ARC322-18

BUILDING UTILITIES 3:
ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC
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SECOND SEMESTER A.Y 2023 – 2024
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AR. JULIET B. RAMOS
3AR-1

RESEARCH 02
DIFFERENT KINDS OF
SOUND DIFFUSERS

ARCILLA, KENNETH I.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................... 2
I. SOUND DIFFUSERS………………..………………………………………………………………………….3
II. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOUND DIFFUSERS…………………………………………………………….4
1. QUADRATIC RESIDUE DIFFUSERS………………………………………………………….……4
2. BARREL SOUND DIFFUSERS………………………………………………………………………5
3. PYRAMIDAL SOUND DIFFUSERS…………………………………………………………………6
4. HEMISPHERICAL DIFFUSERS……………………………………………………………………..7
5. SOUND ABSORBERS ……………………………………………………………………………….8
6. SKYLINE SOUND DIFFUSERS …………………………………………………………………….9
III. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………….10
 DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOUND DIFFUSERS

I. SOUND DIFFUSERS

What is Sound Diffusers?

Sound diffusion is the process of uniformly dispersing or "scattering" sound waves throughout a
given space in the context of audio, or more precisely, the physics of audio. Echoes and a
reduction in the audio quality in a listening environment can arise from the reflection of a sound
wave that strikes a flat surface.

Sound diffusers, which have a smooth, hard surface (convex or concave) to evenly scatter the
sound at reflection spots, are commonly used to achieve diffusion. Usually constructed of wood,
fiberglass that has been hardened, occasionally plastic or PVC. Diffusers are often used on walls
and ceilings to provide an equitable distribution of sound at any listening point in a room, albeit
each application is distinctive to the given space.

Why is Sound Diffusion needed?

"Slap echo," or sound waves reflecting off the parallel surfaces, is a common phenomenon in
rectangular rooms with parallel walls. By disrupting the crucial phase connections required to
create an appropriate sound staging, slap echo can disrupt a sound field. Environments like home
cinemas, recording studios, mixing control rooms, music venues, auditoriums, and gymnasiums
can suffer greatly from these disturbances.To produce a sound that is well-balanced and of
excellent quality, absorption and diffusion are therefore both required.
 II. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOUND DIFFUSERS

1. Quadratic Residue Diffusion

The only kind of diffusion that can provide a genuine diffused sound field while adhering to strict
standards. A smooth frequency room response devoid of any spatial anomalies is one of the
requirements for a realistic diffused sound field. The room as a whole which needs to have uniform
reverberation times. Quadratic diffusion is the only genuine type of diffusion that can satisfy these
requirements.

Acoustic diffusers employ a particular design philosophy and technology known as quadratic
diffusion. Quadratic diffusers disperse and reroute sound waves in different directions as opposed
to sound absorbers, which dampen sound waves; this produces a more uniform and organic sound
dispersion throughout an area. The whole listening experience is greatly enhanced as a result.

How Quadratic Diffusion works?

• The surface of quadratic diffusers is patterned with a number of wells or troughs, each with a
depth determined by math using prime numbers and their multiples.
• Depending on the depth of each well, sound waves entering them bounce around and experience
various delays and phase changes.
• The sound waves are essentially scrambled during this process, and as a result, several smaller
versions of the waves spread out in a fan-like manner, usually covering a 180-degree range, and
emerge from the diffuser.

Benefits of Quadratic Diffusion

• Diminished reverberation and echo: Quadratic diffusers, especially in big or hard-surfaced

rooms, greatly reduce undesired reverberation and echo by dispersing and breaking up sound
waves.
• Clarity and detail in music, conversation, and other audio information are enhanced because
the dispersed sound keeps its unique character and prevents muddling from reflections.
• Improved audio enjoyment: Quadratic diffusers produce an evenly dispersed sound field that
transports listeners into a more authentic and natural acoustic environment.
• Attractive design: Quadratic diffusers can be made with eye-catching textures and designs that
blend in perfectly with a room's decor.
2. Barrel Sound Diffusers

The barrel diffuser is yet another well-liked style of sound diffuser. They seem like half-cut cylinders
that have been hung on a wall. A portion of your low frequency sound waves may be absorbed and
trapped by the materials in the core, while the surface reflects sound waves in a 90˚ arc. Because
they also assist in resolving challenging audio problems like standing waves, flutter echo, and comb
filtering, they are extremely helpful sound diffusers for studio applications and areas where music is
produced or performed.

Similar to quadratic residue diffusers, barrel sound diffusers disperse sound waves in a rather one-
dimensional manner due to their construction. Their optimal performance is achieved when paired
with additional barrel diffusers, spaced 90˚ apart.

How Barrel Sound Diffusion works?

