Overcoming Diffusion Challenges in Small Home Theater Rooms

[@veovius]

Hi! Do you have links to the "Good panels" and the other ones you described?

[@marttiliikala7330]

My previous answer got deleted by KZbin or something. But for diffusers that you can sit quite close to i would look into: Arithmetic Design Svana Miljo Teknik If it is now allowed to comment on products here with their names / brands then please do delete this ..

[@PoesAcoustics]

The product I am referring to is the GUD panel. It’s from Real Acoustix. I sell this product as well.

[@brianschroeder1546]

I followed your advice on lowering subwoofer output and it sounds amazing. I was so used to adding 6db on subs using audyssey. I upgraded to cinema 50 with Dirac bass control I was also doing the 6 db. But after watching your vid about bass I got rid of the 6 db boost. Definitely sounds a million times better my ears had to adjust to it a little at first but just wanted to say thank you buddy.

[@PoesAcoustics]

Great! Glad that worked for you.

[@williamkramer9069]

I'm very Interested in this 4 inch, membrane, then 2 inch absorber you mentioned.

[@PoesAcoustics]

It’s just that. 4”-membrane-2”. There is a company that makes this with lab testing to support its performance. The main company that I use for these is my primary Acosutics panel supplier, Real Acoustix.

[@MyFatherLoves]

Excellent video. Can’t wait to hear the follow up video regarding mixed diffusion/absorption info.

[@SamuelOrf]

Thanks Matt. Your insight is always in depth and top notch.

[@PoesAcoustics]

Thank you!

[@decaf77]

Thanks as always for the great videos! In your estimation how close can the listener safely be from the barrel shaped diffuser to prevent hearing phaziness? And in a home theater can they be placed behind the MLP if RT60 is adequate?

[@PoesAcoustics]

Thank you for supporting my channel! I'll be recording a video and answering your question shortly.

[@f10italia]

Am I right for a small room (2.5x3.5m) that you would prefer to have a broadband absorption panel versus a combination diffuser/absorber such as the GIK Impression/Alpha series? I have a wall 1m to the left of me, 1m to the right of me, and 2m behind my head (at the MLP). The room has some echo/reverb and I'm aiming to put 2x 1200x600mm panels at the rear and on the side walls.

[@towmky]

Thanks!

[@towmky]

As always down to earth and practical advice that’s direct and easy to understand. I very much appreciate your use of simple props. That actually helps me understand the concept without relying specifically on a single design.

[@PoesAcoustics]

Thank you! Your support is appreciated, as is your kind words.

[@funnybone66]

I’ve read that diffusion is best behind dipole speakers like Magnepan would these GUD panels be appropriate? Thanks and great video!

[@acf1376]

Hi Mathew, thanks as always. I got a few comments: 1. What max size is considered a "small room" when we talk about acoustics? 2. Is that whole conversation surrounding sitting too close to the back wall? For sides, at worst you are sitting 2+ feet, so way past the mentioned critical distance, so I'd say even the worse diffuser example cited would be of benefit, would it not? It was a bit confusing too be honest, unless you are strictly talking about sitting close to the back wall, but the question presented is about all walls. Hopefully you can clarify. Also, I know editing is time consuming, but it would be good when you take about acoustics, if you can overlay pictures while you reference them.

[@PoesAcoustics]

The transition from small to large room acoustics is based on rooms that support discrete modes or not. If the rooms shroeder frequency, Fs is at or below 20-25hz, it’s transitioning into large room acoustics. If it’s well below that, it’s a large room. We are talking about a room that is something like 70’x55’x40’. Rooms that are far larger than we deal with in normal residential systems.

[@kuronekosan2830]

what if i design a diffuser that diffuses starting 1.3khz then to 6khz and put it on the back wall my seating distance is 3ft off the wall the crticial seating distance would be 2.58 ft for 1.3khz so would that be okay to use ? or should i design one that diffuses 1.5khz that would be 2.2 ft of critical listening distance and would it make a big difference even if its only diffusing starting from 1.3khz or 1.6khz? would it open up the space?

[@martinmares8998]

Thank you Mr. Poe for another well explained video.

[@cbonner1964]

Thanks for the information, my ceiling in my theatre is only 7feet 2 inches. Do you have any advice as far as what type of diffusion or absorption is needed. I have 4 inch rockwool panels along my sidewalls and rear wall. Thanks much.

[@PoesAcoustics]

The GUD panel remains a great option for diffusion. Most others would be tricky. Either they won’t diffuse well over a wide enough bandwidth or you are going to be too close. Some 2” fuzz on the ceiling could be useful if you need to lower your RT. But if your RDT is in the right range, I wouldn’t bother. Just add some diffusion.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Thank you

[@PoesAcoustics]

You're welcome

[@Taikostuff]

I have a 6inch broadband absorber behind my head which is also 6 inches from the wall. I'm happy with the result but i'm curious what the problem would be with panels thicker than 6 inches.

[@PoesAcoustics]

As panels get thicker than 6”, the density of the material we commonly use can end up becoming reflective. So 8” of 8lb density mineral wool can be a problem. Instead of having more LF absorption, it actually becomes a reflective surface at LFs. 8” or even 24” could be fine, but you need to lower the density of the absorber material. It would really need to be under 4lbs, maybe even closer to 2lbs as you get to something as thick as 24”.

[@Taikostuff]

@@PoesAcoustics Thanks for the answer! I probably have to rebuild my corner basstraps then. Don't want to mess with the pink fluffy stuff so probably will remake it into a panel stradling the corner.

[@khomichuk]

Hi! As someone who doesn't have a dedicated room for theater, where could I read or educate myself about setting up a proper 5.1 or even 7.1 system in the living room. I am currently using 3.0 system and would like to upgrade my sound game.

[@PoesAcoustics]

Lots of good sources. Audioholics, Floyd Tools Book, etc. I also offer such consulting services.

[@HammerThyme9]

What company makes the good diffusion panels you mentioned? Can’t find them on Google. Thanks! Also what company makes the silicone springs you used to isolate your floor?

[@PoesAcoustics]

GUD: Geometric Uniform Diffuser developed and sold by Real Acoustix. I am a reseller.

[@HammerThyme9]

Thanks!

[@ddcrocky3831]

What if you're walls are stucco

[@PoesAcoustics]

Stucco doesn’t really change anything. It’s just a little harder than drywall.

[@ddcrocky3831]

@PoesAcoustics ok thank you

[@pauledwards8721]

Great to hear it explained like this 😎👍 I still keep meaning to look at the GuD panel you recommended to me as my MLP is a little closer than desirable to the rear boundary (which is solid brick). Finding a UK supplier isn’t so easy though 😔

[@PoesAcoustics]

There is no UK supplier. But we can have them shipped to you. Real Acoustix owns the exclusive rights, it’s their design.

[@bird403]

Thanks!

[@martinmares8998]

Thanks!

[@PoesAcoustics]

Thanks for your support.