How to Get Rid of the Echo in a Large Room

by Michael Davidson, Demand Media

    The acoustics of a room can be distracting when the sounds within repeat. Echos occur when sound waves bounce off a surface and return back toward their source. Larger spaces have a noticeable echo because the human ear only notices the sound when it occurs slightly after the initial noise, meaning the sound had the time to travel out, reflect and return. To remove the echo in a large room, install a buffer to absorb the sound instead of reflect it.

    Step 1

    Install carpet on the floor. The carpet will help absorb sound waves and prevent them from bouncing back to create an echo.

    Step 2

    Hang curtains and wall coverings to further act as sound dampers. The more fabric you have covering any hard surfaces in the room, the less echo you are likely to get.

    Step 3

    Install acoustic tile in the ceiling if you can afford to do so. Acoustic tile is designed specifically to absorb sound waves to ensure the echo is eliminated. Acoustic tiling often is used on the walls in theaters to assist with echo reduction and allow performers to be heard clearly.

    Step 4

    Place furniture around the room. The less empty space in the space, the less distance the sound can travel. If the sound doesn't travel out and bounce back, you won't notice an echo.

    Step 5

    Use echo-reducing speakers if you have a sound system with an echo in the room. The speakers will be timed with each other to reduce any echo effect and make the sound come across clearer, ensuring it is easier to understand.

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