Simple Explanation

A device used to scatter sound in many directions, helping reduce echoes and make rooms sound more natural.

Concise Technical Definition

An acoustical treatment device designed to scatter reflected sound waves evenly throughout a space, reducing echoes without absorbing sound energy.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like how a disco ball breaks up light and throws it in all directions, a diffuser breaks up sound and spreads it around the room.

Industry Usage Summary

Commercial diffusers are used in studios, theaters, and performance spaces to control reflections and improve clarity without deadening the room. Designs include QRD (quadratic residue), skyline, and polycylindrical diffusers—each targeting different frequency ranges.

Engineering Shortcut

A non-absorbing acoustic panel that scatters sound reflections to reduce focus and echoes.

Full Technical Explanation

A diffuser (or diffusor) is a specialized acoustic device used to scatter sound waves rather than absorb them. It is typically installed on walls or ceilings to break up strong reflections that cause echoes or coloration, especially in critical listening environments. Unlike absorbers, diffusers preserve acoustic energy while redistributing it to avoid hotspots and dead zones. They are engineered using mathematical models (e.g., QRD or skyline designs) to target specific frequency bands and create a more diffuse sound field. Natural surfaces like irregular bookshelves can also serve as basic diffusers.