A Hemholtz WHAT?!

A Hemholtz Resonator. It's one of the neat new things I've learned during the process of building our new studios.

The original idea was to build three curved, stacked stone walls in Studio 1. Not only were these designed to be a stunning feature visually; but between the curved shape of the walls and the random surface of the stone, they would provide for random diffusion of mid and high frequencies. But studio designer David Rochester is taking things one step further. By filling the cavities with fiberglass insulation, then cutting small holes at the top, each of the three structures will also serve as a sort of giant Hemholtz Resonator.


Now I have to admit, I'd heard about Hemholtz Resonators but was never exactly sure how they work. So I did a Google search and started reading. I'd share what I learned, but I think the geeky detail meter would zip right off the scale. The short version is this: Hermann von Helmholtz made a discovery in the 1850's about the phenomenon of air resonance in a cavity. Think of the effect of blowing across the top of a bottle or the hollow space inside a guitar or violin. What happens to sound as it enters and exits a cavity through small openings involves resonance at specific frequencies. If you fill the cavity with damping material (such as insulation), a much broader range of frequencies is affected. So functionally, a Hemholtz Resonator helps tame the buildup of undesirable bass frequencies.


The electrical junction box in the center is for a handsome contemporary sconce which will throw light both up and down the stone.

The end result will be three structures which:

1. Are a beautiful architectural feature.
2. Diffuse mid and high frequencies for smooth reverberation.
3. Tame low frequencies to help give the studio an even frequency response.


Proving once again - when you want it done right...hire professionals.

Meanwhile, here's a giant stack of R-30 insulation ready to go into studio and control room ceilings before drywall goes up. You'll see the photos here soon.


Until next time...