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Creating the Optimum Audio in Home Theaters

At Beyond Home Theater, we partner with some of the world’s best home theater and acoustic designers to create home theaters at the highest level throughout Los Angeles County. When we start the process, many of our clients get excited about the possibilities that today’s audio-video technology provides, including 3D surround sound and lifelike all-engulfing images. 

However, one of the most important aspects of a great home theater is the acoustics. Only by addressing any acoustical issues can you achieve the fully immersive experience—hearing the soft whispers and the emotions that lie beneath them, every note in the musical score, and the screeching tires racing around the corners. 

Let’s explore what acoustic treatment is and how to get the best audio possible for your home theater.

SEE ALSO: 2 Frequently Asked Home Movie Theater Questions 

Why Do Acoustic Treatments Matter?

If you’ve spent time in a home before the furniture arrives, you’ve undoubtedly heard an echo when you spoke. This results from reflections or sounds bouncing off hard, flat surfaces. In a home theater, the reverberation results in muddy, unclear sounds. This can make it impossible to hear the dialogue on the latest blockbuster hit. While plush seating and carpets help, the only way to tame this rebounding effect is with the use of acoustic treatments. 

What Are Acoustic Treatments?

There are a few measures that ensure the highest quality of sound for your home theater. The first is using high-performance speakers. The second is installing sound absorption and acoustic materials. Typically, acoustic treatments come in the form of wall and ceiling panels made from wood wool or foam. 

This soft material dampens any echoes and reduces the number of sound waves rebounding throughout the room. They’re placed in strategic locations with just enough to control the sound without muffling it entirely and creating a dead space. 

Bass traps are another form of paneling. These are made for the low frequency sound waves, such as the deep rumbles of an explosion and the bass drums in the soundtrack. These panels, usually made from cotton denim, ensure the all-important bass is heard equally throughout a room. However, if not expertly installed, these traps can capture lower frequencies and drastically reduce the bass impact.   

Will They Affect My Home Theater’s Design? 

The art of acoustic treatments is all about finding the right balance. This may require front, side, rear, and ceiling panels to achieve the optimum sound quality. The good news is that these panels can be custom designed and come in limitless fabrics. When correctly integrated, they blend in seamlessly with your theater’s design and offer visually striking appearances, with some looking like works of art. At Beyond Home Theater, our acoustically proven home theaters rival the finest in the world and include Bel Air Circuit installations for those in the industry. To learn more about acoustic treatments and home theater design or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Beyond Home Theater today.