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Debunking the Myths - Sound Diffusion

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GIK Acoustics

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:
https://www.gikacoustics.com/product...


"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 5001k with some panels working up to 25kHz, 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."

posted by sramotimew