Building a Music Listening Room

A music listening room may sound like one of those luxuries we dream about when we think of all the things we’d like to do down the road, but there are some practical reasons for creating a room that delivers exquisite audio now. When the overall design contains proper ratios, acoustics, furniture, and an inviting aesthetic, a music listening room can become the place we spend the majority of our off hours. A place to unwind and soak in our favorite artists’ newest creations.

In order to deliver all that, the room has got to be done right, and that is the aim of this article. We will look at the benefits of building a music listening room of your own, as well as how to set it up to get the most out of your investment.

What is a Music Listening Room?

The term itself may seem self-explanatory, but a music listening room can mean different things in different applications. At its core, a music listening room is a space where the acoustical layout, electronics, and sound blocking ability exist in harmony to deliver superior sound quality.

Home and commercial applications may each represent a different use case. A home theater may simply be a place for audiophiles and their friends to catch up on the latest music releases, while a commercial music listening room may be used for mixing and mastering recordings with perfect precision. There are benefits to having a dedicated music listening room in each application.

Benefits of a Space Dedicated to Great Sound

A dedicated music room allows us to maximize the performance of our equipment and listen to high quality audio without distractions, if done right. With optimized speaker placement and proper acoustic treatments, we can focus on truly immersive hi-fi sound with acoustics that let us hear everything the creators intended. It is an amazing experience for those who truly appreciate music, and is essential for those creating music of their own.

Designing Your Music Listening Room

If a music listening room sounds like something you would benefit from, it is important that you design it correctly to get all that you want out of it. Everything from the shape of the room to the placement of the speakers will have an impact on the sound quality. If you’re beginning your build from scratch, gaining a basic understanding of the Golden Ratio of acoustics will help you select a room size that gives you the best starting spot.

The Golden Ratio of Acoustics

While not essential for a great listening experience, the Golden Ratio of acoustics is a theoretical ratio for room acoustics that is believed to produce the best possible acoustics. It is named after the Greek sculptor Phidias, due to the fact that he is believed to have used the ratio extensively in his sculptures, particularly in the design of the Parthenon.

Applying the Golden Ratio to Listening Room Acoustics

The ratio of (H)1 x (W)1.6 x (L)2.56, when applied to room layout, states that the width of the room should be 1.6 times the height, and the length should be 2.56 times the height. Getting close to that exact ratio will produce fantastic results. Whether you are building a room from scratch or deciding which existing room in your home is the best choice, you can use a ratio calculator to make your decisions easier.

The golden ratio in sound, often referred to as a representation of the Fibonacci sequence in audio frequencies, aligns with the golden ratio, ϕ, which is approximately 1.6180339887.

In sound, the golden ratio is applied in designing soundscapes, acoustics, and audio engineering, such as dividing room dimensions or intervals in a musical scale. The equation for the golden ratio, which can be adapted to sound-related concepts, is:

ϕ = (a+b)/a = a/b ≈ 1.618

Where:

• a and b are two quantities such that their ratio equals the ratio of their sum to the larger quantity.

Applications in Sound:

1. Frequency Ratios: When designing harmonious frequency relationships, frequencies can be scaled according to ϕ. For example, if f₁ is a base frequency, f₂ = (f₁ ⋅ ϕ) or f₂ = (f₁ / ϕ) can create intervals that feel naturally pleasing.
2. Room Acoustics: The golden ratio is often used to calculate the proportions of a room to minimize standing waves and improve sound quality.

   1. Room dimensions: L:W:H ≈ 1 : ϕ : ϕ ²

3. Time Intervals in Music: Time durations between notes or segments of a composition may align with golden ratio proportions for a balanced auditory experience.

While many believe there is no room shape that will eliminate acoustical issues completely, choosing a room that closely aligns to the golden ratio will help minimize resonance and produce crisp, clear sound that closely replicates what the artists intended.

Essential Acoustic Treatments for Your Music Listening Room

The shape of the room itself will contribute greatly to the acoustics, but there are some additional products that must be used in your music listening room to deliver the best possible acoustics. They are used to absorb and diffuse sound waves to eliminate acoustical issues created by reflections.

Absorption Panels and Their Placement

Absorption panels, also called acoustic panels, are intended to absorb some of the sound waves that would otherwise be reflected off of hard surfaces in the room and lead to issues like echo and reverberation.

When sound waves enter these panels, much of their vibrational energy is absorbed and damped, restricting their reflection back into the room. Proper placement of absorption panels will eliminate a great deal of acoustical issues from the room.

Acoustic panels should be placed in locations where reflections can do the most damage, acoustically speaking. These include directly behind the speakers on the front wall, behind the listening position on the back wall, and at the first reflection points.

To find the first reflection points, sit in the desired seating area and have a friend move a mirror along the wall until you can see the reflection of the speaker on the same side of the wall in the reflection. Repeat on the other side and you’ve got both first reflection points on the walls covered.

There are first reflection points on the floor and ceiling as well, and these can be found using the same process. For the floor, a thick rug will absorb some sound and won’t get damaged by foot traffic. For the ceiling, acoustic panels can be just as easily mounted there as they can on the walls. Mount one there and you’re set.

Diffusers for Enhancing Soundstage

Diffusion is another key element in creating great sound. Diffusers redirect reflections to maintain natural reverberation, spatial clarity, and a sense of openness in the sound. This improves room acoustics by preserving liveliness without adding unwanted echoes or dead spots.

