How I Made My Own Curved Acoustic Diffusers / Deflectors DIY Project

How I Made My Own Curved Acoustic Diffusers / Deflectors DIY Build Project.
First, the very first cut I made was improperly made on purpose. My table saw is very small and didn't have the rip capacity for the panels I was cutting. I chose to do the cut from the inside because I didn't have any other choice.
For this project I did not have any plans or drawings to follow. I just decided to make my own acoustic diffusers, ventured out to the hardware store and within one hour I ended up with a cart full of the things I had decided to use. I have to say that I am very happy and pleased with the results. The performance I have gotten from these panels have exceeded all my expectations and I may even make further improvements by filling the panels with dampening material. As you saw in the video the panels are hollow, I did add two layers of vibration dampening but I may end up stuffing them with some type of dampening material. I could also choose to use spray insulating foam, however I will have to drill various holes in the back panels to let the excess of expanding foam be released. Otherwise the expanding force will brake the front panels ruining them. Weight is one of the things I am considering when it comes to adding anything and was a key factor in the design I made and material I chose. I just don't want to end up with very heavy panels. As they stand right now they are 11 pounds 14 ounces heavy. I am using 5 (16 lb rated) Command removable hanging strips per panel to hold on the walls.
I spent about $132.00 in materials to make three panels which brings the price of each panel to about $44.00. However I did have the textile moving blanket and the fabric laying around the house. I estimate adding those two items to the expenses would bring the price of each panel somewhere between $50.00 to $55.00. Now, they are not easy to make and are very time consuming moreover If one doesn't have the right tools and real state to complete the project. With this in mind the GIK product is a great alternative for the budget conscious audio enthusiast. The Acoustic Geometry ones are a fit for the cost no object individual and they are certainly very handsome looking; your decision.
Some of the tools you will need:
Belt sander: amzn.to/2OpOrk6
Table saw: amzn.to/2LzAXV9
Miter saw: amzn.to/2AlBW6l
Jigsaw: amzn.to/2OsUAfq
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Drill: amzn.to/2Am7l8n
Drill bit set: amzn.to/2LWuwYj
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Level: amzn.to/2NQUCg3
Large square measuring tool: amzn.to/2Ou6PYX
Small square measuring tool: amzn.to/2OsUmVr
Retractable cutter: amzn.to/2Lv4Yp0
Regular sissors: amzn.to/2NU1V6E
Heavy duty sissors: amzn.to/2Am7gl7
Stapler: amzn.to/2NVBeyB
Vinyl measuring tape: amzn.to/2Lya18r
Reg measuring tape: amzn.to/2K4F5Xv
Pencil: amzn.to/2LAyh9E
Pro Respirator: amzn.to/2mQc60x
Reg Respirator: amzn.to/2LX5f0d
Some of the materials you will need:
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Liner: amzn.to/2LzDZsv
Staples: amzn.to/2v2xSm8
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Textile blankets: amzn.to/2LOCR3s
Contact Cement: amzn.to/2K6l4A7
Disclaimer
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[@Jaisean]

“Since I don’t have a fancy tool.... “ ME: “finally, a tutorial worth watching “

[@WestonStephens]

Nice attention to detail!

[@mpitogo1978]

Beautiful work!

[@albanyrebelion]

super clean

[@LuisSantiagoPinto]

Really nice work! Allow me just one tip (correction), you should have filled the "box" with absorption material, (wool or foam) not only that thin textile sticked to on the back. As it is now, with no absorption inside, it's working like a resonator, and can be problematic.

[@BPTVch]

I know, check the description of the video. Thank you.

[@handroids1981]

Mate, this is absolutely brilliant! Subbed. I'm loving the nothing fancy tooling, great stuff!

[@officialWWM]

Cool. But does it work?

[@delugedj]

enjoyed that man! good work

[@NoName-zi9qs]

12" diameter builder's tubes cut in 1/3rds is easier and cheaper to construct diffusers out of.

[@sean_heisler]

That's brilliant. Does the diffusor material, in this case cardboard (softer) versus poly (harder), play a factor in performance?

[@officialWWM]

Awesome. Im curious how well they worked. Does the size of the curve matter?

[@ToolsAndI]

You can judge for yourself as to how they worked by watching this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXu3anlrfMZnf6c

[@ToolsAndI]

I assume the size and radius matter but can't speak scientifically about it. All I can say is these made wonders for the acoustics of my tiny listening room.

[@officialWWM]

@@ToolsAndI Thats good enough for me, lol. I've made a bunch of acoustic panels but everything I watch tells me I need diffusion as well, so I guess I'll build a couple of these :)

[@audiononsense1611]

The radius does matter but more importantly it's the positioning. Lots of comments here that are complete nonsense, acoustically speaking and Rock Wool is carcinogenic! Note: A radius type diffuser is used for a specific frequency range ( as @LuisSantiagoPinto mention above, the cavities need to be filled but not completely and with 2 different types of acoustic materials based of frequency range of solution). Not fiberglass or Rock Wool- for more reasons than I have time to explain... Diffusion is a complex solution that requires loads of measurements, proper placement ratio's of source and listening position. That said, any DIY solution without addressing the problem may or may not improve a specific room issue however it takes measurements and knowledge to get it right.

