How To Use The Radiator Diffuser Grid

The Radiator ships assembled and ready to use in a variety of ways. It can be mounted on walls, in a T-bar ceiling system or clustered together or suspended from a ceiling to create an acoustic cloud. To address these, the Radiator has several special mounting functions built in.

Keyholes

On the back side of the Radiator you will find two keyholes. These are designed to mount the unit to the wall using the supplied anchors and screws. Start by positioning the Radiator on the wall and then mark the top, bottom and sides using a pencil mark. Come down from the top by four inches and inward by ¼" for the center screw location. Mark it, and then use a nail or thin screwdriver to create a guide hole for the anchor. This will ensure the anchor goes in square exactly where you want it. Screw in the anchor and affix the screw by leaving it out by approximately 3/8". Repeat for the other side and hang.

Hanging points

The Radiator is pre-drilled with 8 holes. These are used for hanging points and for coupling multiple Radiators together to create a cluster. These holes are located towards the back side of the Radiator so that the wire is less visible when wrapped around the wood frame. You can also use the coupling bolts as an anchoring position. Just be careful to make sure you have secured the wire properly.

Coupling bolts

Multiple Radiators can be ganged together to create clusters. Not only is this highly effective acoustically, but with careful application of ceiling lights. You can create dramatic effects that can inspire! The coupling bolts are designed to provide an almost invisible means of coupling Radiators together.

Painting the Radiator

The Radiator comes pre-finished in a natural wood. You can easily paint the Radiator by lightly sanding, then applying a base coat and then the desired color. We recommend spray painting as this will make it easier to get inside all of the corners and surfaces. Painting will not affect the acoustic performance.

Application 1 – Radiator Diffuser On Side Walls

When primary or first order reflections are present, they not only make it more difficult to discern what is being played but also reduce the size of the sound field. These can be attenuated and scattered using Radiator clusters or a combination of Radiators and Broadway acoustic panels. Positioning the cluster staring at 36" (1 meter) off the floor will generally center a cluster as shown so that it is at ear height. The Radiator’s hard reflective surface will retain a greater sense of space and air in the room.

Application 2 – Radiator Diffuser On Rear Wall

Powerful front to back room reflections not only cause flutter echo, but increase the incidence of room modes. An array of Radiators behind the listening position will break these up while enhancing the acoustic environment. These are typically mounted on the rear wall, spanning the width of the work area. For those that prefer a slightly darker mix environment, a cluster Radiators combined with 3" thick Broadway panels will provide an effective and balanced result.

Application 3 – Diffusion Ceiling Cloud In Studio

Ceiling clouds above the work area benefit by reducing flutter echo while enlarging the ‘sweet spot’ in the critical mix position. For those that prefer a livelier environment, a ceiling cluster can easily be constructed using Radiators and the supplied coupling hardwire. These are then suspending above the work surface in an area that covers the console and seating position. This set up is particularly effective when lighting is above to create an architecturally attractive environment.

Application 5 – Transition Portal For T-Bar Ceilings

A challenge in small room acoustics occurs when the energy being produced by the loudspeakers outpaces the room’s ability to handle the build up. At this point, the sound becomes compressed. For rooms outfitted with T-Bar ceilings, the Radiator comes to the rescue by providing a simple means of escape whereby sound energy can be dissipated into the plenum above the T-bar giving the impression of being in a much larger room. The Radiator is expressly built just smaller than the usual 24" x 24" grid (60cm x 60cm) for easy fit.

Primacoustic is a division of Radial Engineering Ltd. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.