Debunking the Myths - Sound Diffusion

There's a lot of misconceptions about Diffusion, but in this video we dispel some of the myths and go over some of the basics of how diffusion works and how to get the most out of your acoustic treatment.

GIK Acoustics Diffusion Products:

"It’s easy to look at a piece of professional diffusion and assume that you can just glue some random blocks together and achieve the same effect, but what might look like a bunch of scrap wood stuck together should actually be a carefully calculated series of wells designed to scatter sound evenly at a specific frequency range.

You might have learned this the hard way if you’ve tried to DIY a skyline style diffuser. On top of the painstaking process of affixing the pieces together, the sequence of blocks must be carefully measured and cut to certain specs in order to produce an effective piece of diffusion that won't cause other acoustic issues.

This is also true for other common DIY options such as using egg cartons, bookcases or other furniture as acoustic treatment. Books themselves would do more to absorb sound than reflect or scatter it, and the random depths from a bookcase won’t come close to producing the effects of a carefully measured and calculated piece of diffusion.

Unfortunately not all products that are marketed as diffusion properly scatter sound, so make sure the panel you’re getting was engineered to do what it’s supposed to do.

Even if you have an effective diffusion panel, not placing it property or using it in the wrong application isn’t going to give you the effect you’re looking for.

Just like with bass traps, there’s a minimum amount of panels you’ll need to hear a noticeable affect. Just throwing up a few pieces of diffusion isn’t going to cut it. Different types of diffusion are more finicky about placement than others, but regardless, you’ll need a dedicated strategy for adding diffusion to your room if you want the best results.

Dedicated diffusion mostly only works in the ranges between 500-1k with some panels working up to 2-5kHz, but it’s common to see people try to use too much diffusion in a small space where Bass trapping should be a priority.

Combination absorption and diffusion panels such as the Alpha and Impression can help you strike a balance in these situations, but your first priority in any room should be bass control.

Some types of diffusion require a certain amount of space for the sound to scatter. This doesn’t completely rule out diffusion from being used in small rooms, but it does limit where in the room they’ll be the most effective. Diffusion also works best when the sound is aimed directly at the panel. This is why the back wall is a good place to start adding diffusion into your room.

You might have heard that diffusion can make a room sound larger. It’s a point we’ve made on this channel, and while it is true it’s important to note that diffusion does not increase the reverb time within a room. You’re not going to be able to make a small bedroom sound like a cavernes auditorium by adding a lot of diffusion, and this is actually a good thing.

If diffusion added reverb time then those lingering reflections would mess with whatever original sound you’re trying to mix or produce.

Instead, Diffusion tricks your brain into not being able to localize the reflection, making the size of the room less obvious to the ears.

Diffusion can be a tricky endeavor, so if you need help planning out your diffusion strategy or just have more questions about room acoustics, visit us at our website where you can find tons of useful tools, articles and videos."

[warpacademy]

Much of the information here is spot on, with one big exception. The human ear is not sensitive to the type of diffusion when the diffuse sound is coming from behind the head (front and sides are different). So it doesn't matter if you're fussing about exact formulas. What matters is "visual irregularity" and that you don't cover more than 50% of a module or 30% of your entire back wall with diffusion for a control room. And in fact many types of back wall diffusors can create problematic hot spots. Source: Master acousticians and control room designers Philip Newell and Tom Hidley.

[CyberBeep_kenshi]

When it is said the pattern needs to be calculated, but they end up like 'pretty' patterns, i have a hard time believing it really is the case. Especially when they add swirly patterns etc etc.

Where can i find the calculations?

