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The Importance of a Baffle Wall
Whether used as an in-wall or as an on-wall speaker, the Hybrid Line Source is
optimized for use on a solidly constructed surface. It should not be mounted in open
framing, as this results in improper low frequency loading and many early reflection
and diffraction effects that adversely affect performance.
When used in an in-wa
ll configuration, the framing must be 2”x 6” or deeper, as the
Hybrid Line Source
is designed to take full advantage of the 5.5” depth found in such
framing. Ideally, each loudspeaker is “framed in” much as a window would be framed
in. This approach provides the most solid support of the loudspeaker, and
surrounding the face of the speaker with either the drywall or plywood wall surface
provides both bass reinforcement and the fewest reflection and diffraction problems.
Wall Construction Suggestions
Having a solidly-built wall is essential for getting the best performance out of any
wall-mounted speaker. After all, the wall may not move as much as the speaker
diaphragms, but it has
vastly more surface area. If it resonates even a bit, it can and
will color the sound greatly.
Hence, some suggestions:
1.
Using the supplied “ears”, scr
ew the speakers to the surrounding framing
rather than to the wall surface (sheet rock, plywood, whatever).
The
simplest way to do this is to frame in around the speaker locations so there is
only an inch or two of space between the speakers and the surrounding studs.
If you are building the walls anyway, the incremental cost of a few extra studs is
small. But it will pay off in quieter walls.
2.
Use specially designed drywall, such as Quiet Rock.
Quiet Rock is a
specialized form of sheet rock which has some constrained-layer damping built
into each sheet. More information at
http://www.quietrock.com
3.
Consider using double-wall construction with a flexible adhesive layer.
The best-known of these products is Green Glue; more information is at
http://www.greengluecompany.com. Plan on using it between the two layers
of a double-layered wall.
4.
Always create a smooth Baffle Wall from which the sound of the speaker
can emanate with as little interference as possible.
You can and probably
should plan on applying acoustic treatments to some of the room surfaces. But
make sure that the area around each of the speakers is absorptive rather than
