There are a few reasons why it is not generally recommended to put speakers in corners. First, corners can create resonances, which can distort the sound. Second, corners can reflect sound waves, which can make the soundstage sound muddy and confused. Third, corners can reduce the bass response of speakers.
Resonances
Resonances occur when sound waves bounce back and forth between two hard surfaces. This can happen in corners, where the two walls meet. When sound waves resonate, they can create a buildup of energy at certain frequencies. This can make the sound sound boomy or muddy.
Reflections
Sound waves also reflect off of hard surfaces. This can be a problem in corners, where the two walls meet. When sound waves reflect off of corners, they can arrive at the listener’s ears at different times. This can make the soundstage sound muddy and confused.
Bass response
Bass waves are omnidirectional, meaning that they travel in all directions equally. However, when you put a speaker in a corner, you are essentially blocking one direction of sound travel. This can reduce the bass response of the speaker.
Exceptions to the rule
There are a few exceptions to the rule of not putting speakers in corners. Some speakers are designed to be placed in corners. These speakers typically have bass ports that are located on the side or rear of the speaker. Corner placement can help to increase the bass response of these speakers.
Another exception to the rule is if you have a small room. In a small room, there may not be a lot of other places to put your speakers. If you do need to put your speakers in corners in a small room, try to place them at least a few inches away from the walls. You may also want to try using acoustic treatments, such as bass traps or diffusers, to help improve the sound quality.
Tips for placing speakers in corners
If you do need to put your speakers in corners, here are a few tips to help improve the sound quality:
- Place the speakers at least a few inches away from the walls.
- Experiment with different speaker angles.
- Use acoustic treatments, such as bass traps or diffusers, to help improve the sound quality.
- Listen to your speakers critically and adjust their placement until you are satisfied with the sound.
Putting speakers in corners can lead to a number of sound quality problems, including increased bass response, reduced stereo imaging, and increased distortion. If possible, you should avoid placing your speakers in corners. There are a number of other places where you can place your speakers that will result in better sound quality. However, if you do need to place your speakers in corners, there are a few things you can do to minimize the sound quality problems.