[@officialWWM]

Did they work? They are more effective if you drill holes in them, fill them with insulation, then cover the whole thing with fabric. They will then act as diffuser/absorbers.

[@ToolsAndI]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXu3anlrfMZnf6c

[@ToolsAndI]

Judge for yourself using the video.

[@Jlaudiomustangs10]

Looks hella nice...but is sound not supposed to be "absorbed" into the panel?

[@Oneness100]

@Daniel Miller Those aren't diffusors, those are redirectors. Different concept. Angle of reflection is the angle of incidence.. So they really aren't DIFFUSING the sound. Quadratic diffusors are really the only REAL diffusor. It's just a matter of what Prime number to use, where to place them and whether or not to have vertical diffusors for a horizontal pattern or using both vertical and horizontal for a 2D pattern. I would highly suggest going to www.acousticfields.com and they have DIY build plans to make your own and they have 2'x2' versions that you can stack anyway you want.. They don't cost that much to make, only some time. But they have a variety of different sizes/Prime numbers to use.

[@matthewward5813]

@@Oneness100 lol you comment on every acoustic treatment video I watch pushing acoustic fields and Dennis’ profucts... You gotta be a shill...

[@Oneness100]

@@matthewward5813 No, I just like their products since they had a demo room I went to about 7 years ago and it blew me away. I've been trying different room treatment products over the last 25 years and I've never had the success that AF achieves with their products. I have also learned a lot about room treatment and acoustics from Dennis as I have had conversations with him, and we've exchanged emails, but never once has he told me to make comments promoting his products, nor do I get paid any money from his company.. I've only met him once, and he's made a HUGE impact on me from his knowledge. That's what some people like myself do, we get exposed to a life changing product or person and we like to promote them.. is there anything wrong with that? I won't recommend something that I don't fully believe in.. but to just piss on something because you don't know enough about a product or technology isn't what I consider to be good. or to promote falsehoods or myths that have permeated into the industry. At least educate yourself on what is out there, and if you're in a position to try the product or to have been exposed to it, then at least get that baseline to draw from. Room acoustics discussions is one thing, but experiencing it has to be done in person. Whatever I could ever say about a product isn't going to match what is going to happen when you experience it for yourself.. As far as Acoustic Fields is concerned. When I stumbled across them, it wasn't even for room treatment, it was for noise barrier, and what I wanted to do in my situation was simply not going to solved with any "product" and he told me I simply had to knock down a wall and start from scratch. but because I didn't own the building, I couldn't do that kind of modification, so I have to live with a certain noise.. He just invited me to check out his demo room, which I did, and that's what hooked me. It was that much of an improvement in sound, and we discussed his product line so I'm pretty familiar with what they make.. There are a few products he has that I have no experience with, but I do understand the concepts behind what he's doing.

[@Oneness100]

@@matthewward5813 Yeah, most acoustic treatment videos are promoting bullshit and that does upset me. There's companies and people that promote using acoustic foam in the corner of the room calling it a bass trap. Seriously, that is just 100% total horseshit to call foam in the corner of the room a "bass trap". Foam only is effective down to about 125hz, that's the lower mid range frequency rather than a "bass" frequency or a low frequency. Look on a 88 note piano, and the bottom 2 octaves top out at around 110hz.

[@Oneness100]

@@matthewward5813 The other thing is I've made a lot of mistakes based on the same information many of these room treatment videos are discussing, and I've learned a lot of the same myths that have been going around and I just want people to at least get more knowledge and not make the same mistakes. Is that wrong?

[@mcrafford]

I like the music. I will save this for when I am ready to make my own acoustic treatments.

[@oblivionwalker8613]

Fill them with mineral wool insulation! Such as Roxul Safe N Sound. Or denim insulation, blue fill I think it's called. Similar to those moving blankets. Both VERY good for absorbing sound! Fill the structure with some insulation, and drill 1/4 vent holes in the front to let sound waves pass. Use a layer of felt or speaker cloth on the inside to keep the insulation contained. Put 'em in the corners and you have GREAT bass traps!

[@ToolsAndI]

I have considered Roxul but still haven't gotten time around this project. I may do it next year because it is getting cold outside.

[@SoyJuanManuelChannel]

BUT THIS IS NOT AN ABSORPTION PANEL is a diffuser. Not need wool insulation.

[@oblivionwalker8613]

@@SoyJuanManuelChannel You can do both. Sometimes called a diffsorber. Combining the two (such as a quadratic diffuser with insulation in the back) can give the best of both worlds by scattering pleasant highs and trapping problematic lows.

[@ducamuk]

That is some amazing craftsmanship. Thank you for posting. ✌️

[@AnUndisclosedLocation]

That is an 'amazing' overstatement.

[@Zeus.Martinezz]

How much was each panel? And how long did it take you to make it?

