Noise Control and Being a Good Neighbour
Whether you live in a private dwelling, or in a multiple home dwelling, such as a condo or apartment building, one should pay attention to controlling the sound from home theatre and stereo systems. In this case, we are generally talking about managing the bass frequencies of the sound system. High frequencies tend to be absorbed by common building materials. The physical/mechanical aspects of sound transmission are complex, but the average person can apply some simple and inexpensive methods to minimize the unwanted transmission of bass frequencies beyond the listening space.
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Transmission of bass frequencies can often be controlled by placing bass-producing speakers on pieces of rubber material. These can be as simple as scrap pieces of rubber mat, salvaged rubber feet from other equipment, etc. The physical placement of speakers can determine the amount of bass frequencies that the sound system produces in the listening space. Generally, more bass is generated by placing speakers in corners, and along the shortest wall of a room.
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Of course, adjusting the bass and volume controls is a method that can be used to satisfy personal tastes or to control the sound in any situation. Many home sound systems now employ a subwoofer to provide enhanced bass response. This can add lifelike sound quality to the home listening experience, but it is probably the source of most noise complaints. The subwoofer channel of most video program sound tracks has more bass intensity than one generally finds in television, radio or music sound sources. To prevent disturbing the neighbours, one should employ all of the methods detailed above, to reach a happy medium of being able to enjoy full spectrum audio within reason. Personally, I ask my neighbours listen in their homes, while I adjust my maximum sound system volume to a level that they would not complain about.
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