have a small tracking/mixing room with plenty of bass traps already installed in all the usual locations, first reflections, corners, sides, cloud. They are all 703 unfaced, 4 inch thick, spaced 2 inches off the wall. The room has a drop ceiling and carpeted floor. The room is a bit dead as is to be expected in a 12x9x7 space. I was reading some old threads about adding a little RFZ or cardboard facing to get a little of the highs back.

I did a search on this and I want to double check to make sure I'm reading it correct before I do anything or if it will do more harm then good to do add the facing in such a small space.

1. Should I do this in such a small room or just leave the traps the way they are?

2. If it's a good idea, Which are the best traps to face with RFZ? If I read the threads correct, the rear corners are ok as well as the rear sides but I should not do it at first reflection points. I'm not sure about the rear wall traps. What about the cloud over the desk? From my mirror test the rear section over my head is a first reflection point? Should a just add the RFZ to the front?

I have been living with the deadness of the room, it's not the worst I have ever heard, but I'm always trying to tweak it a bit.

On a side note, doing the clap test I found that I tamed the flutter with the traps, but there was a weird metallic ringing in the room. After walking around a bit I found it was coming from a can of compressed air sitting on a shelf. It's amazing the little things that can trip you up.

[Glenn Kuras]

I was reading some old threads about adding a little RFZ or cardboard facing to get a little of the highs back.

You mean FRK not RFZ don't you? RFZ stands for "Reflective free zone".

1)Sure, start with the panels in the corners behind where you sit.
2)Yes do not do it to the early reflection panels.

Glenn

[dft3670]

Correct. FRK. Thanks for your patience. I'm Dyslexic. It's always a problem. Sometimes I look a bit foolish when I post and people just assume I'm an idiot. I'm always messing up letters and numbers, clockwise, counter-clockwise. Numbers are impossible. I have to re-read things a 1/2 dozen times. It can really be messy in the studio working with a DAW. It's the reason I play by ear. Notation looks like a blur to me.

Thanks again, Glenn. You gave me some great advice last week on replacing my drop ceiling panels with 703. It helped out quite a bit.

Dave

[Glenn Kuras]

Correct. FRK. Thanks for your patience. I'm Dyslexic. It's always a problem. Sometimes I look a bit foolish when I post and people just assume I'm an idiot. I'm always messing up letters and numbers, clockwise, counter-clockwise. Numbers are impossible. I have to re-read things a 1/2 dozen times.

Tust mee amd moast wil sey, i due thee seame thingg al thee tine.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

Tust mee amd moast wil sey, i due thee seame thingg al thee tine.

I see nothing out of the ordinary in your post there.

[avare]

Originally Posted by dft3670

people just assume I'm an idiot.

I have the same problem typing. People who don't know me think the same thing, or that english is not my native language. Once they get to know the assuming disappears.

Andre

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by Ethan Winer

I see nothing out of the ordinary in your post there.

ETHAN WINER!!!!!!







Glenn

[peeder]

So whaddoes FRK stand for?

Originally Posted by dft3670

On a side note, doing the clap test I found that I tamed the flutter with the traps, but there was a weird metallic ringing in the room. After walking around a bit I found it was coming from a can of compressed air sitting on a shelf. It's amazing the little things that can trip you up.

I just debugged a similar situation in my vocal booth. A metal pipe was causing this ping resonance I was hearing. I was worried it was a microphonic tube or something but the clap test caught it.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by peeder

So whaddoes FRK stand for?

Foil-Reinforced Kraft paper. It's like the brown paper shopping bags are made from. But with thin metal foil bonded to one side to prevent moisture from passing through.

--Ethan

[dft3670]

All I can say is WOW !!!

I went down and picked up a couple a posters and put them over my rear corner traps. I then took the cardboard from the back of the posters and slid it under the fabric on the rear wall traps. A HUGE improvement. It feels like someone took a blanket off the room. I picked up my guitar and played facing the rear wall. It sounds like I put a new set of strings on it!

Thanks for the great advice.

I still have the two rear side wall traps to do. Is it ok to use 3/8" foamcore slid under the fabric. I'm not sure if it is to thick for the purpose, but I have a ton of it left over from a photo shoot and I hate to toss it. if not I have my eye on a couple of Dark Side of the Moon and Led Zep Houses of the Holy posters....

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by dft3670

Is it ok to use 3/8" foamcore slid under the fabric.

That's probably too thick. Stick with paper.

--Ethan