[mysockC]

I have four of these same exact panels as the one in the front to diffuse flutter echo, and they do provide ample diffusion and an unambiguous audible reduction in echo from 1 kHz to about 7-8 kHz from sonogram measurements. The one disappointing thing was that they are simply stacked together with some allthread right after they are routered, and have no mounting points, which is an issue when they are just sheets of MDF. I had to disassemble them, modify them to actually be able to mount them, and then reassemble with wood glue and some fixturing for alignment. They also weigh 30 lbs. each so are quite substantial to mount. If they assembled them with adhesive/glue and included structural mounting points I'd have nothing but praise as they do work very well. If you were to use the stuff they include without modification, not only can the panel come completely apart, but it can fall off the wall after the screws strip. I'm not saying this to poopoo the product. In my case they are mounted overhead on a soffit, so if one came down it could literally kill someone standing underneath. If you buy some of their panels, do check them over before mounting.

[antiHUMANDesigns]

Of course a company that sells acoustic products don't want you to build them yourself.
Don't listen to this video. You can google instructions for building good diffusers fairly simply, and it'll cost you less than half of what companies charge you for pre-built ones.
You'll save a _huge_ amount of money by building acoustic treatment by yourself.

[carcar]

I just saw another video that said to put diffusers behind your front speakers for small rooms.. im so confused

[MrExo_D]

lol only we can make a DIY diffuser. dont do it yourself!!

[howardskeivys]

My hifi has to fight for it’s right to be in our 18 by 21 feet family lounge. I have deployed absolutely no room correction or acoustic treatment other than a large plush rug, set on our hard wood floor, in front of and between my large floorstanders.

Over the years I have changed out components, one at a time and appreciated the differences they make. Very recently I replaced my large 2 and 3 seater leather sofas for a slightly smaller 2 and 3 seater fabric sofas. I was shocked. They’ve totally killed the room. The room has lost it’s ambience. The sonic signature of my hifi has changed significantly. It is now far more, well, intimate! I’m not sure that I like it. I guess I will grow to like it, as these sofas are here for the long term. I can regain some of that former ambience, by ramping up the volume to 85db plus, which requires turning the volume control to 1 O’clock, where as previously, turning it to 11 O’clock would have achieved that goal. I guess the new suite is made from a more energy absorbing material.

Whilst I appreciate that acoustic treatment under the appropriate circumstances can make a difference, I think my room is dead enough, even though I’ve large windows, concrete flooring clad with wood and dry walls! I still think I prefer to invest my hard earned money in equipment, not room treatment. If you want to remove the effect of the room on your music, use headphones. No, it is not the same is it!

[akshaykchawla]

I have tried to buy the diffuser for the studio in India and filled up that form but your representative was selling the eq balancing software which i don't need, i have reference 4 already

[mcsweet]

Hello, Is there a way to only buy the front diffusor part of your 2X4 Diffusor/absorber Pad ?

[carcar]

I have a big question. I have an onkyo tx rz820. And I thought I could do 7.2.2 atmos. Turns out I can only do 5.2.2 atmos or 7.2. I have a small room. 12x11. The big question.. should I return the upfiriring Dolby atmos speakers and do 7.2. Or is it better to do 5.2.2 atmos with the upfiriring speakers??? I kinda like 7.2. I'm thinking the upfiriring speakers don't really make that much of a difference. Am I wrong? What should I do??

[xfloodcasual]

Diffusion is like a reverb unit where you keep the LENGTH the same, but increase the ROOM SIZE knob.

[ssuuppeerrbbooyy]

Im glad they used the science and math when they designed egg cartons. They wouldnt be that good in sound diffusion if they didnt.

[monsterrun]

These "complex maths" is really just we throw out everything our artists makes up and see what sticks...

Test them and ..oh hear it sound more spacial..wait i need to activate the fake surround effect..and done.

Diffusion can works pretty well on flat records, no dsp or eq modification...but then again we have technology..D'oh.

Diffusion might be interesting if your building a live concert room..with live non electronic equipment..

But yeah..diffusion is a mix of Art and Science..
The art of taking your money and "its complex math"..audiophile marketing.

[Tysto]

Just FUD to justify their products and services.👎