Equal room dimensions make standing wave modes coincide and distort low frequency sound

Evidence

The equation also shows that if any of the dimensions are integer multiples of each other, then some of the modal frequencies will be the same, which can cause problems. It is therefore better to choose noncommensurate ratios for the wall dimensions to ensure that the modes are spread out as much as possible. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1978

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to prior chapter material on room modes and standing waves, and to any studio-design reading on low-frequency room problems.