How to Build a Bass Trap

Using a bass trap can reduce background noise on your recordings.

A bass trap is a very useful addition to any home recording studio. Many home recording studios use commercial acoustic-canceling foam. This appears to work when you sing or clap; you cannot hear any echo or residual ringing. However, these commercial foams often do not "trap" low-frequency noises. In order to stop these frequencies, you must install a bass trap. These can be made for surprisingly little at home with a few basic tools.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of high-quality pine, cut to 1 inch by 2 inches by 47 inches
• Two pieces of high-quality pine, cut to 1 inch by 2 inches by 21 inches
• Two pieces of burlap, one cut to 60 inches by 40 inches, the other cut to 26 inches by 50 inches
• Sheet of OC703 insulation 4 inches deep, cut to 28 inches by 24 inches (can be acquired from home supply stores)
• 4 drywall screws
• Drill
• Screwdriver drill bit to fit the drywall screws
• Small drill bit, slightly smaller than the drywall screws
• Staple gun
• Staples

Instructions

1. Place one of the 21-inch boards so its bottom is along the end of a 47-inch piece. This will make an L shape, with the 21-inch board sitting on top of the end of the 47-inch piece.

2. Drill a pilot hole through the 47-inch board into the 21-inch board.

3. Screw a drywall screw into the pilot hole.

4. Place the other end of the 21-inch board against the other 47-inch piece. Connect this side as detailed in the previous steps to build a box with the 21-inch boards between the 47-inch boards.

5. Drill a pilot hole and put a screw through the 47-inch board into the 21-inch board as before.

6. Attach the other 21-inch board in the same manner to construct a box-shaped frame.

7. Take the 26-by-50 piece of burlap and stretch it over the frame, stapling it into place. This is the bass trap backer.

8. Lay the 60-by-40 piece of burlap flat. Lay the insulation in the center of the piece of fabric.

9. Place the backer onto the insulation with the fabric you just attached facing down.

References

• You Tube: Killer Magnet:How to make a Bass Trap Acoustic Panel (Tutorial)
• Ethan Winer: Build a Better Bass Trap
• DIY Theatre Design: Build This Terrific Bass Trap