Livewire Home Theater Acoustics

Don StrahleDon joined Acoustical Solutions when the business began in 1997. He works with contractors and architects on projects throughout the United States and internationally, including large high-profile projects at the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian. Don is also an avid NASCAR fan and self-proclaimed foodie. 1-800-782-5742 Ext. 0114

A combination of sound absorption and diffusion hidden behind our fabric track system.

The Issue

The Livewire home theater installation company in Richmond, VA, needed a solution to both absorb and diffuse the sound for their client’s high-end system. They desired a high-end, elegant look for the project’s acoustic material. They also needed to meet specific requirements for the speaker system. Livewire contacted Acoustical Solutions for some guidance.

Two inch fabric wrapped panels installed over the theater seating and the bar area.

The Challenge

This Livewire home theater is located on the second floor of the home. The 25′ x 14′ x 8′ theater provides a wonderful gathering space for entertaining family and friends. Triad, the speaker manufacturer, required diffusion on the side walls around the surround speakers in order to break up the reflections and create an optimal listening environment. Most sound diffusers have a completely different appearance than typical fabric wrapped acoustic panels. Livewire was looking for a solution to combine both diffusion and absorption while maintaining a seamless appearance.

Seen here are the the acoustic components of the sound diffusers and absorption as specified by the speaker manufacturer before they were hidden with the fabric finish.

The Solution

After accounting for the needs of the speaker manufacturer and the customer, we came up with a solution that would satisfy everyone. Acoustical Solutions knew the AcoustiWall Fabric Stretch System and direct mount AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels would be the perfect combination to achieve all their goals. The extruded plastic track of the system easily frames around various acoustical substrates. Then, fabric could be stretched over the absorptive fiberglass and diffusive material. This allowed both absorption and diffusion material to be contained behind the fabric. Standard fabric wrapped panels directly over the theater seating and bar would reduce floor-to-ceiling reflections. All of the two-inch fabric track system was covered with Guilford of Maine Metallation Stove Pipe and the two-inch thick ceiling panels were wrapped with Guilford of Maine’s Crosstown Birch. Due to the power of the speakers and their proximity to the diffusers, there was concern they might rattle. So, we decided to coat the back side of the “Low Profile” AlphaDiffuser™ Sound Diffusers with Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound. This added weight to the diffusers to prevent speaker-generated vibrations.

Ceiling and wall panels installed here help reduce the sound reflections over the bar and counter.

The Result

The acoustical materials used in the installation made this home theater come to life. All the requirements of the customer are complete. The diffusers remain hidden and unobtrusive. The specifications from the speaker manufacturer are in place. All the acoustic materials blend with the design of the space. This room is truly more than a theater experience. The client’s theater room now looks as good as it sounds.

To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.

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Residential Acoustic Projects