Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

== Understanding Room Acoustics ==

<span id="what-makes-rooms-sound-bad"></span>
==== What makes rooms sound bad? ====

Before we get into the technical setup, let’s talk about room acoustics because it ''really'' makes a difference. Two rooms can be identical in shape &amp; size and sound completely different if one is treated and the other is not.

Some bare-walled, people call ''“echoey”''. Those aren’t '''echoes''', they’re '''early reflections'''. An '''echo''' is when you yell and then you hear it repeat back '''a second or two later'''. An '''early reflection''' is when you speak and you hear yourself alongside yourself '''a few milliseconds later'''.

What that means is that you’re not just hearing you, you’re hearing you alongside something else. It creates a totally different sonic experience &amp; it’s annoying. It’s distortion; it’s noise added to the original signal.

<span id="why-the-word-audiophile-is-a-joke"></span>
==== Why the word “audiophile” is a joke ====

Self proclaimed '''“audiophiles”''' will spend $1000 on cables and $5000 on digital to analog converters that claim they reduce inaudible distortion 0.001%. Not '''ACTUALLY''' reduce distortion 0.001% - '''''CLAIM TO''''' reduce distortion 0.001%.

Yet, they won’t spend a few hundred dollars on room treatment that reduces distortion 5% to 15%.

It’s ridiculous. Walk into many hi-fi dealers and they won’t even mention room treatment, or try to sell you room treatment. But they will upsell you to a $4000 amplifier, or $500 cable, when it sounds the same as a $200 amp and a $5 cable.

<span id="buying-acoustic-panels."></span>
=== Buying acoustic panels. ===

<span id="acoustic-panels"></span>
==== Acoustic panels ====

24”’x48”x2” acoustic panels are the most common. Something like [https://www.atsacoustics.com/item--ATS-Acoustic-Panel-24-x-48-x-2--1001.html this ATS Acoustic 24 x 48” x 2” panel]. Pretend you’re playing pool and put the panels where the sound is going to bounce around your room as it leaves your speakers. Hang these about 2 to 3 feet above the floor, behind the speakers, and behind the listening position as well.

<span id="bass-traps"></span>
==== Bass traps ====

Bass traps are just bigger acoustic panels. The more insulating material, the lower the frequencies they absorb. It is most obvious when midrange and high frequencies are reduced in volume as this is within the range we are most sensitive to hearing differences in, since these are the frequencies of the human voice.

You may wonder what the point of a bass trap is. Most people want '''''more''''' bass, not less! Reflections are the enemy of bass.

If low frequency reflections are only a few milliseconds away from the original sound, they can cause phase issues where they cancel each other out, resulting in giant peaks and nulls in certain areas of the room, at certain frequencies. By '''absorbing''' the reflections, you wind up with '''more, and higher quality ''net''''' bass.

Bass traps usually start at 4” of thickness.

<span id="acoustic-foam"></span>
==== Acoustic foam ====

[https://www.amazon.com/JBER-Acoustic-Soundproofing-Resistant-Treatment/dp/B08R1JFZCF?crid=2ZD3L0YJRKWHH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I2VrY2tWcVyr8K7lX_3vj_F0oqWJSMyQWdmwc_CLXm0ETvcT70DlUkA5WkaV2_4e_k_vYbWY2ZzKwXM94vQYxgrmZOEtmIDK-ATi3sAbLLYU13HM_8tlJJ5YLp40IQciG0-1A2epdNltNct6tKiHIJ0rZZk5wdp96msp-Hhbxa7VsW81O_d2UZYfJVtqA8Hygwnzl2o2Gv5HuBsWLYUbJk3kbXaxxJEVoehDBHwgiUmRJnsIyBjr7JskLQHM8ra6AX4UsgFd3fpEZDRHMgBkpsJFDGFb8DdVepF0ODt6Q6I.4-RG_jpCaEIScDOr8y8kaImu864LS0mPU33Upfd76Zk&dib_tag=se&keywords=acoustic%2Bfoam&qid=1731827043&sprefix=acoustic%2Bfoam%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-6&th=1 Acoustic foam] is a much cheaper alternative unless you’re getting ripped off buying Auralex. However, it is way less effective. It mostly absorbs high frequencies, and the darker colors are exceptional at making rooms look depressing.

Still, this is considerably better than having nothing at all.

they don’t absorb low frequencies, just the higher ones. Compare that to, which are much more effective.

* '''Cheap Foam''': Absorbs only high frequencies; ineffective for bass.
* '''Owens Corning 703''': Absorbs a broader range of frequencies, including low ones.

Even with subpar treatment, you avoid some early reflections that can muddy up your sound. But trust me, investing in quality acoustic panels is worth it.

<span id="make-your-own-acoustic-panels"></span>
=== Make your own acoustic panels ===

Here’s what you need to make your own acoustic panels:

* '''[https://www.acoustimac.com/acoustic-insulation-materials/acoustic-insulation/owens-corning-acoustic-insulation/oc7032 Owens Corning 703 fiberglass]''' for the absorption material
* '''2x4 wood''' to frame the fiberglass.
* '''Burlap''' to hold the fiberglass in place and keep it from falling out
* '''Staplegun''' to attach the burlap to the wood frame.
* '''Brackets and drywall/brick anchors''' to hang them on your wall

That’s it. My original acoustic panels were all DIY.

Materials like Owens Corning 703 fiberglass and burlap to create broadband acoustic absorbers. Avoid using generic insulation from Home Depot as it’s not designed for sound absorption. Insulation is too loose, the sound waves move around the fibers but don’t get absorbed into it.

To recap:

* Buy some Owens Corning 703 fiberglass or a similar product for sound absorption.
* Grab some 2x4s and cut them to 2 feet by 4 feet.
* Purchase burlap and use a staple gun to wrap the fiberglass in burlap.

<span id="hunting-for-deals"></span>