Modex™ Module
Wall or free-standing Tuned Bass Trap
Problem
Listening and performance rooms often suffer from low frequency modal problems. Because porous absorption is ineffective at these frequencies, a high efficiency mechanism is needed to provide modal control
Solution
RPG® solved this problem by optimizing the absorption efficiency using a unique internally damped membrane absorber that provides ideal absorption in the modal frequency range.
They are also available for floorstanding installation.
Small rooms often exhibit poor low frequency response with significant emphasis at modal resonances. They also have limited space to make acoustical improvements. Porous surface absorption is ineffective at these modal frequencies, because the air motion near walls and in corners is essentially zero for these long wavelengths. RPG® research solved this dilemma by developing a unique membrane system that converts the high sound pressure fluctuations typically found at wall surfaces and in corners into selective absorption in the modal frequency range. As the use of sub-woofers becomes more and more popular, there is a growing need for modal frequency management
Applications
All critical listening rooms, including recording studios, vocal booths, home theatres, quality control rooms, CD mastering, film mix and dubbing stages, and music practice rooms
Performance
Surface or corner applied porous materials lose efficiency at low frequencies, because the particle velocity or air movement associated with long wavelengths is low. The sound pressure, conversely, is at its maximum. The internally damped membrane in Modex™ exploits this high pressure by converting the pressure fluctuations into air motion. As the membrane sympathetically vibrates over a selective low frequency range (1), determined by its mass and stiffness, it pushes air (2) through an internal porous layer producing low frequency absorption (3). This innovative approach makes it possible for Modex™ to absorb the fundamental and higher harmonic modes that are often problematic in small rooms.
Resonant Frequency
Simple relationships exist between the design frequency of these
resonant systems and the membrane mass, stiffness and cavity depth. The
chart illustrates the effect of cavity depth on resonant frequency for
two different membranes. Note how the reciprocal square root dependence
on the air cavity distance (and mass) results in progressively smaller
changes as the distance is increased. These equations, however, are
often inexact in predicting the resonant frequency, because the
physical mass of the membrane in the system is different from the
isolated mass. If the resonant system has a high Q, one may be creating
a notch at the wrong frequency, thus aggravating the modal problems. Absorption Coefficient
Another unknown is the absorption coefficient of the resonant system.
Random Incidence absorption coefficient testing has been standardized
by ASTM using the C423 reverberation room method. The frequency range
is 125 Hz to 4,000 Hz. In the United States, most NVLAP certified
reverberation chambers are not accurate below 100 Hz. Accurate low
frequency measurements can however be made using an impedance tube. To
characterize the Modex™ system, RPG® designed a 2' x
2' x 18'
impedance tube and measures Modex™ in compliance with ASTM
C384.
The graph illustrates the effect of cavity depth on maximum absorption
for a given membrane system. It can be seen that this particular
membrane system has a good absorption between a cavity depth of 4 - 6".
These results indicate that we can provide relatively shallow
Modex™ enclosures Absorption Bandwidth
While membrane absorbers can be designed for a specific frequency and
offer a high absorption efficiency, their bandwidth or range of
frequencies over which they are effective is limited. One can broaden
the Q of the system by introducing damping in the air cavity, but this
is accompanied by lowering the maximum absorption efficiency.
RPG®
has taken a different approach to provide absorption in the modal
range. By systematic impedance tube testing, RPG® has optimized
the
membrane mass, compliance and cavity depths that offer maximum
absorption efficiency at the third octave centre frequencies of 40, 50,
63 and 80 Hz. To cover the 40-80 Hz frequency range, one can simply
combine Modex modules, thus providing 100% efficiency. Specific modal
problem frequencies can also be addressed with individually tuned
modules. Installation
Modex™ Module can be free standing, or can be flush mounted to a wall with the split batten mounting
Benefits
The Modex™ Module's proprietary internally - damped membrane converts any available wall or ceiling into a highly absorptive low frequency absorber
The Modex™ Corner (formerly Corner Bass Trap) provides useful low frequency absorption in wall - wall and wall - ceiling corners that are often unused and available for acoustical treatment. This means you don't have to sacrifice space for equipment
All Modex™ modules are modular and can be added as needed. The modules simply stack on top of one another and offer unlimited opportunity for experimentation and modification
Modex™ can be applied to walls, ceilings, corners or mounted free standing
Bass management in the sub-woofer region is now simply a matter of attaching Modex™ to walls, ceilings or corners
Modex™ modules can be upholstered and visibly installed or concealed behind ceiling clouds, soffits or stretch fabric systems
Modex™ Plus Modules (12" in depth) offer absorptive chevrons between the room and the membrane to extend absorption to cover the 40- 10,000 Hz frequency range
Product Options
Modex™ modules: 600mm(W) x 600mm (H) x 178mm (D)
Modex™ Plus Modules: 600mm (W) x 600mm (H) x 305mm (D)
Modex™ Wall Modules: 600mm (H) x 1200mm (W) x 178mm or 305mm (D)
Custom sizes also available
Standard fabric finish is Guilford of Maine FR701 #298. Custom colours are also available
Shipping weight varies with the membrane (Call for information)
Modex module - MDF finish - also available fully clothed or veneered finish with choice of fabric face, or scrim finished for concelled installations Features
Pressure zone membrane absorber Shallow 7'' depth offers optimal absorption
Stackable
Wall or free standing mounting
Lightweight
Portable
Modular