 Diffusion versus Absorption
The difference between diffusion and absorption is easy to understand. Acoustical diffusers are devices that, instead of absorbing and converting energy into heat, retain the energy and reflect it back into the room. Placing a diffuser directly opposite a reflective wall removes flutter echoes located within it's surface area, but unlike an absorber, the energy stays in the room and there are no "hot spots". This has the audible effect of creating the sense of 'greater space' behind the listening position and a more 'airy' room.
Primacoustic offers a choice of either a quadratic residue diffuser (Razorblade) or a poly-cylindrical diffuser (Polyfuser). Razorblade Quadratic diffusion employs a series of wells of varying depths that break up sound waves as the sound enters and reflects out. The more wells, the better the high frequency performance, the deeper the wells, the lower the starting frequency. These heavy, solid-wood 'phase traps' provide the most effective form of diffusion.
The Polyfuser is also an effective diffuser, but takes a different approach by using an infinitely changing elliptical panel to diffuse energy. Since the panel is suspended over a foam core and allowed to vibrate, it results in a combination diffuser and low frequency bass trap that can effectively absorb low frequencies down to 45Hz. |
Polyfuser on left side, Razorblade on right. Direct sound waves are broken up and evenly redirected back into the room.
|
Rigid rear wall diffusers 
Australis - Corner Bass trap 
[more...]
