Core
Services
What We Provide
We scale our scope of
work to fit the needs of the project, its Owner and the design & building
team. A typical "core" scope of work specifies that we will:
Specify
the Theater envelope's structural
details (e.g., framing, sheathing, insulating, decoupling,
isolating and caulking) as appropriate to meet our goals
for internal sound quality, as well as immunity from external noise and
vibration.
Based on detailed
modal analysis, provide exact, acoustically optimized room
dimensions for optimum support of low frequencies.
Using
a proprietary suite of in-house computer-based acoustical modeling and
prediction tools, specify optimum
locations for listeners
(the "money seats") and all loudspeakers (fronts,
surrounds and subwoofers).
Specify
type, quantity, make, model, location and mounting of wall- and ceiling-mounted
acoustic treatment
(e.g., absorbers, diffusors, reflectors, pressure traps and compound
devices) to optimize sound quality of the playback system.
Detail
the room's architectural features
(e.g., wainscot, doors, mouldings, columns, pilasters, bookcases,
etc.) in ways that turn them into assets in the overall acoustic
plan.
Issue
a Noise Criteria (NC) specification
and general HVAC system design
guidelines for use by the Owner's mechanical contractor to achieve the
desired comfort and noise levels.
Issue
drawings and specifications for dedicated electrical
service ("Technical Power System") to the room,
including call-outs for professional-grade powerline conditioner(s); wiring,
circuiting and grounding specifications; and wiring devices (outlets).
Work with
Owner and A/V dealer to finalize a core playback
equipment plan that fits the application. (Equipment supply,
interconnection design, control features and installation by others.)
Specify
an acoustically qualified fabric
material to be used at walls and ceiling to conceal acoustic materials,
speakers, subwoofers, etc.
Coordinate
with Owner, architect, general contractor and contractor's subcontractors
to facilitate the smoothest possible integration of Designer's plans within
the larger construction project.
Make site
visits to meet with
Owner, architect, builder, audio/video dealer-installer, and other key
project personnel to establish design direction, present drawings, review/inspect
construction progress, and/or to test and calibrate the final installation.
A solid grounding in the basics of acoustical, mechanical, electrical and electroacoustic theory is indispensable for what we do. But the real world is usually a lot messier than the crisp equations found in textbooks. We started out nearly 20 years ago by crawling through attics to run wires, gluing acoustic devices to walls and ceilings, and moving heavy speakers around an inch at a time to try to find the spot where they sounded just right. It's given us a perspective that few other acoustical designers have—a perspective that smooths the interface between the design and build-out teams. (Click here for a recent example.)
Detailed
Drawings, Clear Graphics
Our documentation takes the form of detailed, color CAD drawings specifying
the geometrical relationships between the listener, the room, the acoustic
treatment and the speakers and subwoofers. Cutaway views, section details,
mounting instructions and installation notes are typically included to
take the guesswork out of building what is likely to be the most technically
involved room in the home. We further simplify the builder's or A/V installer's
job by consolidating the project's acoustic material requirements into
a single master schedule with contact information for ordering.
How we Charge
We work on either a project basis, i.e., we charge a fixed fee based on
a detailed scope of work, or on an as-neeeded, time-and-materials basis.
Performance-Based Room Design (sm)
Building
your own dedicated A/V room?
Wondering how to get your room & A/V gear to
work with each other?
Questions about Home Theater or Listening Room acoustic
design?
E-mail us!
Copyright
(c) 1998-9 Keith Yates Design Group, Inc. All rights reserved.