Ideal Acoustic Diffuser Placement Guide - www.AcousticFields.com
VloĆŸit
- Äas pĆidĂĄn 16. 09. 2014
- đ Build your own acoustic treatment: www.acousticfields.com/produc... đ Free Room Analysis: www.acousticfields.com/free-r...
â eBooks & Forum: www.acousticfields.com/sign-u...
- Want to know how to position a sound diffuser in your room? In today's video I'm going to show you how to position your sound diffusers based on the type of room you have. Your room usage is key to this. Where you position diffusers in a control room is totally different to a critical listening room which again is different to a home theater.
So in today's video you'll learn:
1. Where to position your diffusers in your control room and the diffusion sequence you'll need,
2. What diffusion does on the front and rear wall in a critical listening room and,
3. How to position your diffusers in a home theater.
So enjoy the video and let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Thanks
Dennis,
P.S. To learn more about room acoustics, please sign up for my FREE private room acoustic training videos and ebook at www.acousticfields.com/free-ebook - VÄda a technologie
Thanks Dennis, Extremely informative, practical, usable information ! Much more useful than the answer is "it depends". Keep up the good work of educating people on this stuff.
+Ron Kalvaitis Thanks. If you have a topic you wish covered in white board format or others ? let me know. Send to info@acousticfields.com. In August, we will start shooting some special project videos at U-tube studios in LA.
@@AcousticFields Should I put them on the ceiling above my speakers,and one more thing I have a closet behind me not a wall so will the closet doors help absorb sound to.
Another great video. Very well explained Dennis.
This was the best, or should I say, easiest to understand description of what diffusers do I've seen to date. Thank you for sharing this information.
You are so welcome!
thanks bro! great stuff - nice to hear some of the confusion and mystery around sound absorption/diffusion explained. Will be in touch!
M, Thank you. Remember that diffusers should be treated just as a "speaker". They have a frequency response and require a certain physical distance to operate within.
Greatest channel ever. No FX, no fancy colors, knowlede and experience. I'm staying forever sir!
Thank you Dennis. In the progress to build a rooftop Studio...and man it Never stops. :-) all the best,!(from Germany)
I wanted to say how thankful I am (and we should all be) that you (and few others) are sharing this valuable knowledge about acoustics, specifically relating to listening rooms of some sort (control room, mastering, home theater, etc...) - there is a LOT of wrong/mis-information on the web and people will do well from learning to recognize those who, like you, talk about REAL physics and not made-up theories -- especially diffusion, which is often overlooked in home studios. When properly applied, diffusion can make all the difference in the world, making a room sound clear and open as opposed to "boxy" and "muddy".
Hi Gio, You are so correct about diffusion. It amazes me that more people do not take advantage of this incredible technology. Thank you for your support.
love the channel great stuff!
Excellent practical video!
I have a classroom with size WLH 4x5x3 meters. The listeners are positioned in one row along the 5 meters wall at 1 meter distance, and a teacher at the opposite long wall. So, given the advice about the listeners' position, if I put diffusors behind the listeners, the lower frequency would be 343*2 = 686 Hz, right?
Very informative đ
Thanks for the video man!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Dennis, Could you please make a video about the best acoustic conditions for Concert Hall, Theatre Hall or Amphitheater . . . and its topics.
H, We specialize in small room acoustics.
Great video, thanks a lot.
My pleasure Obniaa and thanks for the comment, much appreciated.
Thanks
Dennis
super useful !!
Glad it was helpful!
BIG thumbs up :-) much useful information.
W, Thank you for your support.
Distance issue discussed from 7:00 on is most worth listening too ! Well done. A few number of people really seem to have understooden this issue. I can also second most other points except one: You are mentioning something like "nowadays 2D-Diffusion seems to be gone", meaning the orientation of the Diffs was horizontal only. Well, for the rear wall I would say Yes - regarding first reflections. But if you follow the second and third reflections, 90 degree orientation appears to be better at least for the Diffs close to the ceiling and for the side walls this oriantation is better anyway to shun any direct first order reflection. I also found that 2D statistic Diffusers are best for very small rooms, where the minimum distance cannot be kept.
