Term: Acoustic Space Loading

Low frequencies are not directional, so frequencies below about 250 Hz will radiate from a near-field speaker in a spherical pattern. When a speaker is near a single solid wall, referred to as ½ space, its low-frequency power will increase by approximately 2 to 3 dB. Placed near a corner, in ¼ space, the bass power will be increased by 4 to 6 dB. Many powered monitors provide space loading controls, which are low-cut shelf EQs, to counteract the effects of space loading. A speaker not near any boundary is said to be in whole space.