• The surface of barrel diffusers usually has a row of curved ridges or grooves. Instead of reflecting
back into the room directly, the entering sound waves are disrupted by these grooves, changing
their course and dispersing in different directions.
• Phase shifts and extra scattering are caused by the curved shape's introduction of differences in
the route length for various sound wave segments, which further aids in diffusion.
• As a result, barrel diffusers enhance the entire listening experience by lowering echoes and
assisting in the creation of a more diffuse and natural sound field in the room.

Benefits of Barrel Sound Diffusion

• Effective at low frequencies: Barrel diffusers' curved surface makes it possible for them to
disperse and absorb low-frequency sound waves more effectively than other flat diffusers, which
have trouble with lower frequencies. This helps create a well-balanced soundscape.
• Visually appealing: Barrel diffusers' distinctive cylindrical shape can offer a striking and visually
pleasing element to a space that goes well with a variety of design motifs.
• Versatility: Depending on the particular acoustic requirements of the space, they can be installed
on walls or ceilings, providing placement versatility.
3. Pyramidal Sound Diffuser

The offset pyramids that pyramidal sound diffusers mimic. Because the sides are not all the same
size, sound waves are effectively dispersed at random throughout the space. The more pyramidal
sound diffusers installed in a group, the more disorganized the reflections become. True audiophile
sound diffusers are pyramidal ones.

They work incredibly well in dispersing sound waves and getting rid of echo and reverberation issues,
just like all other kinds of sound diffusers. Additionally, they address intricate audio problems like
standing waves and flutter echo, just as barrel sound diffusers. The unpredictable way waves bounce
off the offset pyramid shapes is the primary distinction between pyramidal and barrel sound diffusers.

How Pyramidal Sound Diffusion works?

• Pyramidal diffusers have a series of pyramids formed on their surface, typically at varying heights
and depths. These pyramids disrupt the incoming sound waves in various ways:
o Reflection: The angled surfaces reflect sound waves in different directions, preventing
them from bouncing back directly.
o Absorption: The porous material used in some pyramids can absorb a portion of the
sound energy.
o Scattering: The varying pyramid depths affect the path length of different sound wave
components, causing them to "lose their coherence" and scatter in various directions.

Benefits of Pyramidal Sound Diffusion

• Broad-frequency diffusion: Pyramidal diffusers are effective at scattering sound waves across
a wide range of frequencies, from low-end bass to high-frequency details. This helps to create a
more balanced and natural sound in the space.
• Reduced echo and reverberation: By redirecting and scattering sound waves, they effectively
reduce unwanted echoes and reverberation, especially in large or hard-surfaced rooms.
• Improved clarity and detail: The diffused sound field preserves the original characteristics of
the audio content, leading to improved clarity and detail in music, speech, and other audio.
• Aesthetic appeal: Pyramidal diffusers come in various designs and materials, allowing them to
add a visually interesting element to a space.
 4. Hemispherical Diffusers

Spreading Sound in a Dome-Shaped Pattern, Hemispherical diffusers, also known as dome

diffusers, offer a unique approach to acoustic control with their distinctive 3D shape. They are
appropriate for enhancing the home theater experience because of their capacity to expand the
soundstage and increase immersion. They can aid in distributing sound more evenly and naturally
across the space for patrons. They can be utilized to produce particular diffusion patterns that are
suited to the recording environment, depending on the design.

In open workspaces, dispersing sound energy across a larger region can assist minimize noise
disturbances and enhance speech intelligibility. They can be used effectively to reduce echo in
living rooms, bedrooms, and home studios because to their attractive appearance.

How Hemispherical Diffusers works?

• These diffusers feature a hemispherical shape covered in various patterns of grooves, bumps, or
wells. As sound waves hit the curved surface, they are redirected in several directions, creating
a dome-shaped diffusion pattern.
• The specific design of the surface features determines the diffusion pattern and frequency range
effectiveness.
• Unlike flat diffusers, hemispherical diffusers can scatter sound waves in 3D, contributing to a more
immersive and natural sound experience.

Benefits of Hemispherical Diffusers

• Broad frequency diffusion: Similar to pyramidal diffusers, some hemispherical designs can
effectively scatter sound waves across a wide range of frequencies, offering balanced acoustic
control.
• Reduced echo and reverberation: By efficiently distributing sound energy in various directions,
they help control echoes and reverberation, particularly in large or reflective spaces.
• Improved soundstage width and depth: The 3D diffusion pattern contributes to a wider and
deeper soundstage, especially impactful on home theaters and listening rooms.
• Aesthetic appeal: The dome shape and textured surface can add a visually distinctive and
modern element to a space.
5. Absorbers

Open-cell foam or porous fiber-based materials are used to create acoustic absorbers, which stop
sound waves from bouncing off of hard surfaces. Instead of keeping noise from entering or leaving a
location, they are used to coat solid surfaces like operator cabs and enclosures for large equipment
to improve the acoustic conditions within.

