[woodsyi]

I have Real Trap Micros on my early reflection points.  Is there any reason why I shouldn't put these Auralex diffusors   http://www.frontendaudio.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1509&click=35
on top of them?  Should I do the same on panels on the front wall?  On general principle, shouldn't combining absorption and diffusion on HF reflection points be a good idea?

[ctviggen]

The Master Handbook of Acoustics recommends trying exactly what you want to do.  This is in part a personal preference.  The only detriment I see that that you might reflect more energy which will decrease absorption.  Give this a try and let me know what happens.  That's not too bad of a price, by the way.  You may also try putting the diffusors behind the microtraps.

[Ethan Winer]

woodsyi,

> Is there any reason why I shouldn't put these Auralex diffusors on top of them? <

Probably, but it depends on how far away the MicroTraps are from your ears. If they're 8 to 10 feet or more, diffusion could be useful. But absorption is usually better than diffusion (in my opinion). And you'd want good diffusors anyway, not something shallow like the type you linked to. I can't imagine those would be nearly as effective as MicroTraps. But hey, they're cheap enough to try with little risk.

> On general principle, shouldn't combining absorption and diffusion on HF reflection points be a good idea? <

In principle, the best way to combine diffusion with absorption is for the absorption to affect low frequencies only. That is, you could put a diffusor in front of a bass trap, and the diffusor would be designed to pass bass and reflect / diffuse mids and highs. But putting diffusion in front of mid/high frequency absorption (a MicroTrap) negates the absorption and so makes less sense.

--Ethan

[woodsyi]

Good points, Ethan.

What if I place the styrofoam diffusors behind the Micros?  Is there any mid/high coming through (whatever is not absorbed or reflected by the micortraps) for the diffusors to work?

[Ethan Winer]

woodsyi,

> What if I place the styrofoam diffusors behind the Micros? <

First, forget the idea of trying to get any benefit at all from diffusors that are only one inch thick. It's a fine line for me between wanting to give good advice and not dissing another company's products. But when pushed I'll choose the former every time.

> Is there any mid/high coming through (whatever is not absorbed or reflected by the micortraps) for the diffusors to work? <

Sorry, no. Even with good diffusors it's pointless to put them behind an absorbing panel.

--Ethan

[Glenn K]

woodsyi,

> Is there any reason why I shouldn't put these Auralex diffusors on top of them? <

Probably, but it depends on how far away the MicroTraps are from your ears. If they're 8 to 10 feet or more, diffusion could be useful. But absorption is usually better than diffusion (in my opinion). And you'd want good diffusors anyway, not something shallow like the type you linked to. I can't imagine those would be nearly as effective as MicroTraps. But hey, they're cheap enough to try with little ri ...

I would think the number is more like 15 or more feet from the diffusor.. I think even at 8 feet you could hear some of it coming back on you, don't you think Ethan?

Glenn

[Ethan Winer]

Glenn,

> I would think the number is more like 15 or more feet from the diffusor <

On what do you base that?

--Ethan

[Glenn K]

Glenn,

> I would think the number is more like 15 or more feet from the diffusor <

On what do you base that?

--Ethan

Based on being in a room and being able to hear the sound coming back on me at 8 feet.. Granted it was awhile ago, so maybe I only thought I was 8 feet away or so..  I could have been closer.. Granted also I think they where more monocylinder or bicylinder..
I was asking more of a question to you..