Posts Tagged ArtDiffusor
ArtDiffusor® Model C vs. Aeolian®: Similar, yet different.
Posted by Acoustics First in Diffusion, Product Applications, Products, Uncategorized on September 24, 2020
For this installment of “Similar, yet different” we look at The ArtDiffuser® Model C and the Aeolian® Sound Diffuser.
While these two diffusers look very different, there are a fair amount of similarities between them. Their physical size and depth allow them both to be great mid-frequency diffusers, but did you know that the Aeolian® started life as a blocky-looking diffuser – just like the Model C? It’s true!
ArtDiffusor® Model C array on a hanging bass trap.
The mathematics behind the two diffusers is similar, but the implementation is different. While the Model C retains its “blocky” appearance, the Aeolian has run through a mathematical process called “bicubic interpolation.” Without turning this into a math-heavy post, if you take a “blocky” design like the Model C and run its geometry through bicubic interpolation, you get a “curvy” surface like the Aeolian® – It “smooths” the transition from one block to the next in a 3 dimensional matrix.
While they did not begin as identical geometries, they were similar in their height ratios – with the Aeolian® starting with fewer blocks in a more random distribution, and a slightly taller maximum height. They both effect similar frequency ranges, with the Aeolian® going slightly lower and higher due to its depth and interpolated surface. The pattern and type of the diffusion is also different because of the different geometries – the Model C has blocks, and the edges of those blocks introduce a great deal of edge “diffraction” – which is what happens when a wave interacts with an edge, or corner, of a surface. It bends and shears around the edge, which helps break up the continuity of the waveform, where the Aeolian® takes the approach of redirecting most of the energy off a randomized and continually-curved surface.
Aeolian® Diffuser array on the back wall of Big3 Studios.
It is important to note that the two are similar, yet different in their absorption numbers as well. With the Aeolian® being deeper with a single large cavity, it provides a bit more absorption in the low frequencies than the Model C, which is a more rigid geometry containing smaller elements. Depending on the space, this may be a useful addition to the diffusive properties. While some spaces need the extra absorption, some are pretty well balanced already and are just looking to “sweeten” the sound a bit.
On the surface, they are both a nominal 2’x2′ square of thermoformed Class A plastic with lightly textured surface. That is the extent of the visual similarities, and we cannot hide the aesthetic differences between the two devices. The ArtDiffusor® Model C is a “classic” diffuser. Many have been looking at these for the better part of 3 decades now. It’s a classic design at this point with no need for introduction – it is what the quintessential diffuser “looks” like. In fact, when many people think of a diffuser – the Model C is what they visualize! The Aeolian® is a modern rendition of the classic design. Using modern calculation techniques, we can now present the type of diffusion the Model C is famous for, in a different way.
While the two geometries look entirely different, and perform a bit differently, they have a common heritage as mathematical, 2-dimensional diffusers. You could say that the Model C is the grandparent of the Aeolian®, and that pedigree has been passed on – having a similar foundation, but a different final interpretation.
Art Diffusor® Nouveau™ – Limitless possibilities.
Posted by Acoustics First in Diffusion, Product Applications, Products, Uncategorized on June 5, 2020
ArtDiffusor® Nouveau™ on a wall with a dark stain – framed.
Hey! Here’s another installation of our new ArtDiffusor® Nouveau™. For this install, these four boards were not only stained, but also framed out to enhance the design aesthetic. From different paints and stains, to mounting techniques, there are limitless possibilities for customization to create your own unique and functional sound diffusing arrays.
ArtDiffusor® Nouveau™ on a wall with a dark stain – framed.
Big3 Studios – Aeolian® Diffusers
Posted by Acoustics First in Diffusion, Product Applications, Products, Recording Facilities, Studio Control Room, Uncategorized on August 17, 2018
Aeolian® Diffusers in Big3 Studios
We recently received these wonderful installation pics from our friends at Big3 Studios in Florida. They redid the back wall in one of their control rooms using our Aeolian® Sound Diffusers. In a couple of the pics you can also see our Model C & Model F Art Diffusors® (black) in the ceiling!
Aeolian™ Diffuser – Mash up
Posted by Acoustics First in Diffusion, Home Theater, Music Tracking Room, Recording Studio on January 19, 2018
Here’s one of the first install pics of our new Aeolian™ Sound Diffusers, installed in a home project studio. Also note the Art Diffusor® Models F & C, in the ceiling and behind the speakers respectively. This is obviously a diffuser connoisseur’s room.
