[topher_m]

Hi
Unfortunately I am left with an asymmetric setup - speakers 3-4' from one side wall and 13' from another. How do I treat to approximate symmetry?

I could hang treatments "in mid air" on the "wall-less" side to mimic those on the side wall (same vertical and horizontal position).

Does this sort of setup dictate that I go with absorption at first reflection points vs diffusion?
My thinking is that I want to minimize the reflection from the actual wall but I am not sure if setting up another black hole on the other side will help symmetry.

Another thought is to go with diffusion like the RPG bad panels that would actually give me some diffuse reflection from both sides. Perhaps that would result in more "symmetry"

I know symmetry is kind of a cardinal rule but there have to be lots of other people in this situation.

Thanks

[Russell Dawkins]

I think you are right about that being a common situation - asymmetry, that is - and I haven't experimented enough to be able to provide an answer. I have never bothered to try to duplicate the acoustic characteristics of a wall.
I do wonder if you have considered a center line diagonally out from a corner, though. I have seen quite a few situations where that was the only option enabling lateral symmetry and the resulting sound is often very good. I also believe that in this case the center corner behind and between the speakers really does benefit from substantial wideband absorption.

[bpape]

If the other wall is that far away, I'd just start with the close wall.  Try to make it appear farther away by minimizing early reflections.  You also might consider a thicker panel beside the close speaker to minimize additional boundary gain in the bass.

Bryan

[BobM]

I have a similar situation. I used 2 GIK 244 panels. One at the first reflection point on the "wall" side. The second at what would be the first reflection point if there was a wall on the open side.

Works pretty well. If I move the open side panel away the soundstgae collapses. But with it in place I have anice expansive image that is centered very well.

Enjoy,
bob