Understanding Sound Diffusion and the keys to use it effectively

This video gives an overview of how acoustic diffusion works and how to properly utilize it in your room.
GIK Diffusion:
www.gikacousti...
"Diffusion can be a great alternative to absorption for those looking to keep some of the liveliness in a room. Scattering the sound can also make a room sound larger while evening out the reflections, but understanding how diffusion works and how to properly implement diffusion is necessary if you want to get the desired effect.
A flat surface like a wall will reflect sound at the opposite angle it came from, so all the reflected sound will reach the listener's ear at the same time. This is why we always start with first reflection points with absorption as these reflections will always be slightly later than the original sound.
Diffusion works by scattering those reflections evenly in all directions so that the reflected sound is broken up and thus arrives at the listener at different times and intensities.
This even-scattering effect happens spatially, with reflection fragments being aimed in different directions, and also temporally with some forms of diffusion, as different reflection fragments are also delayed with slight variation. Diffusion tricks the ears into not recognizing the room’s dimensions through the natural echo of the room.
The key to good diffusion is an even scattering. A quality diffuser should scatter the sound in a complete 180 degrees. GIK treatments like the gotham and alpha series are designed with a mathematical formula to give a perfectly even scattering.
Good diffusion doesn't happen by accident, the designs are very precise and complex. Some people suggest using a bookcase filled with books as a cheap form of diffusion, but a random assortment of books is extremely unlikely to have the layout precision required to produce good diffusion. It's probably better than a bare, reflective wall, but it won't perform like a good diffuser.
Diffusion devices are mostly mid-range devices, meaning they don't do much at either low bass or high treble frequencies. Anything that diffuses at bass frequencies would be far too large to ship, so they aren’t feasible in most studios. Best practice is to start with bass trapping and early reflection absorption, then use diffusion to help retain a balanced sound.
Diffusion in small rooms can be tricky. For some types of diffusers you need space between the diffusion and the listening position in order for the sound waves to disperse in a way that will benefit the sound. If the wrong type of diffusion is too close to the listener then you can hear artifacts from the diffusors working, and won't get an even spread.
You might start to hear the resonances from the individual well depths if you’re positioned too close.
The type of diffusion you use will also have some effect on your room's character. While there are many different methods of diffusion they can be broken into two categories. One dimensional and two dimensional. This refers to the number of planes that the sound is scattered along. A one dimensional diffuser will scatter sound either horizontally or vertically depending on the orientation of the treatment. A two dimensional diffuser will scatter across both the vertical and horizontal planes.
One dimensional diffusers tend to be a bit more efficient than two dimensional options, so you’ll get more diffusion but it will be concentrated across one plane. These are good for back walls in listening rooms and studios where the listening position is fixed.
Two dimensional diffusion is less efficient, but the scattering is along two planes which makes it better for use on ceilings or for use in live recording areas where the instrument and mic placement might change depending on the performance.
Many GIK products can include a scatter plate that adds scattering, and some diffusion to a panel or bass trap for a hybrid treatment, and our Alpha series is a more dialed-in hybrid absorber/diffuser, available in both 1D or 2D patterns.
Impression panels are very similar to the Alphas but with different patterns cut into the plate, which prioritize visual aesthetic over diffusion performance. They can be used more or less interchangeably.
While many professionals use diffusion to great effect in their studios it’s important that you understand the type of diffusion you’re getting as well as how it should be implemented into your space for the maximum benefit.
If you have any questions about diffusion or are still unsure which products are best for your space, drop us a line or fill out our free acoustic advice form for a tailored strategy from one of our room experts."

[@gnpd07]

your haircut is an effective diffuser.

[@tyei9786]

LMAOOO

[@bartleygray2007]

Diffuser of women

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

It does seem to make them scatter.

[@chrisalexander7819]

🤣🤣🤣

[@NicoRas-e9m]

great hairstyle. won't consider any advice from someone that looks so ridiculous

[@freeloader1985]

It’s funny watching a video about improving sound in a room made by people that picked an absolutely horrendous sounding piece of music for said video.

[@rb032682]

cool stuff.

[@digitalclonaid8195]

Interesting information, unfortunately, it does not have subtitles in Spanish. But still it is quite understood and talks about the improvements one can make to their study room. I don't understand how they can give it a (👎🏽), if the idea of ​​the video is to report 😲🤦‍♂️😂😂 great job and great video, hopefully they can add subtitles in the next videos and see if they sell their products internationally ✌️🇨🇱

[@shane4494]

I've looked unsuccessfully for good before and after videos of what treatment can do in a church application. Not just for spoken word but for modern worship music. It's hard to convince a pastor or church board of how beneficial treatment would be with just the clap test and spoken word videos. If you could do a video that demonstrates the advantages in a live service that would be awesome. Plus it would be a useful tool in selling your product to people who don't understand acoustic treatment.

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

This is a great idea, Shane. Thank you for sharing that, we'll definitely consider it!

[@pbenson56fran]

Thank you for your other video for Bass Traps and the Pink Noise download. Thank you for this helpful information as well.

