Acoustical Consulting Services, Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the services process work?
The first step is gathering information. For this we use the application form. Once a customer has filled out this form, we follow up with a phone conversation and collect the remaining information we need to begin work. We have to know things that may not come across in the form, such as, the speakers can't come out more than 3 feet, or that piece of furniture has to remain in a particular spot. After this, we will give our client a very good idea of what to expect in terms of results when finished. There are some rooms that have severe limitations and we would recommend that they either find another room, or may not get the results they are looking for from our services. This is very important part of the process and it is only after the client understands the benefits and limitations of what we can do for their room do they make a commitment to use our services. Once we begin, we usally provide some preliminary concepts within a weeks time. Once this is approved we begin a full scale report which generally requires a few weeks. After it is complete we deliver it to our client for review and comments. Usually, we do one more iteration to accomodate any changes our clients may need. For more information on the design process, please see this article on Designing a Media Room.

2. How do I know which level is right for me?
In general existing rooms should use either level 1 or level 2. Level 1 goes through theoretical measurements only. It is adequate when you have some severe problems that need to be corrected. It is not as comprehensive as level 2, which uses both theoretical and actual measurements for the computations. If you are working with a dealer, the dealer will make the necessary measurements for you. If you are not working with a dealer, we will send you the necessary equipment to make the measurements yourself, but you will need a computer that can be connected to your audio equipment, and it must have a duplex (stereo) sound card. It is not important that the soundcard be a very high quality sound card.
New construction can be at level 1 plus, level 2, and 3; we will not do new construction in level 1. Level 3 is primarily for new construction, or a situation where the room can be modified greatly. This level goes beyond just the room acoustics; it considers electrical, HVAC, ergonomics, and even structural components. Additionally, we meet with the audio dealer, architect, and builder to discuss materials and methods to be used for construction. We also take all (both physical and acoustical) measurements ourselves. This level is based on time, materials, and expenses. It can be expensive, and should be reserved for those that require the utmost in service and performance.

3. When should I fill out the application form?
Whether you are building new construction or using an existing room at any level you should use the application form. If it is an existing room, fill it out as completely as possible. If it is new construction, you may either write "new construction" in the drawing, or put in any constraints that you do have for the new construction. For example, you may know that one of the exterior walls must be 28 feet, or you may know that the windows are 36 inches wide by 48 inches high to match the rest of the house. Fill out whatever information you do know, and leave the rest blank. We will follow-up with a phone conversation to determine if there are any other constraints you may have forgotten.

4. Is there any obligation in filling out the application form?
There is absolutely no obligation. Once we receive the form we will call you and follow-up with questions that will help us figure out the scope of the project. If you agree on our proposal, you would then send in a deposit (see payment schedule) which would initiate the project. If you do not agree on the proposal, there is absolutely no obligation.

5. Why is it called an application, can I be denied service?
It is an application for us to begin to consider what is involved in designing or modifying a room for the customer. Although it's very unlikely, it is possible that someone would be denied service. For example, if someone sent us a round room to evaluate, we would have to respond that there is very little we can do to help this room without major renovation, and we would recommend that they find another room. Our concern is delivering a rewarding result for the customer, if we know up front that will not be possible, it's better that our customer knows this as well.

6. What if I can't answer all the questions on the form?
That's okay, particularly in new construction, we understand you won't have all the answers. Answer the questions as completely as you can, and give any boundaries that might exist. Such as the ceiling can not be more than 10 ½ feet high. We might make it lower for acoustical reasons, but at least we know that is the maximum.

7. How much does it cost and what is the payment schedule like?

Level 1 is a flat rate: $1200
Level 1 plus is a flat rate: $1800
Level 2 is a flat rate: $2700
Level 3 is based on time and materials. We will deliver an estimate to you once we evaluate the project.

In general we require 1/3 deposit to begin the project. This occurs after the initial phone conversation, where we fully assess the needs of the customer. In general 1/3 is due at the completion of measurements, and the final 1/3 is due upon receipt of the final report. Below is greater detail for each level of service:
Level 1:
·1/3 is due upon initiation of the project
·1/3 is due upon approval of the concept drawing
·1/3 is due upon receipt of the final report
Level 2:
·1/3 is due upon initiation of the project
·1/3 is due upon approval of concept drawings
·1/3 is due upon receipt of the final report
Level 3:
·1/3 due upon initiation of project and acceptance of full project plan and payment schedule
·the rest will follow the plan and payment schedule

8. What can I expect my final report to look like?
Final reports are impressive 36 x 24 inch high resolution and scaled plots. These are similar to architectural prints, with detailed assembly drawings for all acoustical devices that are being used. In level 3 full construction documentation is used. You can see some reduced size drawings in our examples sections.

9. How will I receive results?
Results are mailed to you. You will have a bound color hard copy. In addition we will follow-up with an electronic copy that you may also keep for your records.

10. What do customers say about Rives?
We could tell you they love us because they do, but hearing it from us really isn't very convincing. Here are a few links that might shed some light on the subject.

Audiogon Thread

Audio Asylum Comment

At either of these two sites you can do a search on Rives and find out what the audiophile community is saying about our service and our company.

11. Room acoustics aren't attractive, do you have a way of hiding this stuff?
This is a common myth of room acoustics. While it's true that there are some less than attractive pre-fabricated panels and devices, we feel that in most cases room acoustics should integrate into the decor. We have gone to lengths for some clients, such as designing 90% of the acoustical treatment into a coffered ceiling and using drapes and other furnishing strategically to accomplish the acoustic goal and maintain the traditional look of the home. Whatever your tastes, from exotic contemporary to exquisitely traditional, we can design an acoustical system to meet both the needs of sound quality and aesthetics.

We typically discuss with clients the three design aspects: sonic benefit, aesthetics, and budget. These three work in tandem. All of our designs are custom to suit your needs.

12. Can you work with my architect / builder?
Absolutely! In fact, we prefer this because often times the builder and architect have information that is very important to the project. They frequently have ideas or ways of doing things that benefit everyone. In order to execute your designs, if we are not using pre-fabricated acoustical treatment, it will be very important for us to communicate with your architect and/or builder.

13. My question doesn't appear here.
Please e-mail us, or call us at 800-959-6553, we will be happy to answer your question.

Download the application form