OEMs can drastically lower the amount of reverberation that end users experience by incorporating
acoustic absorbers into their equipment. Because of this, activities are significantly quieter and
equipment operators are better shielded from hearing damage.

How Acoustic Absorbers works?

• In essence, sound waves are vibrations. The individual particles vibrate as the vibrations pass
through a solid, liquid, or gaseous media. A sound wave returns to the space after striking a
sound-reflective surface. when a result, when more and more sound waves are produced and
injected, the overall noise levels in the area rise.

• Acoustic absorbers, as previously mentioned, stop sound waves from bouncing off of hard
surfaces, therefore lowering the level of ambient noise in a room. They can absorb and trap
sound waves instead of reflecting them, transforming the sound energy into thermal energy
because to their open-cell or porous structure.

Things to consider when applying Acoustic Absorber:

• The ability of a substance to absorb sound waves is indicated by its sound absorption coefficient
(NRC). To absorb sound more effectively, go with a higher NRC.
• Thickness: Although thicker absorbers may cost more, they often absorb more sound.
• Range of frequencies: Certain absorbers work well within particular ranges of frequencies.
Select the one that resonates with the frequencies that cause issues in your area.
• Size and location: The absorbers' efficiency will be impacted by their size and positioning. For
ideal location, speaking with an acoustics specialist is advised.
6. Skyline Sound Diffusers

A particular kind of acoustic diffuser called a "skyline sound diffuser" gets its name from its two-
dimensional design, which mimics the skyline of a metropolis. They provide an aesthetically pleasing
and practical means of dispersing sound waves and enhancing the acoustics in different areas.

Which implies that in order to address unwanted reflections and provide a more neutral acoustic
response in your room, it scatters sound both horizontally and vertically. Due to this two-dimensional
scattering, a room appears larger and the soundscape is broader.

How Skyline Sound Diffusers works?

• Skyline diffusers feature a number of wells and grooves etched into their surface, in contrast
to flat diffusers, which directly reflect sound waves. These anomalies cause sound waves to be
disrupted and redirected in different directions, which stops them from returning directly and
producing echoes or reverberation.

• Prime number sequences are followed in the precise design of the wells and grooves,
guaranteeing steady and reliable sound dispersion over a broad frequency range.

Benefits of Skyline Sound Diffusers

• Decreased reverberation and echo: Skyline diffusers, especially in big or hard-surfaced

spaces, considerably lessen undesired reverberation and echo by efficiently dispersing
sound waves.
• Clarity and detail in music, conversation, and other audio information are enhanced
because the dispersed sound keeps its unique character and prevents muddling from
reflections.
• Improved audio enjoyment: Skyline diffusers produce an even dispersed sound field
that transports listeners into a more authentic and natural acoustic world.
• Aesthetic appeal: Their eye-catching skyline design enhances any area with a
characteristic and aesthetically pleasant aspect that goes well with a variety of design
motifs.
REFERENCES:

[1] Dylan. (2022, July 1). What is a Sound Diffuser? Sound Acoustic
Solutions. https://www.soundacousticsolutions.com/blog/2022/07/01/what-is-a-sound-
diffuser/

[2] Aj. (2022, January 11). Best types of sound diffusers and how they work. Quiet
Living. https://quietliving.co.uk/sound-diffusers/

[3] Wikipedia contributors. (2023f, November 25). Diffusion (acoustics).

Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion_(acoustics)

[4] HEMISPHERE22 SST 4 PK | Hemisphere 3D Sound Diffuser, Sandstone, 4-pack | Auralex

Acoustics, Inc. | AV-IQ. (n.d.). https://www.av-
iq.com/avcat/ctl1642/index.cfm?manufacturer=auralex-acoustics&product=hemisphere22-
sst-4-pk

[5] Developers, R. (2023, November 16). Acoustic absorbers. Technicon

Acoustics. https://www.techniconacoustics.com/products/acoustic-
absorber/#:~:text=As%20indicated%20above%2C%20acoustic%20absorbers,sound%20ener
gy%20into%20thermal%20energy.

[6] Foley, D. (2019, November 7). Skyline Acoustic Diffuser & Quadratic Diffuser Acoustic
Fields. Acoustic Fields. https://www.acousticfields.com/whats-difference-skyline-sound-
diffuser-quadratic-
diffuser/#:~:text=A%20skyline%20acoustic%20diffuser%20is,with%20the%20name%20skyli
ne%20diffuser.

[7] Skyline Diffuser - Bluetone Acoustics. (2020, October 10). Bluetone

Acoustics. https://www.btacoustics.com/skyline