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@simonkotschenreuther4730]

Nice content, but its almost not possible to listen to him properly because of the terrible annoying background music that is way too loud

[@M.Holland]

It still diffuses me.

[@Mynelka]

I want to record ONLY vocals in a 10 x 14ft room with carpet on the floor, dry wall and window with blinds on the 10ft wall. I do plan to use a portable ISO BOOTH for VOCAL RECORDING ... would this be enough or would you recommend more acoustic treatment ?

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

Thanks for the question. It completely depends on the quality you are looking for. While you'll see an immediate improvement in simply only using the VISO or the PIB alone, we still suggest having a complete acoustics strategy to combat any and all first reflections (mainly side walls and ceiling) that may be able to find their way back into the microphone's pickup pattern. This includes acoustic panels or creating a "room" using two PIBs facing each other to create a reflection-free space, since there is a chance some reflections from behind or above can make their way into the recording. PIB (portable isolation booth) -www.gikacoustics.com/product/pib-portable-isolation-vocal-booth/ VISO Booth - www.gikacoustics.com/product/viso-portable-vocal-isolation-booth/ If you would like custom tailored advice to your specific room, please fill out our easy form and you'll get your question in front of one of our talented acoustic designers. www.gikacoustics.com/acoustic-advice-form/

[@Mynelka]

@@GIKAcousticsLLC Big Thanks for the feedback ...

[@sbonamo]

What as completely omitted and is paramount for assessing diffusion or absorption is - distance to the listener spot.

[@audiononsense1611]

well as a professional I can say this company does not!!!

[@duroxkilo]

i'm not sure i understand the concept of 'even scattering' let alone 'perfectly even scattering' even if the sound waves were to hit a panel perpendicularly... take for example the awesome pattern @1:14. where would i position a sound source to hit all the sides of the panel at the same time and angle? far away, dead center? that would result in a symmetrical scattering pattern but that's not the same as 'even'. anyways, that cloud panel @3:35 is insane :)

[@jonathanharris185]

I like the new style / format / look of the new video!

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

Glad you like it!

[@bravedave90]

I don't think it's necessary in my apartment living room of 200sqft. But, could I put a one-dimensional diffusion panel on the back wall behind my couch? The listening position from back wall is probably too small but even foot.. But, I like the decorative look of those diffusion panels but wouldn't want to disrupt the sound coming from speakers in the room overall.

[@GrazerPitbull]

Viel zu Teuer ich zahle doch nicht für eine Bassfalle 172 € wenn ich in jeder Ecke 2 stück brauche ! Das is mir viel zu teuer.

[@riktascale4]

I don't know if it is worth buying diffusion products for my studio. I have a studio H13'XW14.3'XL22.8' that is treated. I now use Barefoot footprint01 monitors,...... an up from my focal solos. My only issue is a -9db null at 125hz. Everything else that is +/-1.5db more or less is flat due to sonarworks ref. 4

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

Thanks for the comment. That is a good question. So much depends on your setup and existing treatment and the features of the room which goes well beyond just having great monitors. It may be worth looking into with one of our designers. We give 100% free advice if you would like.

[@ВалерийГубатых]

👍

[@benjoe999]

ahh man. 500hz is too hard to diffuse

[@carcar5911]

My room is 12 by 11. Very small. Is there any way to get a diagram of where diffusers and absorbers should br?? 7.2 with a 12 inch sub in each corner.

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

I'd recommend filling out our advice form. If you sketch your room up in our visualizer you can attach it to the form and one of our designers should be able to place treatment in the model to show you. www.gikacoustics.com/acoustic-advice/

[@amyhelie6061]

Tell us what materials to use..

[@torus186]

Diffusing is confusing.

[@officialWWM]

Diffusion confusion :/

[@李艺-e4e]

非常棒

[@mackensonpetit8155]

Do you suggest diffusers for small room mostly on the back wall or not toi it and only use absorbers?

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

For small rooms you want to make sure there's enough absorbers to thoroughly treat your Bass. If the diffusion you want to use takes up the space of a Bass trap you needed then it's probably not the best choice. Combination diffusors/absorbers might be useful as you can absorb the loser ranges while scattering the mid and high tones.

[@mackensonpetit8155]

@@GIKAcousticsLLC thank you so much, I will have thick panel about 6" in the corners (2 for each corner) and 2 panels in my first Reflection point, in my front wall and also my back wall and the ceiling as well. But I wanted to add some diffusers at the back and front wall too but I want your advices on that setup. Thank you in advance

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

While we believe it is best to first ensure you're getting proper bass response, we can absolutely give you advice for your specific room, and we'll need more information. Visit gikacoustics.com/acoustic-advice-form/ and we can not only see your room dimensions, but look at what exactly you'll be able to accomplish with your budget and goals.

[@berndweber2667]

Bring the hairdresser to court

[@DylanWintersteen]

God, I'm pretty...

[@williamcandy1734]

I like it but one problem I face how I contact deginer engenieer please contact me

[@GIKAcousticsLLC]

Where are you located? Please visit our website for our phone numbers for the region nearest you, as well as our free acoustic advice page: gikacoustics.com/acoustic-advice/