Treating a small room with diffusers?

To the OP

1. What are diffusors?

**** Proper diffusion scatters sound not only in the physical domain but also in the time domain. There are a variety of uses from minimization of comb filtering behind bipole/dipole speakers to minimization of slap echo high in a room to providing the illusion of a larger sound field in the rear of the room.

2. What's the minimum I'd pay for these in a room my size

**** I'd need to know a lot more about it in terms of usage, construction, seating locations, furnishings, etc. before we could even make a rough guesstimate as to what would be appropriate.

3. How do they make a room sound bigger than it is?

**** When you scatter sound physically and in time, it can give the same aural cues as being in a larger space by giving you lower amplitudes from more directions and generally later in time.

Bryan

It is an excellent idea to look at acoustics...but where do you sit? So many sit with a wall right behind their head - if that is the case then start by finding a better listening position.

FWIW - Broadband is the most effective treatment in any space. The "dead room" issue comes from applying too much mid and HF absorption from thin "cosmetic" panels. Diffusers are necessary in small spaces - if you have a speaker within two feet of a wall or you sit within 3 or 4 feet of a wall then diffusers will be essential. Diffusers can also help in asymmetrical situations. The best place for diffusers will be close to the listener - in a very small room they are essential.

Sorry - I'll have to disagree. Diffusion is best when you're farther away as the waves need proper time and distance to spread out. When you sit very close to a boundary, the biggest issue is actually bass buildup which requires absorption.

I agree that many people put up too much thin absorption and ignore the bottom end. A balanced approach is much better.

Smaller rooms require proportionately more broadband bass control. On the positive side, their modal activity is higher in frequency due to the smaller room dimensions.

Bryan Pape
Lead Acoustical Designer - GIK Acoustics

I agree with Bpape. My experience with diffusors is when too close they tend to act as absorption, deaden the sound, definitely need space to spread out the sound. I also agree that in a smaller room bass control is the first place to start, this pays off more than any other treatment.

In the end, balance and synergy is critical. Absorption, diffusion and reflections (untreated surfaces) all need to be in balance. I suspect over-treatment is too often done, I've ended up taking out some of my treatments over time. Once you get your basic system optimized, less treatment is needed.

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