Diffusers are most often placed on the back wall, directly behind the listening area, on sidewalls at listening height, directly above the listening area, and near the corners if possible. Many of the same spots where we utilize absorption panels can be fitted with diffusers, and finding an ideal balance between absorption and diffusion will provide the best sound.

Bass Traps for Better Low-End Control

Acoustic panels and diffusers are essential for tackling mid and high frequencies, but bass frequencies work a little differently and need an added layer of control. For this, we turn to bass traps. Installing bass traps will absorb the added pressure created by bass waves and eliminate the “boomy” sound that can interfere with other frequencies.

Bass traps are placed in the corners of rooms, where bass waves have a tendency to build up. Your bass traps will work best if placed a short distance from the corner, rather than right up against the wall, so give them some space if possible.

Speaker Placement and Calibration

Another consideration when creating a great music listening room is the speaker placement and calibration. For best placement, we must take into account the room shape and size, the listening position, and speaker type, but the following technique will work in a wide range of applications.

Optimal Speaker Placement Technique

The most common and effective placement of speakers is the equilateral triangle. This involves placing speakers at an equal distance apart at the front of the room, with both being at an equal distance from the listening position. This places the listening position at the apex of the triangle, an area known as the “sweet spot.”

For example, if your listening position is 10 feet from each of the speakers, the speakers should be placed 10 feet apart from one another. This setup optimizes stereo imaging and the balance between the left and right channels.

Additionally, speakers should be placed a few feet from the wall and angled toward the listener to produce the best sound. If possible, align the tweeters at ear level.

The exact distances of your speakers will depend on the size and shape of the room. Keep the aforementioned information in mind and play around with the listening room design until you achieve the sound you are after.

Calibrating Speakers for Balanced Sound

In order for speakers to produce the best sound possible, they must be calibrated. This involves everything from using high quality connections to adjusting the levels to produce the desired sound. If you are not an audio expert and don’t know anyone who can help you out, not to worry. There are a number of speaker calibration tools and software to help you with this process.

“Like all audiophiles, I have fought with room acoustics since I purchased my first stereo. With the recent introduction of the Acoustic Curve panels, I can honestly say that for the first time I am in love with the sound in my music room. Thanks Acoustic Geometry, you have saved me my sanity!”

-Paul Blizel

The Importance of Soundproofing

Once you have your speakers, seating, and acoustic treatments set up, the only thing left to tackle is any outside noise. If you live on a busy street or have some other source of regular outside noise, this can be an issue. Furthermore, if you keep different hours than the rest of your household, the beautiful sound you have created can keep others awake. If you are going to build a top-notch music listening room, soundproofing is necessary. Here are some common methods to reduce sound passage significantly.

Walls

If your walls are not as thick as you would like them to be, you will have to add material to add mass and density. Adding products like mass loaded vinyl (MLV), resilient channels, and Green Glue can help prevent sound passage from one side to the next. As a bonus, they are easy to install yourself, meaning you can save money on labor.

Doors

If you are working with hollow core interior doors, you will want to upgrade to something more solid. There are plenty of options on the market, but choosing a soundproof studio door will produce the best results. They are built for sound control and have the mass and density to keep most sounds at bay.

Windows

Windows are another point of entry for errant sound waves. If you aren’t in the market to replace your older windows, window inserts are an affordable option that provides both sound and thermal insulation. They are available in standard and custom sizes, so no matter your window size, you can find an insert to fit.

Seal All Gaps and Cracks

If there are visible gaps around your windows and doors, sound will pass through, no matter how well they are designed to perform. For windows, a simple bead of acoustical caulk will seal gaps and remain flexible for years, meaning the fix will last a long time.

For gaps between the door and frame, a door seal kit will take care of any sound passage. Choosing a door seal kit with an automatic floor sweep is ideal, automatically lifting when you open the door to prevent catching, and dropping when the door is closed to complete the seal.

Essential Products for an Optimal Home Listening Room

There are a lot of sound quality improvement products out there, and making choices between one and another can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this list of essential products for an optimal home music listening room.

Acoustic Treatments

Absorption Panels

Wood Wool Designs and FabriSorb Panels both look great and help reduce unwanted sound wave reflections and reverberation. They are available in a variety of finishes to match any design aesthetic.

Diffusers

Curve diffusers are ideal solutions for scattering sound waves and creating a balanced acoustic environment. Beyond that, they look great, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice form for function.

Bass Traps

CornerSorber Bass Absorbers are perfect for managing low-frequency anomalies and reducing “boominess.” If you like music with a lot of bass or enjoy watching movies in your music listening room, this is a must.

Soundproofing Solutions

Doors

The Studio 3D Soundproof Door is a fantastic product for preventing noise passage through doors, keeping inside sounds in and outside sounds out.

Windows

Climate Seal Window Treatments and Inserts enhance window sound isolation and allow you to keep your vintage windows. If you live in a historic home, improving performance while preserving the curb appeal of your original windows with window inserts is a win-win. Home Theater Cinema Port Windows are also great for interior windows.

Door Seals

Door seal kits complete the seal around even the heaviest door, preventing any sound passage while retaining the door’s full functionality. No matter what type of doors you have, their stopping power can be improved with a quality door seal kit.

Aesthetic and Functional Enhancements

Wall Systems

Wallmate® is a high tension fabric mounting system that revolutionizes the way fabric can be applied to walls as both a decorative and acoustical wall finish. If you want to give your music listening room a modern feel, this is a great product to help get you there.

Ceiling Treatments

Wood Wool works just as well for reverberation control on ceilings as it does walls. They reduce sound wave reflections off the ceiling and create an eye-catching focal point that ties the room together like a great rug.