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 Q: Does Square Footing "ooze" like other plasticized materials
such as Sorbothane or Vibrapods?
A: Herbie's Square Footing will not ooze or smudge. They will
not mar, scratch or discolor any surface. Also, the soft-yet
-firm audio feet from Herbie's Audio Lab will neither dull nor
enhance the frequency response of components. Instead, they
will help bring out the true sonic character of your recordings.
Q: What are Herbie's footers made of?
A: Herbie's footers are molded from a secret blend of three different kinds of silicone,
vinyl and methyl-hydro siloxanes, evaporated residue of a common household cleaner,
and platinum. The materials have a unique balance of compatibility and incompatibility,
resulting in a viscoelastic compound that never fully cures and achieves incredible
vibration-absorbing ability.
Q: Does the component have to be a certain weight for maximum benefit?
A: No. Herbie's footers will begin to "give" with just a few ounces of weight on them. As
more weight is applied, the footers "squish" somewhat, but as more and more weight is
applied, the material offers more and more resistance. Unlike other "soft" feet that work
best only within a narrow weight range, Herbie's footers give superior performance over
a very wide weight range.
Q: Are the Square Footing feet as effective as cones or isolation bearings?
A: We have found them to be generally as effective or better, being more adaptable to a
broader range of applications. Hard cones and bearings are effective at reducing
vibrations in the horizontal and oblique planes; they often transmit, rather than diminish
, vibrations in the vertical plane, however. These types of devices are best used to
"couple" a component to a vibration-free surface. Square footing, by contrast, absorbs
vibrations in all planes; they work great between a component and just about any kind
of surface. They isolate components internally and externally. They work well in
conjunction with rigid isolation devices, too. For example, you might have cones
between your platform and floor -- using Square Footing between the platform and
component will make effective use of both theories of isolation.
Q: How do I attach the feet to my component?
A: The feet are free-standing. Although they do not "attach" to components, they make
a firm, slip-free contact. When your component is placed on them, everything will stay
put, almost as if the component were on suction cups.
For best performance, we recommend keeping the feet free-standing, used in place of
your factory feet. If you wish to attach the isolation feet to the bottom of your
component, however, they are available with pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Q: Would it be sufficient to use three footers instead of four under a component?
A: Although three footers are usually sufficient, we recommend four. The more vibration
-absorbing material contacting the component, the more effectively the component's
microphonic distortions will be eliminated. This is in contrast to the idea of cones and
other rigid, pin-point isolation devices where you want minimal contact.
Q: With my tube amp, I just put the cushy feet under the solid phenolic feet on the
bottom. Do you think that's OK?
A: Rather than place the footers under your factory feet, we suggest placing the footers
directly in contact with the amp chassis: one near each corner, and optionally one under the middle.
Some components have factory feet that are taller than Herbie's footers, so they will not
contact the chassis without a boost. Removing the factory feet is one option, but be
sure that the screws are replaced if they are holding anything together inside. Or you
can give the footers a boost by placing them on small wooden blocks or tiles. Combat
Boots can be double-stacked.
Herbie's footers almost always work best when directly contacting the component
chassis. This allows them to effectively reduce internally borne vibrations. If you have no
alternative, go ahead and place the footers under your factory feet, you'll get at least
some isolation benefit.
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Questions?
1.973.239.1799
