Hi there,
Bear with me as I am a total newb on these topics..
I am using a 2.1 system. PC ---> AVR ---> speakers. Using JRiver for audio. My left channel appeared to be louder but the meter says they are equally as loud I tried lowering it by 0.5 dB increments but it never sounds right across different tracks I know well. I could be wrong but I think the wall reflections close to the left channel might've been causing this. The wall from the right channel is much further.
According my calculations the left reflection arrives at 7.55ms and the right reflection arrives at 15.55ms. I added 8 ms of delay to the left channel and it seems to me the extra loudness is gone, the sound is more balanced/coherent now and the imaging is solid as I move my head around the "sweet spot". Before it was all over the place.
So my question is if I add a slight delay to the left speaker, the reflection comes in later but so does the direct audio from the speaker. Is this the correct way of utilizing DSP?
Bear with me as I am a total newb on these topics..
I am using a 2.1 system. PC ---> AVR ---> speakers. Using JRiver for audio. My left channel appeared to be louder but the meter says they are equally as loud I tried lowering it by 0.5 dB increments but it never sounds right across different tracks I know well. I could be wrong but I think the wall reflections close to the left channel might've been causing this. The wall from the right channel is much further.
According my calculations the left reflection arrives at 7.55ms and the right reflection arrives at 15.55ms. I added 8 ms of delay to the left channel and it seems to me the extra loudness is gone, the sound is more balanced/coherent now and the imaging is solid as I move my head around the "sweet spot". Before it was all over the place.
So my question is if I add a slight delay to the left speaker, the reflection comes in later but so does the direct audio from the speaker. Is this the correct way of utilizing DSP?
Hi,
Good analysis of the issue you face.
It's a way to use the dsp but i fear it doesn't solve the issue (even if you feel it is better outcome): the direct signal from your left chanel is now delayed by the same amount as the first reflections ( Early Reflection) from your wall, so the loudness is maybe solved but you'll have soundstaging issues still ( which may appear in the next few hours/days/weeks once you'll be used to the level change).
Imho a more effective approach would be to try to 'absorb' those early reflections by use of acoustic panel.
Then if not enough maybe FIR filters ( 'DRC') could help.
Good analysis of the issue you face.
It's a way to use the dsp but i fear it doesn't solve the issue (even if you feel it is better outcome): the direct signal from your left chanel is now delayed by the same amount as the first reflections ( Early Reflection) from your wall, so the loudness is maybe solved but you'll have soundstaging issues still ( which may appear in the next few hours/days/weeks once you'll be used to the level change).
Imho a more effective approach would be to try to 'absorb' those early reflections by use of acoustic panel.
Then if not enough maybe FIR filters ( 'DRC') could help.
I would've but there's a large curtain and windows on that wall inches from the speaker. Not possible unless I rearrange the room.
Is it a dedicated room or a living space?
If you have possible choice i would rearrange, if not a 'movable' panel could be envisioned (it could be hidden behind curtain during listening sessions, then hidden somewhere else in 'regular' use of room). It doesn't weight a lot but can be bulky.
If you have possible choice i would rearrange, if not a 'movable' panel could be envisioned (it could be hidden behind curtain during listening sessions, then hidden somewhere else in 'regular' use of room). It doesn't weight a lot but can be bulky.
It's a living space, rearranging would be near impossible for now. But your suggestion is a nifty solution! The total space for panel depth is about 2.5 inches. Would a panel that thick work fine?
Thickness of absorbing material define the effective bandwidth of absorbtion ( it's a bit more complicated but let's assume this).
2,5" is a bit thin but it could works ok.
I would look for 'ultratouch denim'/ 'isolant metisse' (same material but different name for US/EU).
https://images.app.goo.gl/MVGmsKsnFPhCLj6x9
An other option could be Rockwool ( Rockfon tiles). Forget about using glasswool for anything movable ( too much risk for the fibers to be released within the living space and these are nasty things for your and your family health).
Maybe some melamine foam could be used too. Something like that:
https://www.panasorb.eu/lng/fr/mous...tect-decor-100x50x7cm-blanc-autocollante.html
This one is ok from 300hz and up.
Anyway you'll need to try reallife ( prototype) if it do the trick or not ( acoustic treatments are somewhat variable so be ready to make some variations).
For prototype don't bother with pricey materials ( Melamine foam and Ultratouch aren't cheap) so imho try with rockwool ( not the tiles, go with regular insulation for tests).
This kind:
https://www.rockwool.com/group/products-and-applications/internal-wall-insulation/
Anyway you can make nice looking panels by using streched ( printed to your preference) fabric over the material but don't bother for test, be cheap and use your ears rather than eyes for evaluation! Eyes can be pleased afterward!
Eg from a member here:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...ers-a-25-driver-full-range-line-array.242171/
Scroll down a bit and guess what really is the 'Houses of the Holy' picture on wall? And what is located behind the left chanel curtain? 😉
If you decide to try this, open a thread in forum's Acoustic subsection, you might have more advice than in this PC sub section.
2,5" is a bit thin but it could works ok.
I would look for 'ultratouch denim'/ 'isolant metisse' (same material but different name for US/EU).
https://images.app.goo.gl/MVGmsKsnFPhCLj6x9
An other option could be Rockwool ( Rockfon tiles). Forget about using glasswool for anything movable ( too much risk for the fibers to be released within the living space and these are nasty things for your and your family health).
Maybe some melamine foam could be used too. Something like that:
https://www.panasorb.eu/lng/fr/mous...tect-decor-100x50x7cm-blanc-autocollante.html
This one is ok from 300hz and up.
Anyway you'll need to try reallife ( prototype) if it do the trick or not ( acoustic treatments are somewhat variable so be ready to make some variations).
For prototype don't bother with pricey materials ( Melamine foam and Ultratouch aren't cheap) so imho try with rockwool ( not the tiles, go with regular insulation for tests).
This kind:
https://www.rockwool.com/group/products-and-applications/internal-wall-insulation/
Anyway you can make nice looking panels by using streched ( printed to your preference) fabric over the material but don't bother for test, be cheap and use your ears rather than eyes for evaluation! Eyes can be pleased afterward!
Eg from a member here:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...ers-a-25-driver-full-range-line-array.242171/
Scroll down a bit and guess what really is the 'Houses of the Holy' picture on wall? And what is located behind the left chanel curtain? 😉
If you decide to try this, open a thread in forum's Acoustic subsection, you might have more advice than in this PC sub section.
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