Acoustic Diffuser Panels: Guide For Interior Designers And Architects

By Author: Kevin Richard
Total Articles: 225
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Acoustic diffuser panels are products that can be used to control the quality of sound of different spaces. They might be categorized into three categories based on their diffusion and absorption properties.
To know these categories, it is important to realize the basic differences between diffusion and absorption.
Sound energy hitting a surface might be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected. The amount of either of these depends on the acoustic attribute of the surface. Absorbers are used to lessen the noise levels in a room by absorbing the sound energy.
Diffusers are used in spaces to make the room sound vivacious without creating reverberations. Diffusers don’t absorb the sound energy but rather deploy the sound uniformly in the space without removing sound energy. An instance of the use of diffusers is in the concert halls where there is a need for the uniform echo field. In several cases, diffusers and absorbers are used in a room together for the best results.
Absorption ...
... might be used in locations where initial reflections happen, to lessen interference with the direct sound. Diffusers make the room vivacious bi offering reflections to create a uniform diffuse field.
Some of the main attributes that require consideration while selecting custom acoustic panels for your design are durability, cost, finish of the product, category and most importantly, the NRC.
Coefficient- It is an average rating of how much sound is absorbed by the product. Different types of acoustic panels and their descriptions are provided below. These might be blended and used according to the needs of the space to be treated.

1. Acoustic plaster systems
These are plasters that come with sound absorbing attributes just like sound tiles. They are used when there is a requirement for personalization such as ceilings or walls, and also when no extra suspended ceilings are possible. Acoustic plasters enable a seamless and homogeneous application and it is specifically suited for spaces where there is a limitation for room height. These are generally available in a standard white shade, but can be painted over or tinted to meet the requirements. The plaster might be applied to the surface using a trowel or can also be sprayed depending on the precise product to be used.
Do I require an acoustic consultant?
Before actual work may commence, just like a doctor that should have the symptoms of a patient first before providing the right medication, an acoustician need to visit the site to ascertain the space and figure out the problematic areas in the space. There might be problems that are not instantly apparent and this needs someone that has the proficiency and the right tools to precisely pinpoint the issues and suggest proper solutions to fix them. The consultation procedure might also include design research if the space is to be built from scratch, an acoustic consultant is necessary if you don’t want to compromise on acoustics.