How many sq feet of diffusion do I need?


I am planning on adding some Vicoustic diffusion panels to my listening room:
http://www.vicoustic.com/hifi-home-cinema/products/acoustic-treatment/walls-panels/panel/317

Each of these panels are 2' x 2'. The dealer is suggesting I cover a 4' x 4' area on my front wall (4 panels). If you click on my virtual system you will see my room is very small (9x10) and my speakers are only about 5.5' apart. Do I need that much diffusion coverage?
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Showing 2 responses by krell_man


Tommy,

Before you go spending money on diffusors, please try what I've done in my 10'x12.5' room.

Get six 2'x4'x4" absorption panels, place two behind you and place two on the side walls at the first and second reflection points.

Then get a larger rug for the floor between the speakers and you for the first reflection points on the floor.

Then assess whether or not you need some diffusion on the wall behind your speakers.

You might be as surprised as I was after I ended up with this arrangement. When you look at my system pictures, don't pay any attention to the two smaller 2'x3'x2" panels behind my speakers on the side walls. They don't do anything and are going to be removed.

One thing about diffusion. Ethan Winer states in his new book that if diffusion is needed and used on the walls, they usually should be vertical diffusors. Three-D diffusion sends sound waves to the ceiling and floor besides vertically, and sometimes adds to the reflection problem. Three-D diffusion is best, if it's needed, on the ceiling since it scatters everywhere.

Chuck

Tommy,

RealTraps and GIK Acoustics, and probably others as well, have stands for their absorption panels. Then you can just move them when you need to.

Chuck