Hi Juergen, I would agree 2-D is better when the distance variable can not be satisfied , but only to a point. 2-D is a large compromise. With distance on your side, one dimensional simply can not be beat for definition and separation of timbres and tonal qualities.
Splendid, thanks a lot....
M, Thank you for your support.
Thank you sound master class is always good Dennis
Glad you like it!
Thank you very much for this - I am checking out your website
J, Fill out the information in this link: www.acousticfields.com/free-room-analysis/ Lets take a complete look at your room.
Thank you
I loved this video. Lots of good info. I will be a future customer, from close by in California. đ
Awesome! Thank you!
Awsome video
Great Video Dennis! Is the distance requirement for placing a diffuser in front of the listening position the same as the distance from the listening position to the wall behind the listening position?
+Marc Drouillard No, not necessarily. It always depends on frequency response of the diffusor, especially in the lower registers, as is relates to listening position distance. As a general rule you should have a higher prime number sequence on the front wall than the rear in personal listening rooms..
well, If I am producing my own music at home, what room design should I be gearing up to build? mixing, control, master?
Im the artist, producer, or audio engineer... not the hollywood mastering agent, I will ship my music out for mastering by a professional... but dont we all have our own stage of mastering we do? Ive read a lot thus far but still seem a bit confused on this part. thanks for any tips!
Thank you sir
Good vid ! Thanks !
S, Thank you for your support.
Ran across your vids last week and I've been enjoying one, every other day or so . . . good info, explained well ! Good on ya !
hello, very helpful your lessons!
I have 2 polystyrene diffusers which I took from a studio that closed, how can I determine the lowest freq so that I can place it at the right distance?
Thanks
I think you answer to my question at 0:40, I thought I was posting my question in the "Sound Diffuser Placement - How To Position A Sound Diffuser" video which was the one I wathced, this one I hadn't! But again, I can't quite understand what you're saying there, are you saying depth of the well 1/4 of the wavelength of the wave it refers to, and width 1/2 of the wavelength of the wave it refers to? But aren't all wells of the same width?
Thanks
Hello Dennis. Thank you for your kind help.
There is a thing that always puzzles me regarding diffusers.
It is highly recommended to not have diffusors over a drum, because it would add perturbation in recording situation, due to the proximity of the overheads with the ceiling and diffusors. BUT, nearly every recording studio that I see have a lot of diffusors behind the drum.
There is surely a logic but I can't grasp it ?
B, Diffusion is a technology that minimizes reflections by taking a "large" reflection and breaking it down into "smaller" reflections. These smaller reflections are then picked up by the microphones which give the recording more "space". It makes a smaller room sound larger in the recorded domain. Type, amount, and position of diffusers depend on the distance from the source (drums) to the receiver (microphone). It is a way to take a small room and give it a bigger sound. It is a compromise that if well executed can produce satisfactory results. However, in most small rooms, it is a band-aid. There is simply no substitute for a larger room with high ceilings when it comes to drums.
@@AcousticFields thanks.
Hello Dennis and thanks for your useful videos. About distance between QD and listening position, using a QD-23 for example, which as a low frequency of 185Hz, the wavelength is 1.856m and its quarter wavelength 1.856/4 = 0.464m. Times 4 gives the same 1.856m. Plus 50% gives 2.784 m. Am-I right ?
To me, that was the easy part. What I did not understand was "...then you can use the particular prime number sequence". Now that the prime number is not a measure, but just a factor, how do I proceed to determine the appropriate prime number for the actual listening distance?!?!?
