What can improve acoustics in a space with excessive reverberation?

Using sound-absorbing materials is an effective way to improve acoustics in a space with excessive reverberation. Reverberation occurs when sound waves bounce off hard surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a prolongation of sound that can clutter audio clarity. Sound-absorbing materials, such as carpets, drapes, acoustic panels, and ceiling tiles, can help mitigate this problem by providing surfaces that absorb sound rather than reflecting it. These materials convert sound energy into heat, which reduces the overall reverberation time in the space, making it easier to hear and understand speech and other audio signals.

In contrast, adding reflective surfaces can actually exacerbate the issue by increasing the amount of sound that bounces back into the environment, enhancing reverberation rather than diminishing it. While installing more speakers might improve audio coverage, it does not address the problems caused by excessive reverberation. Reducing the size of the room is not practical and doesn't necessarily solve the acoustic issues; it may even create different problems with sound quality and clarity. Thus, utilizing sound-absorbing materials is the most effective approach to manage excessive reverberation.