Menu
Carvin Audio
0
  • Audio
    • TRC Column Array Systems
    • Subwoofers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Power Amplifiers
    • In-Ear Monitor Systems
    • Wireless Guitar/Bass Systems
    • Wireless Microphone Systems
    • Power Conditioners
    • Microphones / Direct Box
    • Speaker Parts
  • Guitar
    • KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp
    • X1
    • Legacy Drive- VLD1
    • MACH100 100W Pedal Amplifier
    • WG5 Wireless Guitar System
    • V112E Extension Cab
  • Bass
  • Blog
    • Audio Info & Education
    • Guitar/Bass Amp Info & Education
    • News and Events
  • SALE
    • On Sale Now
    • Gift Cards
    • Newsletter
  • Rewards
  • Financing
  • Support
  • SINCE 1946
  • Sign in
  • Your Cart is Empty
Carvin Audio
Carvin Audio
  • Audio
    • TRC Column Array Systems
    • Subwoofers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Power Amplifiers
    • In-Ear Monitor Systems
    • Wireless Guitar/Bass Systems
    • Wireless Microphone Systems
    • Power Conditioners
    • Microphones / Direct Box
    • Speaker Parts
  • Guitar
    • KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp
    • X1
    • Legacy Drive- VLD1
    • MACH100 100W Pedal Amplifier
    • WG5 Wireless Guitar System
    • V112E Extension Cab
  • Bass
  • Blog
    • Audio Info & Education
    • Guitar/Bass Amp Info & Education
    • News and Events
  • SALE
    • On Sale Now
    • Gift Cards
    • Newsletter
  • Rewards
  • Financing
  • Support
  • SINCE 1946
  • 0 0

The "Golden Ratio" in Sound

October 19, 2020

In mathematics, if two numbers have the same ratio as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two numbers, they’re said to be in the “golden ratio.” If that sounds like Greek, don’t worry. The “golden ratio” in sound – more specifically in acoustics, doesn’t require you to understand the mathematical term and all its implications.

Instead, this ratio is related to set of ratios that tend to lead to the best acoustic response in a room, with a minimum of acoustic interference anomalies such as comb filtering, nodes, peaks, or dips. Knowing these ratios can help you to look for the best room in a house to put your studio or rehearsal space and are especially useful if you’re building a new space and can control the dimensions of the room.

The Ratios

It turns there are more than one set of ratios that have proven useful to acoustics experts over the years, besides the classic golden ratio – they’re all related to the golden ratio – here are a few:

  • 1 x 1.60 x 2.56 – The classic “golden” acoustic ratio.
  • 1 x 1.14 x 1.39
  • 1 x 1.26 x 1.59
  • 1 x 1.28 x 1.54
  • 1 x 1.30 x 1.90
  • 1 x 1.40 x 1.90
  • 1 x 1.50 x 2.50
  • 1 x 1.60 x 2.33

Any of these room ratios will prove much better for minimizing acoustic issues, and in some cases could nearly eliminate the need for acoustic treatment – depending on your usage.

For the most part, we consider the fixed number the height of the ceiling, which is normally 8 feet. So for example, a room built to the classic golden ratio would be 8 feet high by 12.8 feet wide by 20.48 feet long. A big room!

Many rooms built to spec opt for 10-foot ceilings instead, which would yield a room 16 feet wide by 25.6 feet wide when using the classic ratio. It’s not common to have that much space, so some of the other ratios are often used, for example 8 feet by 9.12 feet by 11.12 feet – a much more normal size.

Unfortunately, most existing rooms are not built to these specs, and are often built with evenly divisible ratios, which is a headache for amateur and professional acousticians alike. This is why learning a bit about smart acoustic treatment is so crucial.

Of course, it is possible to adjust a room’s dimensions – at least to some degree. An existing room is hard to make bigger, but it may be possible to make the room slightly smaller by adding a false wall on one or two sides, or even a false ceiling. For example, take the room this article is being written in. 16.5 feet long by 8.5 feet wide with an 8-foot ceiling. Dividing the length and width by 8, we can see that the ratio of this room is 1 x 1.06 x 2.06. Not ideal, but at least not evenly divisible.
  • Share:


Also in Audio Info & Education

Compression 101
Compression 101

September 29, 2023

Compression is one of the most important tools in any producer or audio engineer’s playbook, but it’s often misunderstood. It’s often thought of as mysterious and hard to get, but in truth, it’s not that complicated. Here, we’ll start you off with a basic overview – compression 101, if you will. If you’re brand new, this should help you lay a solid foundation, and if you’re a salty old veteran, this review may clear a few things up or just remind you of the basics.

Read More

Groove Mastery: Building a Solid Foundation for Bassists
Groove Mastery: Building a Solid Foundation for Bassists

August 07, 2023

There’s nothing more important than groove in a solid tune, and groove is job number one for bassists – even when they’re going wild with virtuosic amazingness. That’s why the combo of bassist and drummer is called the rhythm section.

Read More

Innovative Audio Processing Techniques for Live Performances
Innovative Audio Processing Techniques for Live Performances

August 04, 2023

Live music performance has come a long way in the past thousand years, and modern performance has come even further in the past couple of decades. Amazing, innovative use of tech has let performers pull off fantastic feats – from aural experiences that just don’t exist in nature to epic, multi-part works presented by just one or two people.

Read More

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…

Contact Us    858-751-4884
support@carvinaudio.com

International Sales

Warranty and Trial Period

Shipping

Manuals

NoFraud Frequently Asked Questions

Thiele/Small Parameters

Schematics

Firmware Download

Become a Dealer

About Us

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all of the earth; make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praises. Sing to the Lord with the harp and the voice of the psalm." - Psalm 98:4-5

© 2023 Carvin Audio. Carvin Corp.
POS and Ecommerce by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Venmo Visa