Most rooms suffer from bass problems whereby the wall boundaries cause low frequencies to reflect back into the room creating what are known as modes. These are most audible were frequencies combine to either amplify each other when in phase or cancel each other out when out of phase. This can make one listening point in the room sound boomy while another location can be totally lacking low end punch. This effect is controlled by adding some form of bass trapping. Bass traps absorb low frequency energy from bouncing around the room.

One of the most effective solutions is achieved by placing the bass traps in the corners of a room. It is well known that walls, ceiling and floor surfaces tend to guide sound energy into corners. This is why acousticians often look at these 'hot-spots' first when it comes to controlling the acoustic of a room. Furthermore, because corners are 'deep' and often unused, converting them into functional acoustic bass traps is very appealing.

Primacoustic offers several bass trap solutions, including corner mounted ones.

• MaxTrap – corner bass trap that employs a flexible membrane to absorb low bass.
• FullTrap - wall mounted bass trap also with a flexible membrane.
• Australis - corner trap made with open cell urethane block-foam.
• Cumulus - a tri-corner trap designed to mount where the walls and ceiling converge.

Of these, the most effective are the MaxTrap and FullTrap. This is because they combine a contained air space behind the trap and introduce a floating membrane (limp mass or spring) that moves as bass energy comes into contact.

But for those on a limited budget, or simply experimenting with acoustics, these bass trap solutions may be finacialy out of reach. Fear not, there is an affordable solution that works quite well and it is easy too.

You can build a very effective DIY bass trap by hanging the Primacoustic 24" x 48" Broadway panels in the corners using our innovative Corner Impalers. Two inch thick Broadway panels work well but we recommend using 3" thick panels because they will absorb more low frequencies for maximum performance. To install, all you do is affix four Corner Impalers on the wall, push out the panel hanging spikes, add a dab of glue for security and you are set to go!

Once installed, you will have created a large corner air space behind the panel that will be roughly 17” deep. This is sufficient to remove frequencies down in the 80Hz to 200 Hz region. By stacking two 48” panels, you can create a full 8ft (96”) high cavity in the corner for a visually appealing result. For even better results, fill the cavity with malleable fibers such as recycled cotton, or fiberglass batting. This really helps tame bass and we use this same approach in the Primacoustic London kits.

As a side note, keep in mind that the broadband performance of the Broadway panels will extend from low frequencies all the way up and beyond human hearing threshold. This means that in addition to bass reduction, mids and highs will also be reduced which will help control flutter echo, standing waves and strong primary reflections.