Hi Based on the distance from the wall behind the front speakers to the listening position, I can accommodate a prime 7 qd. The width of that same wall will allow many qd's side by side. So the questions are:Placing qd's side by side is there a problem, must they be configured in a different order
+Steve Tennant I will need more information in order to assist you. Please fill out the required information in this link:www.acousticfields.com/free-acoustic-treatment-room-analysis-tell-us-room/
Nice to get to know Moore information about the physic if the sound . 1 thing didn't get it right is the time signature .would love to see you explain that in Moore details . Time to me mean 2 different ting but time signature mean 1 thing as Alix engineer or procure = 1/2 4/4 7/4 5/4 /3/4 exetera and compound rhytme so did the sound diffusion time signature Macke impact or changes on that .?? Thank you
Reflections versus the direct or straight line energy from your speakers is the issue. There are time windows that you need to achieve using the proper rates and levels of absorption for sidewall reflections so that the reflection does not arrive within certain time windows of the direct sound. These time windows can vary from 10 ms.- 20 ms. in duration.
great info thank you. I'm putting quadratic diffusion above my drums in a room with around 13 ft cathedral ceilings. first i plan to make them parallel to the floor when hanging them. i have 4, 2 x 2's that i pan to put together and was thinking to do a 2d "movie theatre sytle as you mention here. would that be recommended? I have something similar to your first drawing in the beginning of this video, 6 wells, with 3 different depths. thx Dennis
We will have to look at many variables in order to reach the proper conclusion. We will need to look at room dimensions, pressure levels used, distance from drums to ceiling and many other variables.
@@AcousticFields understood. the room is 400 sq. ft. designed by a good friend, Sam Berkow, something like 13 bends in the wall going around the room. Ceilings are just under 14ft, i would say the diffusers would be hung around 13ft from the floor. Not exactly sure what you mean by pressure levels, i'm a drummer, so always under a lot of pressure! lol
Thank You very much for giving this knowledge to us! I have a question, if I make diffuser from hard xps styrodur or material like that and stick it along whole surface to the wall, do You think if it would work? Or does it have to be very hard material like wood. Thank You again, gold videos!
Diffusers are a middle frequency range acoustic tool. This is the frequency range where voice lives. Wood is the only material type that we have found that gives tone to this frequency range.
@@AcousticFields thank you
Hi Dennis. Thanks for this video! What is your thoughts about absorption on the wall behind the speakers and diffuser on the back wall? For critical listening room (Mastering application).
Hi Duda Lucena Thanks for the comment and the kind words. In answer to your question we recommend that the front wall and rear wall be diffusion in listening rooms. Absorption for front and side walls, with rear wall diffusion in control rooms. If you want to fill out the free room analysis form on this page of my site I can take a look at your room for you www.acousticfields.com/free-acoustic-treatment-room-analysis-tell-us-about-your-room/
Thanks
Dennis
I appreciate you taking your time to answer.
I just filled out the free form. Thank you!
Duda Lucena My pleasure Duda, I will run the analysis over the weekend and get back to you. Thanks Dennis
Quarter wave length times four, and 50% of that.
Does it just mean a half of the wave length?
Hey Dennis, so if the listening position is say 4-6ft from the rear wall, then use prime 7 (on rear wall) but if listening position is 10ft from speakers (speakers 2ft from front wall) then which diffuser panel to use on the front wall behind the speakers? (P-13 perhaps?)
thanks so much in advance, I've purchased your diffuser plans and will build locally, as importation of the units is just not possible.
M, You can use a QD-13 for the front wall.
Hi Dennis-
Is it ok to use a P-13 diffuser on the front wall and a P-11 diffuser behind the listening position? I have 5 feet of space behind the listening position, but 15 feet to the front wall... Thx.
C, Yes, that will be fine.
Hi Dennis, I would like to implement a QRD 11 into my room but I can only push my listening position to 5 feet away from the diffuser. Is that within a tolerable distance to still have a positive effect on my listening experience ?
M, Yes, that will work for your application.
I'm really enjoying your videos. I don't live State side so I've been forced to resort to a diy method of setting up my home stereo system, so any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. I don't expect to have anything. given to me, so if there is a mathematical problem I can use for this application I don't mind doing the work myself. But just in case, in my listening room, the seated distance from the front wall is 11.5'.
J, I will need to know more about your room. Fill out the info in this link. Include photos of areas of concern.www.acousticfields.com/free-room-analysis/
Acoustic Fields I did, I'm pretty sure that my room isn't big enough but anything would be better than nothing. Thank you for replying and I'm looking forward to your analysis of my listening room. I included some 3d drawings of the room and of the speaker placement and such. I hope it's of use. If you need anything else, you can contact me.