[@ConfidenZeTheHumanTorch]

how much for 2???

[@arlarl5122]

That’s not really a defuser. You need dense materials to bounce sound off of (I.e. wood). Maybe filling it with something might make it more functional.

[@ToolsAndI]

They may not be perfect and I do talk about filling them with some material in the video's description but check the video where I test the results after I installed these and it becomes evident they did wonders in the rooms acoustics. Thanks

[@TRUEiMPROrecords]

Not a diffuser. A very narrow band high frequency absorber.

[@officialWWM]

@@TRUEiMPROrecords No, these arent absorbing anything! Sound hits them at an angle and scatters, so they are in fact diffusers!

[@YaMomsOyster]

You make it look easy but Mate, you are good.

[@roughnek201]

Widh the video was closer and there was some kind of narrative to what she was doing.

[@TheObscure16]

Amazing job , if you have de time can you makeup a tutorial , how to make a radiator diffuser thx

[@ToolsAndI]

I wish I could, those are very complicated to make since there is lots of math involve in the design.

[@old_romans]

1:22, 1:56, that's how I drilled right into my finger on a build...be careful.

[@kellypeterson2625]

Very cool! Great design

[@gordthor5351]

You need to use more glue :).

[@ToolsAndI]

Perhaps, thank you 🙏

[@gordthor5351]

@@ToolsAndI I was being sarcastic.

[@ToolsAndI]

Me too 😆😂🤪

[@tj-yb1pc]

Am I crazy or was this guy running the wood backwards on the table saw right in the beginning

[@ToolsAndI]

I had to to cut improperly because my table saw is very small and didn't have the rip capacity. I was very well aware but didn't have any other choice.

[@ontogeny6474]

Nice work!

[@chrisj9008]

These could almost be options for my back wall of my theater... I wonder about taking a whole saw and cutting some various sized holes and filling the void with Roxul or such and then doing the wrap. Be a pseudo diffusion /absorption panel with some acousticly transparent fabric... Nice build.

[@Kineticartist]

Yah they pretty but your science is wack

[@michelhaineault6654]

do not use plastic

[@ToolsAndI]

Plastic or not these made a huge impact, in a good way, on my small listening room.

[@Oneness100]

those aren't really diffusors, they are redirectors. Use quadratic diffusors, but first you have to figure out what Prime number to use because it's based on distance. And then it's a matter of using vertical for a horizontal diffused pattern OR you can use a combination of vertical and horizontal for a 2D diffused pattern. I would highly suggest going to www.acousticfields.com. You can buy their DIY build plans and make your own. They have 2'x2' that you can make so you can stack them however you want..

[@ToolsAndI]

Acoustic Geometry, Acoustical Surfaces and Sound Seal are just three of many other companies that sell similar items as Curved Acoustic Diffusers. It is obvious that you know something they don't. I can pass them your information because they may need and engineer like you in their team. 😂😂😂

[@Oneness100]

@@ToolsAndI I'm just explaining what they are. They redirect the sound, they don't diffuse them. Sorry, but they are misleading you in what they actually do. Here's what I recommend. Go to a place that actually explains what a diffusor is supposed to do. and what the requirements for a diffusor are.. Even Ethan Winer has a great video where he takes a variety of devices and records him playing a guitar to HEAR the actual differences. Here's a link to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJOWYXZ_eKxpbsU Here's a link to an Acoustic Fields video about the difference between a diffuser and redirector. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2XEnKCbpL6pbZY

[@Oneness100]

I don't care what those companies tell you. They simply aren't real diffusers. They redirect the sound, not diffuse it. BTW, I've been in a room that was treated using Acoustic Fields products and it was hands down, the best sounding room I've ever been in. Take some time to do some research and visit a room with these various products….

[@Oneness100]

@@ToolsAndI I'm familiar with these other companies and I've had ASC Tube Traps, which have been around much longer than those companies that make similar devices. NO, Sorry but they don't really qualify as diffusers. The only way they MIGHT diffuse is if you had a whole bunch fo them right next to each other, but the problem is that the sound isn't really that diffused. They are Gaps, if you will, where the devices come right next to each other. Ethan's video talks about it a little. While companies market them as diffusers, the average consumer doesn't know the difference. Hence why people buy into the notion of a "Bass Trap". A "Bass Trap" is a marketing term rather than a technical term. Seriously, make the QRD diffusors and figure out which Prime number you need as distance is a critical factor in determining which design will suit you the best. You can also play around with just vertical diffusers for a horizontal sound pattern or both Vertical and Horizontal for a 2D sound pattern to decide which one you need.

[@tj-yb1pc]

Hate to tell you but that's not a sound defuser buddy

[@bh69videa]

of course it is, this thin fabric absorbes only very small part of sound

[@ToolsAndI]

Well, whatever you think they are I got impressive results when I installed these. I would gladly put them against any expensive diffuser in the market and I bet anything the results difference would be virtually unnoticeable.

[@TRUEiMPROrecords]

@@ToolsAndI no.