Effect of computer monitor on sound field.

[williamr]

I'm curious about the physics of the set up shown in the Genelec "How to place your monitors" web page.

They show a set up where the computer monitor looks like it would block some of the sound field. Could one set up a pair of speakers exactly as shown in the picture and not worry that the computer monitor will interact with the soundstage? I guess the monitor size is so small compared to sound wavelength that diffraction and other types of interactions is not really a problem? I'm asking because this would work for me because my desk currently cannot be placed right up against the wall and is offset a little into the room just as shown in the picture.

 

[DVDdoug]

I'd guess the video monitor makes a measurable difference. But the audible difference may not be noticeable or maybe not terribly detrimental. In the surround setup I wouldn't want the center behind the monitor so maybe the audio monitors are above the video monitor? (I didn't check the link.)

I'm asking because this would work for me because my desk currently cannot be placed right up against the wall and is offset a little into the room just as shown in the picture.

If you don't have a choice, you don't have a choice.

 

[Sacha]

Everything in the path between the speakers and your ears is going to have an effect on reflections / comb filtering etc. Most of us need a working surface, screen etc. though so we have to deal with some trade-offs. You can try things like angling / raising or lowering your screen, putting absorption on your desk surface (if you have room) etc. and measure before / after to see if it has a significant impact.

 

[anotherhobby]

I have my displays mounted about 1" behind my speakers. With my display arrangement, the speakers are slightly wider than the ideal triangle, but I'd take that over sticking them behind. Either way having big flat displays between your speakers is less than ideal, so we just do the best we can.

 

[Zek]

... Either way .... we just do the best we can.

View attachment 377661

And how does two cats sleeping in their beds affect sound dispersion?

 

[anotherhobby]

And how does two cats sleeping in their beds affect sound dispersion?

Absorbers. Mostly helping with desk bounce.

 

[williamr]

I have my displays mounted about 1" behind my speakers. With my display arrangement, the speakers are slightly wider than the ideal triangle, but I'd take that over sticking them behind. Either way having big flat displays between your speakers is less than ideal, so we just do the best we can.

Nice. I understand your set up. But what I don't get is the scenario where the monitor is *in front* of the speakers as shown in the Genelec diagram.

 

[Philbo King]

I'd expect noticable diffraction. Not good. My setup uses a 50" monitor (TV) positioned so the front corners of the speakers are closer to the listener than the edges of the TV.

 

[anotherhobby]

Nice. I understand your set up. But what I don't get is the scenario where the monitor is *in front* of the speakers as shown in the Genelec diagram.

Yeah, I don't get it either and wouldn't do it. I was just sharing my setup as a counter example.

 

[D!sco]

A monitor behind and above the screen makes plenty of sense. Either a wall or stand mount pointing down can help avoid desk bounce and reflections go behind you from that angle.

 

[wwenze]

A monitor flush with the speaker front will actually help reduce the bass cancellation from backwall

Nice. I understand your set up. But what I don't get is the scenario where the monitor is *in front* of the speakers as shown in the Genelec diagram.

Many studios have the desk in the middle of a room.