Sound Reproduction

CHAPTER 21

Acoustical Materials and Devices

The development of glass fiber and mineral wool as sound absorbers had a significant influence on audio. As discussed in the early chapters, a combination of these materials and close-microphone recordings had a lot to do with the elimination of “space” from reproduced sound—reflections became enemies of what was then fashionable as “good sound” except, fortunately, in live, unamplified performances. A common practice among acoustical consultants has been to walk into a room, stand, clap hands, listen, furrow the brow, and announce that there are serious problems that require an expert's help and possibly some expensive repairs. This is superb marketing, but it is not analysis of a kind that matters ...