Sound Absorption vs. Diffusion

Sound reflection causes various acoustic challenges that distort a listener’s perception, such as echo and reverberation. Professional acoustic treatments use two distinct methods for controlling a sound wave’s interaction with a surface — sound absorption and sound diffusion. Applying the righmix of the two helps control sound energy distribution and improve the sonic experience.

What Is Sound Absorption?

Sound absorption is the process of mitigating sound reflections by reducing a wave’s energy. Sound waves reflect off hard surfaces with enough intensity to travel back into the room, resulting in reverberation and echo.

An absorptive surface can force a sound wave to use more energy reflecting off the surface. Most absorbers feature structural qualities — such as pores or fibers — that sound waves can enter easily but have difficulty leaving. The energy these surfaces absorb converts into heat, which dissipates within the material, rather than noise.

What Is Sound Diffusion?

Sound diffusion is the process of selectively redistributing sound back into a room. Rather than absorb sound waves, sound diffusers use reflection to their advantage. Diffusion promotes uniform sound distribution throughout a space.

Many sound diffusers manipulate reflection by layering reflective materials at varied protrusion levels. Each frequency range interacts with the diffuser in a unique and calculated way to optimize its redistribution into the room.

In some cases, acoustic diffusion uses a combination of reflection and absorption. Some diffusion materials include absorbent substances to optimize the redistribution of particular frequencies further.

Which Is Best for Your Space?

Absorption and diffusion provide opposing effects that can operate in tandem. An absorptive product reduces the reflection of excess sound energy, improving clarity by taming sonic interference. Alternatively, a sound diffusion product permits selective reflection, controlling the frequencies and angles at which the waves reflect.

When to Use Sound Absorption

Sound absorption products are ideal for improving clarity by reducing excess noise and preventing interference. Selectively positioning absorptive products can improve sound quality in a home theater, minimize the noise in a busy restaurant, or help an office feel like a quieter, more productive space.

When to Use Sound Diffusion

Sound diffusion is the ideal solution for evenly distributing sound in a room. In an auditorium, a sound diffusion product can send desirable frequencies to listeners in the back row as well as the front-of-house. Diffusion is also an excellent option for theaters, places of worship, conference rooms and concert halls.

Sound Absorption Products

Sound absorption is a widely applicable acoustic treatment method. Various absorbent materials on the market offer different performance capabilities and features that improve functionality in select locations.

Some of the most effective sound absorbers available through Soundproof Cow include:

• Acoustic glass mineral wool
• Udderly Quiet® Fabric Covered Foam panels
• Udderly Quiet® Acoustic Partitions
• Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels
• Quiet Board™ water-resistant panels

Sound Diffusion Products

Our sound diffusion products are absorbent panels with perforations that control the release of sound energy. We design EccoTone™ Acoustic Wood Panels with various patterns that refine diffusion performance while creating a stylish look. Wood is hard and fibrous by nature, so it’s effective for redistributing sound and absorbing select frequencies.

Contact Soundproof Cow

At Soundproof Cow, we provide acoustic solutions that uniquely address a space’s reflective surfaces. Our sound absorption and sound diffusion materials enhance the sonic experience in auditoriums, theaters, offices, restaurants, music studios and other settings. Feel free to browse our products online or request a free acoustic analysis to discuss your goals with a sound specialist.