Diaphragm Bass Traps
Diaphragm Bass Traps absorb bass and keep absorbing through the mids and highs. A single-piece 1/4" plywood diaphragm on the back of a deep, filled frame moves with the low end, and that energy is lost as heat in the fill. Both depths are predicted to work from about 80 Hz up on 2 ft wide traps and about 60 Hz up on 3 ft and wider, lower than a 4" panel reaches. For a single booming note below that, add a tuned Membrane Bass Trap behind it or beside it. Hang them on the wall with the spacer strips we fit in the shop, or stand them anywhere on floor legs.
Diaphragm Bass Traps for Low Frequency Control
A Diaphragm Bass Trap adds a single-piece 1/4" plywood diaphragm to the back of a deep, filled frame. Sound passes through the fabric and the fill and drives the diaphragm, and the low frequency energy is lost as heat. Both depths are predicted to work from about 80 Hz up on 2 ft wide traps and about 60 Hz up on 3 ft and wider, and keep absorbing through the mids and highs.
9" Deep
The 9" Diaphragm Bass Trap is 9-1/4" deep overall with 8-1/4" of 2.5 PCF mineral wool. Six sizes from 2 x 4' to 3.5 x 8'.
12" Deep
The 12" Diaphragm Bass Trap has 11-1/4" of unfaced fiberglass behind the fabric. Five sizes from 2 x 4' to 3 x 8'.
Front Face Options
- Full Range: Fabric over the open fill
- Low Reflection: Gives back part of the top octave
- Medium Reflection: Returns a growing share from about 800 Hz up
- High Reflection: Returns most of the sound from about 450 Hz up
Diaphragm or Membrane?
For general low end buildup, start here. If one note booms and the rest are fine, a tuned membrane bass trap aimed at that frequency is the better tool.
Not Sure What Your Room Needs?
Send us the room through our free room review form or call (818) 217-1653. Reach out to us for design assistance.
Questions
How does a diaphragm bass trap work?
Sound passes through the fabric and the fill and drives a plywood diaphragm on the back. The diaphragm and the flow resistance of the fill together reach lower than a porous panel alone, and the fill keeps absorbing the mids and highs.
Does it need space behind it?
Yes. The diaphragm needs open air behind it. Wall mounted traps ship with spacer strips that hold it clear of the wall, and the floor legs keep the gap on their own.
9" or 12"?
Both are predicted to work from the same frequency on the same width. Choose by the depth your room can give up and the sizes you need.
What do the reflection faces do?
A perforated hardboard sheet behind the fabric sends part of the higher frequencies back into the room, so a room treated with several traps does not sound over-deadened. The bass still passes through to the fill.