In a nearfield critical listening environment would you still recommend diffusion? I sit roughly 4-4.5' from the speakers and the wall is roughly 5-5.5' away. And should the diffusion panel go between the speakers for best results, or would positioning the diffuser right above the speakers do the job?
I currently have a computer screen between the speakers, so positioning the diffusion panel above that monitor would be the easier mounting method.
Use absorption for this set up and application.
Hola a que altura de los oidos del tecnico debe quedar colocado el difusor sea cual sea y porque ? Saludos
Distance from diffuser to receiver is based upon the prime number of the diffuser. The minimum distance for a QD-7 is 4 feet. A QD-13 is 6'. Make sure you have the absorption requirements met within your room before introducing diffusion. If you do not, diffusion will make your room sound worse.
Should I put them on the ceiling above my speakers,and one more thing I have a closet behind me not a wall so will the closet doors help absorb sound to.
B, What is the usage of your room. Room treatment is usage dependent.
@@AcousticFields The usage is a home studio.
Dear Dennis, please help me. The film didn't explaint the best diffuser placement for vocal recording. Is it the same like in control room? I have rectangular (not square) room and planning to locate my mic in front of shorter wall. Is it the best way to place diffusers in the rear wall and absorbers on the left and right? (I have 2 big windows on my right and wood-waredrobe in the front, shorter wall) Greetings from Poland :)
Hi Michal, Nice to hear from you. You will have to experiment and do some testing since you have an irregular shaped room. Start with the front wall. You will have vocalist, mic, and then diffuser. Have vocalist face diffuser.
Thank You for a response :) I forgot to mention, that I have already bought sE reflecftion filter SPACE to put it in front of my face when I record my vocal. In such a case, should I manage some diffusers behind my back and absorbers on the left, right and ceiling above my position? Also... Does make it sense to put bass traps on the corners of my room? Without any measurements, just theoretically :)
Hi Dennis!
I have a home theater room and have my seat 85 cm (2,5 ft) from the rear wall. The room in it self is 15 ft long 13 fr wide. I know I have to treat LFE first. But which prime would you use? Also is it better to have multiple small diffusers along the rearwall instead of one wide?
Mads
What is the distance from the listening position to the rear wall?
Acoustic Fields 2,5 feat :)
Sound reproduction if it was simple it would be boring thanks for your time and effort very informative
R, Its an amazing thing, isn't it. It is a bit complicated. However, once you get gear and room treatment aligned, there is a synergy that transports you to another dimension. Its like a worm hole. You press play and the portal opens. If the room is properly treated, the portal opens taller, wider, and deeper.
could you do a video with diffusers and panel spkrs?
Hi D wimp
I will put it on my to do list. For now though let me answer your question in written form. The same positioning requirements apply to panel or dynamic speakers. You will have to do a bit more positioning and listening when you treat the front wall in a listening room with panel speakers because of the rear speaker radiation pattern. I have seen single diffusers placed directly behind each panel speaker as a start point.
Thanks
Dennis
Acoustic Fields thx for even taking the time to answer in written form!
D wimp Hey, I answered your question in greater detail in yesterdays google hangout. You can see your question answered at this video:
czcams.com/video/APnFzJiTW7Q/video.html
Let me know if you have follow up questions.
Thanks
Dennis
For a 2 channel room, does diffusion on the back and front walls have to be the exact same specs?
It depends on the distances from diffuser face to listener ears. Every prime number diffuser has a different distance requirement. As a general design goal, it is best to use the same sequence of each front and rear wall if distance and space avaiblility permit.
Building a live recording studio that will be used to record drums 98% of the time. I've seen different defusers in live rooms in studios. Would that be helpful in a home studio room, or just sound absorption?
It depends on the room usage. Use absorption for drum issues.
11Ă14Ă8ft room. Primary listening position about 7ft in center of room. Where should I place diffusion and what size?