Below shows the room after the Sonora® products are installed.
DIY Wood Diffusion Panel – ArtDiffusor® Trim
Posted by Acoustics First in Diffusion, DIY, HOW TO, Products on April 13, 2016
DIY Wood Diffuser Panel – Using ArtDiffusor Trim
Here at Acoustics First®, we are often asked about wood acoustic treatment for spaces ranging from recording studios and auditoriums to churches and home theaters. Although the acoustic properties of wood are comparable to other reflective materials like gypsum and thermoplastic, wood’s superior aesthetic makes it a desirable treatment (wood is often perceived to “sound better” simply because of its visual properties).
Two different profiles that work together!
Our newest wood acoustic treatment, ArtDiffusor® Trim, is a versatile, high frequency quadratic diffuser that can help improve the clarity of speech and music. Both Profiles (Type A & B) offer diffusion in similar ranges and allow for customizable installations. The different profiles can be used individually or together to modify the aesthetics of a room, while achieving the desired acoustic performance. In fact, in recent tests of ArtDiffusor® Trim, alternating the A and B profiles resulted in the best diffusion. Some examples of different installations include:
- Back wall Diffusion for a theater, listening or mixing studio.
- Slatted Ceiling Absorber.
- Installation over or behind stretch wall
- Chair rail, door and window molding.
ArtDiffusor® Trim can come in lengths up to 8’ and is available in Maple (other woods can be quoted). Later in this article we’ll walk you through how to build your very own diffusion panel using 4’ lengths of ArtDiffusor® Trim.
Diffusion at a Glance
Where typical fiberglass and foam panels absorb sound by transferring sonic energy into kinetic and thermal energy, diffusers act to scatter the energy, creating ambiance and a sense of open space. The function of sound diffusers is not to remove energy from your room, but to redistribute it, accurately reinforcing the sound source by controlling standing waves and flutter echoes, while retaining the room’s “liveliness”.
As is the case with any sound absorbing panels and diffusers, the treatment needs to cover enough critical surface area to make a noticeable impact. Simply installing a single piece of ArtDiffusor® Trim will not significantly improve the acoustics of a room. One way to ensure enough improvement is by using ArtDiffusor® Trim to build a series of diffusion panels and installing them as you would sound absorbing panels.
Building a Diffusion Panel – A step by step guide
- Plan out your Panel: Find out how many ArtDiffusor® Trim boards you want in your panel assembly. Our diffusion panel was to occupy an alcove that was 29” wide and each board has a width of just about 4”, so we opted for 7, 4’ boards. Remember, alternate type A and B profiles for optimal diffusion.
Plan your Layout.
- Install the lower support board: This is what the ArtDiffusor® Trim boards will “stand” on. It is best to install acoustic treatment above chair rail height (3’-4’), to ensure that it’s effective around ear height. Measure and use a level to mark where the support board will go, install drywall anchors for a sure hold into the drywall, then drill and screw the support board into place. Be sure to countersink the holes so the facing strip has a flat surface to rest against.
Install the Lower Support.
Install the upper support board: This time using the ArtDiffusor ® Trim boards as a guide, measure, level and mark the location of the upper support board. Again, using drywall anchors, mount the upper support board (don’t forget to countersink!).The picture shows both support boards installed.
———————————————————————————————–>>>- Attach lower facing strip: Use facing strip that is approximately a ½” wider than the support board. Line up the facing strip next to the support board and mark your screw locations ensuring that they won’t run into the support board screws. Drill the holes and counter sink, lining up the boards so the ½” overlaps on the top, and screw into place.
Lower facing strip installed.
- Partially attach upper facing strip: Same as the lower facing strip, but mount so the ½” overlap is on the bottom, and only screw one side in so it’s easier to slide in the ArtDiffusor ® Trim boards later.
Partially attach top facing strip.
- Slide in Art Trim: Slide in the ArtDiffusor® Trim behind the facing strip and use biscuits to fit the boards together. We decided to position the boards with an approximately 1/8” spacing.
Slide in ArtDiffusor® Trim panels.
- Finish attaching upper facing strip & admire your new DIY Diffusion Panel!
Final DIY Diffusing Wall Panel with ArtDiffusor® Trim!
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