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DIY Acoustic Panel

One of the most overlooked variables in any high-end listening or recording environment is the room it takes place in. Size, shape and materials present in the room can all have a profound effect on what happens to sound after it leaves the speakers or instrument. Acoustic panels are simply pieces of sound-absorbent material placed around the room to lessen the effect the room has on the source sound. With some readily available materials you can build your own acoustic panels to improve the acoustic properties of your room while keeping cost at a minimum. Standard insulation purchased at a home supply store offers favorable sound absorption and can be framed and hung about the room to reduce reflections and standing waves caused by subwoofers.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 pieces of 2x4-inch lumber, 8 feet long
  • Circular saw
  • Electric drill
  • Tape measure
  • 8 wood screws, 2.5 inches
  • Insulation (bat or foam)
  • Decorative fabric (2 yards)
  • Staple gun
  • Picture frame mounting hardware
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and cut two 2-foot sections and two 4-foot sections of lumber for a rectangular frame using a circular or hand saw.

    • 2

      Lay the four pieces of wood on the floor and arrange into the shape of the frame so that the 4-foot sides of the pieces are vertical.

    • 3

      Screw the frame together using the wood screws; two screws per joint.

    • 4

      Measure and cut the fabric into a rectangular piece that is 8 inches longer than each side of the frame. This will leave enough excess fabric to wrap around the back of the frame.

    • 5

      Staple one side of the fabric to the back side of the frame with the staple gun. Wrap the fabric around to the front of the frame and stretch it across, securing it in the same manner for each side. This will leave one side of the wooden frame covered in fabric and the other open.

    • 6

      Fill the open end of the frame with insulation.

    • 7

      Cover the open side of the frame with fabric and secure in the same way as the back side. This will create a finished panel, filled with insulation held in place by fabric on each side.

    • 8

      Hang the finished panel using the picture frame hardware in the same manner you would hang any painting or framed item. These instructions are for one panel, but you may wish to assemble several panels and hang them uniformly spaced around the room.

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Recording Music

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