Customer Showcase: Case Western Reserve University

"The acoustic panels at The Spot were created with visual and acoustic design in mind. We worked closely with the painting contractor to create custom size panels that mimic the linear pattern painted on the wall and the bright "Sunshine" color chosen for the space. The placement of the panels on the back stage wall, also assist in absorbing sound waves before they can bounce off the back wall; creating a cleaner sound as it is initially projected into the space."

- Carol D., Audimute Product and Custom Design Specialist

The Problem

The Spot is a social venue for students at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Cleveland Institute of Music. This active large space also offers foosball, a pool table, Wii, flat screen TVs, dining, and bar area. They have a quality sound system and host live music on a regular basis. It was this area near the band that needed addressing. With such a lively venue, it can be difficult to hear your band mates and thus, perform at the optimum level.

The Solution

We were contacted by the painting contractor for Case, Dependable Painting. They were planning to block off vertical stripes of bright yellow in various thicknesses on the back wall of the staging area and wanted an acoustic wall treatment that would work with their design as well as help control the acoustic issue. We created twelve 6' tall panels in various widths from 6" to 29". After providing fabric samples, they chose "Sunshine" from the Guilford of Maine Anchorage style and mounted the acoustic wall treatment panels behind the stage following the painted linear pattern.

The Outcome

Leaving space between panels assists in breaking up the sound waves, thus allowing more control of the sound. Additionally, the placement helps to capture sound within the stage area so that musicians can more clearly hear what they are putting out. This also allows the sound to travel out into the audience versus reverberating against the back wall.