Hi John
I have a small studio space in Wellington, New Zealand.
It’s a classic rectangle shape with a slanted interior roof.
Measurements are 3.4m Wide / 2 - 2.6m Tall / and 5.3m Long
It has an abundance of low mid frequency build up especially around the 500hz (which I predict is common for such a size space)
I was wondering if there is anything I could use to treat/minimise specifically those 500hz frequencies.
Thanks very much
Nigel
again - a loaded question - many things to do - some basics are: first of all referring to earlier (and similar question…
a. No excuse for non symmetry - around a room acoustic centerline about the x axis (front to back).
b. make sure you have fully identified your room programming - i.e. what are you trying to accomplish in your room. I like the Buckminster Fuller term - “bare maximum”
c. Try not to then place your “sweet spot” (prime listening position) in the center of the y axis - get in front of the room center or behind - depending on exact layout. that location will b e a null in the y axis.
d. do NOT over dampen your room. Use broadband absorption (velocity absorbers (i.e. foam, fiberglass, carpet, etc.) only where you need it - i.e. first reflection side wall would be a good starting place. Remember, every Sabine of absorption you are adding in the mid frequency range (while not accomplishing anything at low frequencies) is contributing to creating a RT60 response that is unbalanced.
e. introduce some diffusion on the rear surface.
f. make sure nothing is rattling (no brainer)y
g. if there is run-away" low frequency" response - try to introduce some targeted “low frequency only” absorption. If you do not have software to help you or you cannot get some advice, go to the corners - this is where pressure build-up is usually the highest (rule of thumb).
h. Try for ear level monitoring - avoiding console reflections (which of course create unwanted comb filtering (usually effecting speech frequencies
g. Try to avoid putting near field monitors directly on a console bridge - again that often (not always) but often causes comb filtering. Push them back about one foot on speaker stands.
It is no surprise that you have LF build-up. My guess is that any acoustic treatments that you have added (either on purpose or inadvertently) are velocity absorbers and are not contribute int to LF absorption - thus RT (reverb time) buildup at LF’s. This is super common in 1000’s of small room. Use less foam and fiberglass - only put it where you need it (first and second order reflection control - to eliminate comb filtering) and try to introduce some LF absorption - best guess location (without advanced analysis tools) is in the corners.