Following the recent release of its stand-alone, tunable Vari Bass, acoustic solutions manufacturer Vicoustic has turned its attention to a more permanent solution for addressing low frequency issues. The newly released Super Bass Extreme panel is a pressure zone optimized absorption system that uses a range of mechanisms in a single panel to eradicate low frequency problems and control corner reflections, without deadening the sound like a standard foam bass trap.
Optimized for corner mounting, Super Bass Extreme’s elegant wooden front is based on Vicoustic’s flagship Wave Wood panel. This is combined with a membrane, two high-density foam layers and a micro-perforated rear panel, with 1mm holes, that acts as a Helmholtz resonator. Designed to provide effective low frequency absorption between 60-125 Hz, it delivers maximum effectiveness between 75 –100 Hz. The wooden front panel has two functions, providing sufficient mid-high frequency absorption to control corner reflections without deadening the sound, while simultaneously acting as a diffuser.
Vicoustic’s Jorge Castro explains the concept behind Super Bass Extreme: “When porous materials such as foam are applied to corners or walls, they become less efficient in dealing with low frequencies because the particle velocity or air movement associated with long wavelengths is low. However, the sound pressure is at its maximum. Super Bass Extreme’s internal membrane transforms this high pressure by converting the pressure fluctuations into air motion. The membrane sympathetically vibrates over a frequency range of 75-85 Hz, causing the air to pass through a layer of high-density foam that absorbs the low frequencies. Because of the high pressure it has also been possible to introduce a further technique for aiding absorption, with the micro-perforated panel at the back of the unit acting as a tuned Helmholtz resonator. Tests actually showed the perforations to give 20% more efficiency, compared to using a non-perforated panel.”
Super Bass Extreme is highly recommended for smaller rooms with low frequency issues. The panel can be used in different corner positions and its modular structure allows further units to be added as required. With an eye to interior design compatibility, Super Bass Extreme is available in five elegant wood finishes that match Vicoustic’s range of Wave Wood panels.