Noob question: When to use absorber, diffuser, bass traps?

[Sushiglobster]

I searched as usual, and I could get a simple answer.

I'm a noob, yes, this get that out of the way...

When exactly are you suppose to use absorption, a diffuser, or bass trap?

I know that Bass Traps are exclusive to the corners in the room. They help absorb long waves that bass projects out.

Broadband Absorbers....these are for High and Mids yes?

and a Diffuser....I've seen these things...they look like they just send reflection out in different direction other than reflecting them back to you or the mic. They remind me of a stealth fighter in that it bounces radar away in not sending it to the source again.

When do you use such a thing? Do you use them in the instrument room or in the control room? Where do you place such a thing? I've seen them used facing monitors, or behind the listening position facing the monitors. Probably so the audio doesn't bounce back behind you...right?

Bass traps, absorbers, and diffusers can be used in both the mixing room and the instrument room right?

Thanks in advance

[AnthonyRochester]

Rather than have people re-write what has already been written, have a look at other threads on these topics. And the websites for realtraps and gik acoustics have good basic explanations and diagrams of this stuff..

[AnthonyRochester]

but basically speaking - broadband absorbers absorb sound at a wide range of frequencies evenly (ideally). Diffusers reflect sound but scatter it in a mathematically designed "random" way. These different treatments are used in both recording and mixing rooms, depending on what is required.

[Ihsahn1981]

I was in the same position as you a few months ago.
Knew absolutely NOTHING

My advice, read this:
Acoustic Treatment and Design for Recording Studios and Listening Rooms

Read it a couple of times!!

[Glenn Kuras]

When exactly are you suppose to use absorption, a diffuser, or bass trap?

I know that Bass Traps are exclusive to the corners in the room. They help absorb long waves that bass projects out.

First all small rooms have HUGE bass issues so bass trapping for sure.

Broadband Absorbers....these are for High and Mids yes?

Broad band means it absorbs more of the over all frequencies. Though bass traps like we sell and Real traps sells are designed to have a limp membrane in them to reflect some of the high end back into the the room. You can also use FRK on the front of DIY panels to do sort of the same thing.

and a Diffuser....I've seen these things...they look like they just send reflection out in different direction other than reflecting them back to you or the mic. They remind me of a stealth fighter in that it bounces radar away in not sending it to the source again.

See the following for better understanding of diffusion.

GIK Acoustics presents "How Diffusion Works!"

When do you use such a thing? Do you use them in the instrument room or in the control room? Where do you place such a thing? I've seen them used facing monitors, or behind the listening position facing the monitors. Probably so the audio doesn't bounce back behind you...right?

It really all depends on your room. If you are buying them I would contact the manufacture to have them help you with placement.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by Sushiglobster

When exactly are you suppose to use absorption, a diffuser, or bass trap?

Besides Ihsahn's advice to read my detailed Acoustics FAQ, this shorter version is easier for a "noob" to digest:

Acoustic Basics

--Ethan

________________
The Acoustic Treatment Experts

[johndykstra]

Welcome sushi.

Bass traps are not exclusive to corners, but it is a common placement. You have many loaded questions, as there are many theories. The simple answer is that there isn't a simple answer. Sorry.

Imagine asking a guitar player when he should use a flanger... or a drummer about a cowbell...

goodluck on your quest, and don't get discouraged. We're all a friendly bunch in here... for the most part