Posts Tagged diffusors
Introducing the Aeolian™ Diffuser
Posted by Acoustics First in Diffusion, Products on July 11, 2017
Production Unit – Photo
Acoustics First® is pleased to announce our latest creation: The Aeolian™ Sound Diffuser. In some ways a simplified version of our popular Art Diffusor® Model D, the Aeolian™ is the latest in our line of ‘Organic Quadratics’. Part of the Aeolian’s™ unique design comes from its use of “implied symmetry”. Although the edges are all asymmetric, the height variations are just subtle enough to create an illusion of symmetry when installed in a standard 15/16” grid, or spaced appropriately on a wall. The lack of a uniform edge also has added acoustical benefits in the way of “randomness”.
3D Development Model
Simulations are compared to final test results before production. (Test result by NWAA Labs.)
The development process for the Aeolian™ was similar to that of our ‘Model D’. Various 3D models were created and refined, after which we ran acoustical simulations. Once we settled on what we considered the optimum design for what we were going for, a full scale 3D model was printed for lab testing. With the ‘real world’ test results in hand, confirming our predicted results, we set about making the final mold, and this new diffuser was born.
Pre-Production Prototype printing on the Gigabot
Aeolian Mold.
First batch of Aeolians!
The Aeolian™ Diffuser is class A thermoplastic, and 4 lbs. per unit.
Nominal size is 23-3/4” x 23-3/4” with a depth of 5.1”.
Comprehensive Diffuser Data Now Available!
Posted by Acoustics First in Company Information, Diffusion, Press Release, Products on February 16, 2016
3D Polar “Balloons” are used to display a full hemispheric acoustic level response, at specific frequencies, in front of the diffusive surface. This is how a 5000Hz signal would reflect off an Art Diffusor® Model D: If we could see acoustic energy, this is what it might look like!
Acoustics First® has long been at the forefront of many exciting developments in the world of sound diffusion. In the spring of 2015, we created a method to evaluate sound diffusers using particle computer simulations. Then we utilized 3D printing technology to streamline the development of new diffuser prototypes. Recently, we received a patent for our innovative Art Diffusor® Model D design. Now we’re excited to announce the release of a new comprehensive data booklet for our entire line of sound diffusers!
In essence, this booklet represents an entirely new way to view and compare sound diffusers. “With technological advances accelerating at a staggering rate, we believed it would be advantageous to compile all of the measurable acoustic parameters of these devices, in order to develop an operating profile for each.” Since sound absorption and sound reflection can both be measured with great accuracy, we foresee a use for this data, or similar data, in virtual acoustic room modeling, along with other useful applications.
Contact us for your own print copy of the Acoustics First Diffuser Data booklet (or click here to download the PDF). The electronic data that was used to create the polar diffusion balloons is also available per request (Data compiled for Acoustics First by NWAA Labs in Elma, WA).
Currently, we are working closely with other members of the industry in an effort to develop a universally accepted standard for testing sound diffusion. In the absence of such a standard, Acoustics First is presenting this data in good faith as we believe it represents the best of what is currently available.
We look forward to sharing more advances in the field of sound diffusion!
Barrett’s Technology Solutions has a Happy Easter
Posted by Acoustics First in Absorption, Customer Feedback, Diffusion, Home Theater, Media Room, Product Applications, Theater, Uncategorized on April 20, 2014
Sometimes at Acoustics First we get a call from someone who is so knowledgeable that we can’t help but be tickled that they called us to help them. We received one such phone call from Pete Heskin at Barrett’s Technology Solutions in Naperville, IL.
Pete and his team were putting together an acoustic treatment for a listening room at their facility and wanted the room’s acoustics to really showcase their lineup of high-end audiophile speakers. No joke here – these guys have over 50 years of experience in the audio industry – and they keep on the bleeding edge of audio and video. This treatment is serious acoustic business – and these are some of the most discriminating ears in audio.
Happy Easter guys!
Happy Easter Guys!
