Question

How do obstacles/structures in the middle of rooms affect room modes and standing waves? For example, in Studio B, there is that structure right in the middle of the room. Do you get even more modes because there are more walls?

Answer 1

Obstacles or structures in the middle of rooms can affect room modes and standing waves, leading to changes in sound distribution and intensity.

Step-by-step explanation:

When obstacles or structures are present in the middle of rooms, they can affect room modes and standing waves. Room modes are the resonant frequencies at which specific patterns of standing waves form within a room. The presence of obstacles or structures can cause changes in the distribution of these standing waves and create new nodes and antinodes, resulting in the formation of additional room modes.

For example, in Studio B, the structure in the middle of the room may act as a barrier that reflects sound waves and causes constructive or destructive interference. This interference can either reinforce or cancel certain frequencies, leading to variations in sound intensity in different areas of the room.

Therefore, the presence of obstacles or structures in the middle of rooms can indeed lead to the formation of more room modes due to changes in the way sound waves interact and interference occurs.