Are you sticking acoustic panels randomly? Actually, the “location” is more important than the “quantity.” From an engineer’s perspective, here is a pinpoint explanation that will drastically change your audio quality.
Does Acoustic Panel Placement Change Sound? The Importance of Behind Monitors and Speakers#
To suppress room echo, the ironclad rule is to hit the places where sound hits the wall and bounces back. This is called treating the “Initial Reflection Points.”
Why You Get Results Without Covering Every Wall#
Sound reflects off walls at the shortest distance, much like light. If you fill every wall, the room becomes too “dead” (anechoic) and sounds unnatural. By targeting specific reflection points, you can tidy up the sound stylishly and on a low budget.
Find the Spot Where Sound from Speakers Hits First#
The wall directly “behind” the speakers is crucial, not just the front. Sound bouncing off this wall and entering the mic is a major cause of muddy-sounding voices.
Balancing Visual Aesthetic and Practicality: Benefits of Placing Panels Behind Monitors#
Many streamers in Japan implement setup behind the “monitor.”
Physically Blocking Unpleasant Reflections Picked Up by the Mic#
While mics are strong against sounds from the front, they also pick up sounds bouncing off the wall behind them. Placing acoustic panels behind the monitor suppresses the sound amplification that occurs between the monitor and the wall.
Recommended: Pyramid or Egg-Crate Type Urethane Sponges#
Acoustic materials with uneven surfaces are more effective at diffusing and damping sound than flat materials. It also provides the “Gaming Aesthetic” seen on popular streams.
Practice! Pinpoint Installation for Speaker Backs and Room Corners#
If you want even clearer sound, add these locations:
Tackling Room Corners Where Bass Accumulates#
The four corners of a room accumulate bass, creating a “boomy” resonance. Simply placing thick acoustic foam in these corners makes the contours of your voice much sharper.
The Trick to Identifying Reflection Points Using a Mirror#
Hold a mirror against the wall and find the spot where you see your speakers from your listening position. That is the “Golden Point” where you should place your acoustic panels.
Check out our Complete Guide to Choosing Acoustic Materials for more details.