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Soffit Mounting Tutorial anyone?

Jaimo

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I understand that soffit mounting main speakers is a studio best practice.

Is there any benefit with doing this in a domestic stereo system? Is there a well documented scientific approach that helps with optimal setup.
 

sergeauckland

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Soffit mounting is used in studios so that the window into the studio is left unobstructed. Better than soffit mounting is in-wall mounting either side of a window, but that is often a problem with space and/or size of the window. Whether soffit mounted or in-wall mounted, the techniques are the same, and would indeed suit home HiFi if building a dedicated listening room. It's pretty much impossible to do this with 'normal' home building methods, whether dry-wall or solid wall.

One very sensible and very close alternative to in-wall mounting is corner mounting where a triangular enclosure is fitted very close to, but not touching the walls, with the gap filled with a compliant material like silicone rubber or foam. The main problem in most houses is the absence of suitable corners, but again, if it's a new build music room then it's quite possible. I almost did it myself, but decided to move to another room in the house, so glad I didn't.

For lots of technical detail, have a read of Philip Newell's book, Recording Studio Design.

S.
 

Guermantes

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Just be aware that most domestic speakers are designed to be free-standing, so you will probably need some EQ to adjust for a rise in bass response if you flush-mount them.

John Sayer's studio design site has an interesting forum with various people's practical experience of flush- and soffit-mounting speakers. There might be something in there that matches your situation: http://johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/index.php
 
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