Sound Absorption, Bass Traps, Reflection Angles - Reason for 4BC Built Amphitheater w/ Perfect Sound
The principles that we use to help treat unwanted sound in your space are the same concepts that were used in the 4th century BC.
According to Bobby Owsinski's Big Picture Music Production Blog: The Mystery Of The Greek Amphitheater Solved: For centuries acousticians have argued over the secret to the excellent acoustics at the amphitheater of Epidaurus in Greece. READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
We didn't invent acoustics, but we have mastered the art!
Why did the ancient Greek amphitheater at Epidaurus have such good acoustics?
Research into the Epidaurus amphitheater points to its tiered limestone seating acting as a natural acoustic filter: it scatters and damps low-frequency crowd noise and background rumble while still reflecting the higher frequencies of the human voice up toward the audience, which is why performers could be heard clearly from the back row without amplification.
Strip away the history and it's the same two jobs a treated room does today. Corner bass traps absorb low-frequency buildup. Panels control reflections so voices and instruments stay clear instead of building into a wash of echo. The materials changed, tiered stone became fiberglass and fabric, but the two problems being solved didn't.
What made the Epidaurus amphitheater's acoustics so good?
Its shape and tiered stone seating filtered out low-frequency rumble while still reflecting the voice's higher frequencies out to every seat.
Does that principle still apply to a room in a house or studio?
Yes. Controlling reflections and absorbing the low end are the same two jobs acoustic panels and bass traps do in a modern room.
Do I need specially shaped panels to get an effect like that?
No. Standard flat panels at the corners and first reflection points do the job in an ordinary rectangular room.
Where does this matter most today?
Rooms where speech or music needs to reach every seat clearly: churches, auditoriums, classrooms and home theaters.
See corner bass traps and the panel collection.
