RealTraps Debuts New Line of Bass Traps

RealTraps has introduced a line of acoustic treatment based on wood panel membrane absorbers. The centerpiece is a pair of broadband bass traps that greatly reduce low frequency standing waves. They also feature angled front panels that serve as diffusers to minimize flutter echoes and ringing. The bass traps are complemented by absorbers based on rigid fiberglass that tame midrange and high frequencies.

All traps are offered in two different heights. Models LB7 and HB7 are two feet wide by 7-1/2 feet high, and together absorb the entire bass range starting below 20 Hz. Models LB6 and HB6 are six feet high and operate down to 24 Hz. RealTraps are highly efficient yet less than six inches deep. They're also portable - the same traps can be moved easily between rooms if needed, or rearranged within a room to vary the sound.

According to RealTraps co-owner Ethan Winer, "We see a real need for proper acoustic treatment. Large recording studios have the resources to hire acoustic consultants and carpenters to design and build custom bass traps for them. Others cover their walls with foam rubber believing that's good enough. But foam has very little effect at low frequencies, and you don't want your rooms to be totally dead anyway. Now, with RealTraps, world-class acoustic treatment is available off the shelf for a reasonable price." Winer continued, "Bass traps may not seem as sexy as a new tube preamp or digital effects box, but adding proper acoustic treatment to a recording or listening room will probably do more to improve audio quality than anything else you can buy. Video editing suites, home theaters, churches, and auditoriums will also benefit greatly from RealTraps."

RealTraps pricing starts at under $3,000 per room. Complete information is available on the company's web site, including a detailed explanation of room acoustics and the issues involved in treating common problems.

RealTraps is owned by Ethan Winer and Doug Ferrara. Ethan is known throughout the industry for his many technical articles in audio and computer magazines, and he has engineered and produced several classical music CDs including a recording of his own cello concerto. Doug is a professional musician and has produced many CDs for area artists. He has owned a recording studio for more than twenty years and holds an advanced degree in engineering from Rensselaer Polytech.