The THX Cinema Baffle Wall Advanced Home Cinema Design Techniques – Using a professional THX Baffle Wall Image: THX.com

Baffle Walls are a Requirement for THX Certified Cinemas A THX Baffle Wall is mandatory for all THX Certified Professional Cinemas. The Baffle Wall at the Academy Theater in Hollywood, California is shown here. Image: THX.com

History Baffle walls have been used since 1940’s THX certification requires a baffle wall Easy, cheap, Effective! For best audio quality, you must use one

Shenzhen – Government project Image: MIRO

Studio 3 x P8 2 x P15 Image: Procella Audio & Pierce/Sylvan Studio

Benefits of a THX Baffle Wall Eliminates dip in frequency response due to Boundary Effect (around 100 – 300 Hz) Gives the best imaging, speaker efficiency, and impact Increases Max Output (SPL) by 6dB! Eliminates diffraction from speaker cabinet edges Eliminates sound reflected back through the screen and from the back wall behind the screen

Steps: Build baffle wall as per THX specs Insert speakers flush with front of baffle Cover front with 30-40mm Acoustic Absorber Hang A/T screen (Acoustic Transparent)

CEDIA 12 3 x P610 1 x P18 Image: Procella Audio

Image: Procella Audio

CEDIA 12 3 x P610 1 x P18 Image: Procella Audio

CEDIA 12 3 x P610 1 x P18 Image: Procella Audio

Image: Procella Audio

Design of a Baffle Wall Constructed on a timber frame of 2x4s. On front side, attach with screws at least two layers of gypsum board (sheetrock). The top outer layer must be a solid sheet material (preferably MDF), with a total thickness of all three layers at least 1.5” It should span from wall to wall and floor to ceiling and be very rigid. Cover the surface layer with acoustically absorbent material such as fiberglass, with an additional thickness of 1 - 1.5”. The material must be black. Treat the space behind the baffle wall to eliminate resonances.

Construction of a Baffle Wall Make a cutout for each screen speaker. The dimensions for Procella speakers are on the tech sheets and in the handbook. Locate the speakers so that their acoustic centers are at 5/8 of the distance from the bottom of the screen to the top. Make a cutout for mounting the subwoofer(s). It should be offset, not in the center of the baffle wall. If two subwoofers are used, they should be an asymmetrical distance from the center of the baffle wall and from the right and left room walls. Build platforms (shelves) to support for the screen speakers. Make sure they are strong enough to support the speakers and do not rattle or vibrate.

Installing Procella Speakers in a Baffle Wall The left and right speakers should be toed-in slightly towards the center line of the room. Remove the grilles from all speakers and subs. Secure the speakers to the back wall of the room with heavy-gauge wire or the equivalent. Seal the space around the speakers with sound absorbing material like insulation or dense foam.   Make sure the subwoofer does not cause any rattles. Procella subwoofers generate a lot of energy, so test for this once everything is in place. Allow for air circulation and access to the amplifier/control panels when using the P815 and the P18, P15 and P10 subwoofers.

Procella Baffle Wall at CEDIA 2010 Without Screen

Procella Baffle Wall at CEDIA Expo 2010 With Screen

Procella Audio recommends Using a professional THX Baffle Wall for your next project We can help you design the correct baffle wall using our products THX Training – THX Certified Professional Procella loudspeakers produce great audio With a THX baffle wall they will sounds their best!

First ever private residential THX Certified Screening Room, uses Procella Audio loudspeakers. Image: EPIC Home Cinema

Thanks From Procella Audio! www.procella-audio.com HOME • CINEMA • STUDIO WORLD-CLASS HIGH PERFORMANCE LOUDSPEAKERS LOS ANGELES • STOCKHOLM • SYDNEY