Diffusion

The scattering of reflected sound in multiple directions, creating a more uniform acoustic field.

Diffusion is the acoustic process of scattering sound energy in many directions rather than reflecting it like a mirror. When sound hits a diffusive surface, the reflected energy spreads across a wide angle, reducing discrete echoes while maintaining the room's acoustic energy and liveliness.

Unlike absorption (which removes energy from the room), diffusion redistributes it. This makes diffusers valuable when you want to: • Eliminate flutter echo without deadening the room • Add spaciousness and depth to recordings • Create a more uniform reverberant field • Reduce comb filtering from early reflections

Effective diffusion depends on the relationship between sound wavelength and surface geometry. A diffuser that works well at 1 kHz may be ineffective at 200 Hz because the wavelengths are so different.

Diffusion is quantified by the diffusion coefficient (d) and scattering coefficient (s), both ranging from 0 to 1.

Practical Example

Rear wall treatment in a control room

Using diffusers instead of absorbers on the rear wall maintains energy and creates spaciousness while preventing flutter echo with the front wall.

Standards: ISO 17497-1, ISO 17497-2

Glosario · Diseñador de Difusores

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