Audio equipment is afraid of vibration, and vibration will affect the sound quality. This is a truth that everyone understands. The sources of vibration that affect audio equipment include driving motors, transformer magnetic induction, and speaker sound waves. In order to avoid the impact of vibration on the sound playback of the equipment, in addition to the shock-absorbing and vibration-absorbing measures taken by the equipment itself, various speaker isolation feet have also come into being.
Table of Contents
Types of speaker isolation feet
Speaker isolation feet on the market are generally divided into two categories: hard pyramid isolation feet and soft shock-absorbing pads, both of which can further eliminate the impact of vibration on audio equipment. Shock-absorbing equipment made of various shapes and materials can eliminate the impact of vibration on sound by conducting, isolating and absorbing vibrations of the audio equipment itself, the carrier (the ground or table) and certain frequencies in the sound waves.
Materials of speaker isolation
In nature, every object has its own inherent resonant frequency. Due to the different densities of each material, their inherent resonant frequencies are also different, and the transmission performance of each vibration frequency is also different. Therefore, for shock-absorbing equipment, the physical properties of the materials used are crucial. At present, the materials used to make shock-absorbing equipment can be roughly divided into five categories:
High elastic coefficient and low damping materials
Such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel and ceramics, the peak of this material is sharp, and the vibration transmission capacity changes greatly with the frequency near 40Hz, and the transmission capacity is higher than that of soft materials at high frequencies.
Medium elastic coefficient and medium damping materials
Such as wood, the vibration transmission capacity is between metal and rubber.
Low elastic coefficient and high damping materials
Such as rubber, the vibration transmission capacity near 200Hz fluctuates with the frequency.
Ultra-low elastic coefficient materials
Such as sponges, the vibration transmission capacity steadily decreases with the increase of frequency, and has little effect on the change of frequency, but it is not easy to transmit high-frequency vibration.
Composite materials
Such as stainless steel and rubber, the vibration transmission capacity has the advantages of both.
The working principle and function of isolation spikes
Isolation spikes and tripods use appropriate media and geometric shapes to minimize the contact surface between the audio equipment shell and the carrier, creating an acoustic high impedance area to produce an isolation effect, or “mechanically ground” the vibration of the audio system.
Hard pyramid spikes can not only guide the vibration of the equipment itself, but also block the vibration of the equipment from the outside world, so that the impact of internal and external vibrations of the audio equipment on the sound quality can be reduced. An effective shock-absorbing spike must convert the mechanical energy of the vibration into heat energy and dissipate it while transmitting the vibration.
Pyramidal spikes made of different materials have their fixed resonant frequencies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when using them.
Shock-absorbing pads
Shock-absorbing pads are used to absorb the vibration of equipment. Due to different materials, they can be divided into rubber pads, plastic pads, fluff pads, etc. In order to achieve good shock-absorbing effects, shock-absorbing pads that can absorb the main interference frequency band should be selected. At the same time, ultra-low frequencies (below 10Hz) below the audible frequency should be absorbed to improve the clarity of the sound.
Shock-absorbing isolation pads are particularly suitable for LP turntables and laser players. The effect can be seen immediately. For example, after placing shock-absorbing pads under laser players, the playback sound quality will be significantly improved, the bass will be tighter, the sound image will be better focused, and the human voice will be clearer.
Shock-absorbing pads made of different materials have different frequencies and conduction rates for vibration transmission, which is the key to selection. If a thick stone is used as the bottom, and a soft shock-absorbing rubber pad is placed on it, a better effect can be achieved.
Combining isolation feet with pads
The combination of pyramids and shock-absorbing pads can combine the advantages of both. The hard pyramid allows vibration to be effectively transmitted. When the vibration is transmitted to the shock-absorbing pad, the mechanical energy of the vibration is converted into heat energy due to the collision between the molecules of the high-damping interlayer material. The energy of the vibration will not accumulate near the cone. In addition, different materials have different resonant frequencies and different damping characteristics for different frequencies, so that this combination can have a wider band of absorption and damping, thereby achieving better results.
Regarding the use of pyramid feet, according to various experiences, because the vibration amplitude of each point on the material is different, the effect obtained when the position of the pyramid placed at the bottom of the audio equipment is moved back and forth is different. Usually three pyramid feet are used, placed in a triangle, and the best position is obtained by experimental methods. The effect of pyramid feet is most obvious in laser turntables and speakers.
Before the pyramid feet were commercialized, audio enthusiasts often used inverted high-footed glass wine glasses or drum-shaped elephant chess pieces to place under the equipment for shock absorption, which can also achieve the same effect.
Some FAQs
What are speaker isolation feet and what do they do?
Speaker isolation feet are small devices placed under your audio speakers to reduce vibrations. These vibrations can be caused by factors such as room resonances, foot traffic, or even the operation of other components in your audio system. By isolating your speakers from these vibrations, you can improve sound quality by reducing distortion and enhancing clarity.
How do speaker isolation feet work?
Isolation feet work by decoupling your speakers from the surface they are placed on. This reduces the transfer of vibrations between the speaker and the surface, preventing the vibrations from affecting the sound produced by the speaker. They often use materials with high internal damping to absorb vibrations and materials with low mass to minimize resonance.
What are the benefits of using speaker isolation feet?
- Improved sound quality: By reducing vibrations, isolation feet can enhance clarity, reduce distortion, and create a more focused soundstage.
- Reduced bass resonance: Isolation feet can help to control bass resonance, which can cause a bloated or muddy sound.
- Increased longevity: By reducing vibrations, isolation feet can help to protect your speakers from wear and tear.
How do I choose the right speaker isolation feet?
- The weight of your speakers: Heavier speakers will require more substantial isolation feet.
- The surface you are placing your speakers on: A carpeted floor will require different isolation feet than a hard surface like tile.
- Your budget: Isolation feet range in price from very affordable to quite expensive.
- The sound you are trying to achieve: Some isolation feet may be better suited for certain types of music or listening preferences.
Conclusion
There are usually two ways to shockproof audio equipment. One is to use a solid wooden or metal cabinet to place the equipment as a support frame, and the other is to use spikes, shock-absorbing pads or other things to isolate the equipment from the support frame, and the support frame from the ground. However, the sound characteristics of audio equipment are given by the designer, so not every equipment is suitable for using all shockproof equipment. The shockproof method should be determined according to the actual situation.