In keeping with their high-standards and cutting edge approach, they were looking for an acoustic treatment that is as visually stunning as it is capable of treating a room containing some of the world’s greatest sound sources. As you can see, the results are simple and elegant.
The room contains an array of Sonora® panels, Silent Pictures® and clusters of ArtDiffusor® Model D‘s to make this space sound as good as it looks. (While all of their gear makes the gear junkies at Acoustics First drool…)
So, if you find yourself near Chicago, or on a “Wayne’s World” pilgrimage, stop into Barrett’s – and if you fancy yourself an audiophile – put your money where your ears are, and hear how discriminating ears listen to music…
… No Stairway to Heaven.
Model D @ DesignDC & WBWV
Posted by Acoustics First in Broadcast Facilities, Diffusion, Product Applications, Products, Recording Facilities, Recording Studio, Uncategorized on September 12, 2013
That’s right. Acoustics First will be unfurling some of the wrapping and exposing the newest addition to the ArtDiffusor® Family of diffusers… the Model D. Where can you see it?
DesignDC 2013
September 25-26th, 2013
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC
Acoustics First will be set up in the main exhibit hall (in Booth 507), showing off the Model D, the newest release into the ArtDiffusor® family. Come on down to see for yourself what all the noise is about – pardon the pun.
Another interesting development is the first install of Model D’s in a Broadcast studio. In a move to “liven-up” the very “dead” studio to better accommodate the live recording of in-studio musicians, WBWV 88.7 FM in Beckley, WV pointed to the New Model D as their solution.
WBWV 88.7 FM Beckley, WV
FInally, don’t forget that you can check out any new developments or products at Acousticsfirst.com, where the Model D page has a couple “Bonus Features” like:
- How diffusion works Video.
- Photo Gallery
- Early “Alien” promo video
- Model D Pattern Designer
Then and now… Diffusers and Don Juan.
Posted by Acoustics First in Auditorium, Broadcast Facilities, Classrooms, Diffusion, Home Entertainment, Home Theater, Media Room, Multipurpose Rooms, Music Rehearsal Spaces, Music Tracking Room, Recording Facilities, Recording Studio, Studio Control Room, Teaching Rooms, Teleconferencing, Uncategorized, Vocal Booth, Voice Over on July 4, 2013
Four score and seven years ago (1926), movies had just begun integrating sound along with the visuals, as Warner Brothers released Don Juan – syncing a 33 1/2 rpm audio disc to the video as part of the new Vitaphone system. The era of talkies had arrived, as did a new era of fake accents.
While we still have those fake accents from the days of yore (and Johnny Depp as Don Juan), we have new technologies to bring us our entertainment – high-definition video on big screens with 10.2 digital surround sound, playing in home theaters that rival the best public theatrical venues.
While we have seen (and heard) the technological evolution of movies to what they are today, we have also seen (and heard) the evolution of acoustics – and the one area I’m going to discuss today is one of the fastest evolving acoustic disciplines – Diffusion.
Diffuser design has come far from the early days of scattering sound by changing the angle of your wall, or the shape of the room to negate, dilute, or diffuse unwanted or undesirable acoustic waves. Today, acoustic diffusers are mathematical and scientific wonders, designed to be elements that are inserted into your listening environment to create an acoustic space that is open and airy.
During this evolution of diffusion we have seen the rise of many shapes; The Pyramid, the Barrel, the Binary Arrays, Flat Panel, 1D and 2D QRDs, and more… a veritable cornucopia of geometric shapes and mathematically produced profiles, which are scientifically sound, but fundamentally, inorganic.
The notes on the instruments we play, are based on math and physics, but the music we play ebbs and flows from the pounding of drums to the smooth bass lines, from the intimate vocals to screaming, and from the heavy metal acts to classical symphonies (with or without a heavy metal act). Diffusers have followed suit, changing their shape along with the changing industry – making advances as new discoveries are made.
Diffusers have become important acoustic treatments in listening rooms, recording rooms, sound stages, and theaters – embrace the diffusers! Embrace the future Don Juan’s and their terrible accents… ok… just diffusers… fine.
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