Do you have all the criteria met that a quadratic diffuser requires. You must reverb balance throughout the room along with attack and decay rates. If you do not meet the requirements of diffusion, diffusion will make your room sound worse. Fill out the information in this link. Foillow the software and schedule a time slot to go over all room issues. www.acousticfields.com/free-room-analysis/
Hi thanks for a great video. How would you place diffusers and absorbers in a small 30' x 15' vocal recording room?
+Chris M I will need much more information to answer your question. Fill out this link: www.acousticfields.com/free-room-analysis/
Love u!
Would diffusers be helpful in a live room ? Great video btw
J, It would depend on the size and volume of the room along with the instruments you are recording. Most live rooms we work with use diffusion on casters so the engineer can position the diffusion as needed.
Acoustic Fields I'm in a 14x20 with 13 foot ceilings. Bass, rhythm ,lead, drums
J, Fill out the information in this link and then schedule a time to speak by phone. All times in electronic calendar are PST. www.acousticfields.com/free-room-analysis/
Having only a tiny, small 9ft by 9ft room to make my electronic music, its perfectly square, with a window and door directly oposit each other, I do not have an other option of another room. What would u recommend to make my room as best as it can be. It has carpet on the floor, blinds and curtains on the window. Any advice would be great, I understand I'm not going to have a top class room, but I'd like it to be as good as it can be. I make music on pc with a few real analogue synths and drum machine and vsts as a hobby and stress relief. I am in no way a professional.
L, Remember low -frequency management first and foremost. You need our ACDA series.
@@AcousticFields I'm new to ur channel and I'm currently at work, by any chance can u link me a video of the series ur talking about if u have one. I am very interested in this. If not, I will research when I get home. Thank u.
what is the best setup for home studio?
S, There is no "best" set up. There are too many variables to consider.
If my listening room allows for prime 7 QD. This will have 6 wells. What happens if we place multiple units next to each other?
+Steve Tennant You need to cover a certain amount of square footage with diffusion. The amount and positioning depends on the room usage and the distances within that room you have to work with from surface areas to listening or monitoring positions..
How about dipol speaker does it change this.?
I have Magnaplanar 3.6
Always keep any speaker delivery system away from the walls. You don't need room sound interferring with speaker sound even if the manufacturer says so.
how cool would this video have been if actual diffusers were being placed in the different room as b-roll - so, a visual lesson w/ actual products. It was informative, though.
Videos are a double edge sword. On the one side, you want informative content. On the other side. you need presentation value using production techniques which increases cost. We have found that content still prevails. For that, we are thankful.
Which is considered a mixing room? Control or listening?
A mixing room is where engineers mix tracks of music that has been recorded. Control rooms and mixing rooms are sometimes referred to as the same. A listening room is a room that is dedicated to listening to recorded music sources.
I dont really understand the 3 sound fields thing. Length width and depth, what is that in regard to, frequency and amplitude?
You have different frequency and amplitude issues on each wall surface. Axial modes which are the strongest and most audible occur between two parallel walls such as sidewall to sidewall, front to rear, and floor to ceiling.
@@AcousticFields Ooo room height length and width, not the sound wave itself?
how big should a diffusor be? In say a medium sized room 20x12x8
Hi Ram, What is the usage of the room? Is it two channel listening, control, master, live, vocal? All room usages have different objectives all with their own associated requirements.
two channel listening. I'm hoping to treat the room and am very interested in some of your plans.
Hi Ram, For two channel listening, front and rear wall diffusion is recommended. With a 12' and 8' ceiling, you must first manage low frequency issues.
7:20 Could someone help me understand "if you have that distance, then you can use the particular prime number sequence"? Should I consider the waveleght i meters, feet, inches or what?!? Since the prime number is not a measure, how could this correspond to make a guideline?
Use the chart shown in this link: www.acousticfields.com/diffuser-size-distance/
@@AcousticFields Thanks a million! But I see the depth and the width of the panels also differ, so does that also affect the reasonable minimum distance or is it just the prime number used that matters in this case?
Nothing compares to your chanel, all the very best from us music junkies of Stockholm, Sweden! Stay safe!đ§Ą