Diffusion (acoustics)

Diffusivity ( dispersion ) or, more precisely Schalldiffusität generally describes the degree of distribution of reflected sound a source in space and over time. The term is closely associated with the subjective notion of a diffuse surround sound and is not always applied equally. There is no mathematical description as size and consequently no assigned unit.

Sometimes We distinguish between local diffusivity and temporal diffusivity:

• Local diffusivity is usually defined as the uniformity of sound incidence in a particular location of the sound incidence direction.
• Time diffusivity describes the distribution of the reflected sound signals at the measuring point in time.

Both take in a room with the variety of options reflection.

The Schalldiffusität describes the room acoustic properties, which arise when the boundary surfaces of a room and the objects contained in it is not the manner of a mirror in just " one " direction ( " regular" ) reflect, but diffuse, that is more or less all directions. See also random noise field, which is also called diffuse sound field. Such diffuse fields, one simply assumes in statistical room acoustics. They play an important role for certain acoustic measurement method.

Increasing the diffusivity is possible through the use of artificial reverberation effects in order to obtain an apparent increase in the acoustic space.

In room acoustics a high diffusivity is achieved inter alia by curved boundary surfaces and the associated diffuse reflection of sound.

To ensure a balanced acoustic listening room or recording room -treatment, the diffusivity should always be provided with means of reflection and achieved simultaneously with absorption.