Advanced Home Cinema Design Techniques – Using a professional THX Baffle Wall

The THX Cinema Baffle Wall

Image: THX.com

Baffle Walls are a Requirement for THX Certified Cinemas

A THX Baffle Wall is mandatory for all THX Certified ProfessionalCinemas.

The Baffle Wall at theAcademy Theater inHollywood, California is shown here.

Image: THX.com

• Baffle walls have been used since 1940’s• THX certification requires a baffle wall• Easy, cheap, Effective!• For best audio quality, you must use one

History

Shenzhen – Government project

Image: MIRO

Studio3 x P82 x P15

Image: Procella Audio & Pierce/Sylvan Studio

Benefits:1)Eliminates dip in frequency response due to Boundary Effect (around 100 – 300 Hz)2)Gives the best imaging, speaker efficiency, and impact3)Increases Max Output (SPL) by 6dB!4)Eliminates diffraction from speaker cabinet edges5)Eliminates sound reflected back through the screen and from the back wall behind the screen

Benefits of a THX Baffle Wall

Steps:1.Build baffle wall as per THX specs2.Insert speakers flush with front of baffle3.Cover front with 30-40mm Acoustic Absorber4.Hang A/T screen (Acoustic Transparent)

CEDIA 123 x P6101 x P18

Image: Procella Audio

Image: Procella Audio

CEDIA 123 x P6101 x P18

Image: Procella Audio

CEDIA 123 x P6101 x P18

Image: Procella Audio

Image: Procella Audio

Design of a Baffle Wall

Constructed on a timber frame of 2x4s.

On front side, attach with screws at least two layers of gypsum board (sheetrock).

The top outer layer must be a solid sheet material (preferably MDF), with a total thickness of all three layers at least 1.5”

It should span from wall to wall and floor to ceiling and be very rigid.

Cover the surface layer with acoustically absorbent material such as fiberglass, with an additional thickness of 1 - 1.5”. The material must be black.

Treat the space behind the baffle wall to eliminate resonances.

Construction of a Baffle Wall

Make a cutout for each screen speaker. The dimensions for Procella speakers are on the tech sheets and in the handbook.

Locate the speakers so that their acoustic centers are at 5/8 of the distance from the bottom of the screen to the top.

Make a cutout for mounting the subwoofer(s). It should be offset, not in the center of the baffle wall. If two subwoofers are used, they should be an asymmetrical distance from the center of the baffle wall and from the right and left room walls.

Build platforms (shelves) to support for the screen speakers. Make sure they are strong enough to support the speakers and do not rattle or vibrate.

Installing Procella Speakers in a Baffle Wall

The left and right speakers should be toed-in slightly towards the center line of the room.

Remove the grilles from all speakers and subs.

Secure the speakers to the back wall of the room with heavy-gauge wire or the equivalent.

Seal the space around the speakers with sound absorbing material like insulation or dense foam. Make sure the subwoofer does not cause any rattles. Procella subwoofers generate a lot of energy, so test for this once everything is in place.

Allow for air circulation and access to the amplifier/control panels when using the P815 and the P18, P15 and P10 subwoofers.

Procella Baffle Wall at CEDIA 2010 Without Screen

Procella Baffle Wall at CEDIA Expo 2010 With Screen

Procella Audio recommends Using a professional THX Baffle Wall for your next project•We can help you design the correct baffle wall using our products•THX Training – THX Certified Professional•Procella loudspeakers produce great audio•With a THX baffle wall they will sounds their best!

Image: EPIC Home Cinema

First ever private residential THX Certified Screening Room, uses Procella Audio loudspeakers.

Thanks From Procella Audio!

www.procella-audio.com

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