While the HiPer Panel® and the HiPer Panel® Impact may appear to be identical on the surface, there are some key differences that may change which one you would use, and why you would use it. They are both layered, flat-panel diffuser products, with perforations, and they are both covered in fabric. However, their construction, below the surface, is drastically different. One is a broadband absorber with a modified frequency response which focuses on reduction of specular energy, and cancellation of noise – where the other is a high frequency diffuser and reflector with a tuned bass absorption which is constructed to maintain acoustic energy in the space.

Construction

The HiPer Panel® was originally designed to optimize the capabilities of a standard broadband absorber. Its internal membrane and perforations create a material that works to modify the range of absorption, and create high frequency diffraction… but that isn’t all. The cavities are backed up to the membrane, which changes the reflection characteristics, where high frequencies can be reflected, and higher energy waves are absorbed more than if it was just fiberglass. This extended range is random, as the perforation density is gaussian in nature, but the membrane is also randomly backed by more cavities.

This design creates 4 different physical conditions that acoustic energy has to contend with… in a gaussian distribution.

1. areas of the panel with 2 layers of fiberglass and a membrane in the middle.
2. one layer of fiberglass with a rear membrane over a cavity.
3. a cavity with a membrane back… sitting on fiberglass.
4. a cavity with a membrane back… stretched over another cavity.

The random distribution of multiple acoustic obstacles is what gives this device its unique characteristics. It’s an absorber that changes its performance depending on where sound hits it, and at which frequency. Some frequencies pass into the cavities and reflect off the membrane, while others are dampened by the membrane… while longer wavelengths see the membrane as a stretched diaphragm or limp mass.

The HiPer Panel® Impact has a very different construction and may be used for a very different reason. The HiPer Panel® Impact uses the same pattern of holes, but the holes aren’t cut into an absorber… they are cut out of a reflective face, which is attached to an absober. Unlike the first HiPer Panel®, the “Impact” can be used to maintain more of the energy in the space, break up some of the higher frequencies with that gaussian hole pattern, and be a low frequency bass trap. The design is simple and effective, but is not necessarily used in the same places where you would use the first HiPer Panel®.

Use cases.

The first Hiper Panel® is often used in theaters, and listening spaces where focusing on the source is of primary importance. Its broadband absorption, gentle high frequency diffusion, and smooth mid frequency control are ideal for critical listening environments such as mixing rooms, media rooms, theaters, or even voice over spaces. The performance is about removing the acoustic elements that could interfere with the focus on the source speakers.

The HiPer Panel® Impact is often used in performance spaces, where you want to maintain energy, break up high frequency flutter, and remove low bass. The reflective face doesn’t remove as much energy from the space, however it does change the characteristics of the space. This helps break up some frequencies, reduce bass, and keep the energy moving around the room. Music halls, churches, auditoriums, and any space that relies on the room helping to reinforce the sound will benefit from these taking the edge off the highs and dampening the lows – which is how the HiPer Panel® Impact controls the sound… while helping it maintain its “impact.”

In summary, while these two products are in the same family, they have a different core construction, which changes their performance. There are scenarios where you may use them both, however since they address different problems in a space, they are not always interchangeable. Contact Acoustics First® if you have questions about any of our products.