tomlinmgt
Lunatic Member
Here's a simple overview of the construction of some "superchunk" style broadband corner absorber/bass traps I built. I used Owens Corning 703 rigid fiberglass panels (2'x4'x2") but other materials such as compressed rockwool (Roxul) panels could be used as well. A 2'x4' panel cut in half and then each half cut into four triangles yields eight 24"x17"x17" pieces which will be roughly the dimensions of the finished trap. One certainly isn't restricted to this size but it makes for the most efficient use of a 2'x4' of panel while still yielding a trap of sufficient size to be effective.
I elected to keep my traps around 3' tall as I have obstructions (diffusors) in my front corners and couldn't go floor to ceiling. Even if you intend to build floor to ceiling traps I'd recommend building two and stacking instead of one tall one. They are easier to handle this way and with my construction method more rigid.
The frame is simply 3/4" plywood for the base and cap and 1"x2" vertical stringers and sheetrock corner protectors (thin galvanized steel) for the stringer that will butt into the corner. The thinness of the metal corner protector allows placement of the trap in the corner with minimal standoff.
The pictures pretty much explain everything. All connecton points were pre-drilled (to prevent splitting) and screwed together. The assembly has lots of twist to it when standing alone but as you start to populate the frame with the fiberglass/rockwool it will become increasingly rigid. Once you get to the last half dozen or so pieces you can unscrew where the corner protector attaches to the plywood cap and move the corner protector out of the way and gently lift up the cap just enough to slide in your last pieces of fiberglass. Screw the corner protector back in and cover just the face or the entire assembly if you wish. I used speaker grill cloth material but certainly burlap and muslin cloth are nice breathable fabric options as well. Also, if you cover the the superchunks with a fabric that approximates or is the same color as the walls they'll blend right in and practically disappear. WAF issue solved.
I'd estimate one 17"x17"x24"x4' tall corner trap to cost about $30 to build if you can get a 2'x4'x2" panel for around $8...which is what I paid here in the DFW area.
Oh, and yes, they definitely improved LF response in my room. They weren't a silver bullet for the LF dropout issue I had in my listening spot, but they certainly made a big difference.
I elected to keep my traps around 3' tall as I have obstructions (diffusors) in my front corners and couldn't go floor to ceiling. Even if you intend to build floor to ceiling traps I'd recommend building two and stacking instead of one tall one. They are easier to handle this way and with my construction method more rigid.
The frame is simply 3/4" plywood for the base and cap and 1"x2" vertical stringers and sheetrock corner protectors (thin galvanized steel) for the stringer that will butt into the corner. The thinness of the metal corner protector allows placement of the trap in the corner with minimal standoff.
The pictures pretty much explain everything. All connecton points were pre-drilled (to prevent splitting) and screwed together. The assembly has lots of twist to it when standing alone but as you start to populate the frame with the fiberglass/rockwool it will become increasingly rigid. Once you get to the last half dozen or so pieces you can unscrew where the corner protector attaches to the plywood cap and move the corner protector out of the way and gently lift up the cap just enough to slide in your last pieces of fiberglass. Screw the corner protector back in and cover just the face or the entire assembly if you wish. I used speaker grill cloth material but certainly burlap and muslin cloth are nice breathable fabric options as well. Also, if you cover the the superchunks with a fabric that approximates or is the same color as the walls they'll blend right in and practically disappear. WAF issue solved.
I'd estimate one 17"x17"x24"x4' tall corner trap to cost about $30 to build if you can get a 2'x4'x2" panel for around $8...which is what I paid here in the DFW area.
Oh, and yes, they definitely improved LF response in my room. They weren't a silver bullet for the LF dropout issue I had in my listening spot, but they certainly made a big difference.
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