I thought if (certain?) plants would work well as a diffuser? Same Space and Placement as a normal Diffuser, something like that:

 

You mean *absorber?

 

I think it could be a little of both diffusion & absorption. A row of cactus would prob act more like a diffuser & a big old bush would prob act more like an absorber lol.

PS/ Have you considered using cats or gerbils? Higher mass would tame those lows better.

 

I guess it would absorb a little too, but given its very rough and uneven surface i thought there would be lots of diffusion going on(if the leaves/stems are somewhat hard?)

 

Yeah, it will both absorb and disperse. I have quite a lot of plants in my studio. Creates a nice atmosphere and the colors are great. Also a reason to let sun into the room. Otherwise the studio would be constantly dark (blinds) and I would be a total shut-in in times like these.

 

I'd say you need some melons for that thou....

 

From Practical Domestic Room Acoustics by Adam p. Salisbury

Perhaps the most domestically acceptable addition to any room, plants also have acoustical benefits. Research supported by the Rentokil company derived a table of absorption coefficients for a variety of plant species, with anecdotal evidence supporting likely diffraction and diffusion too. The research was primarily aimed at commercial spaces, but it can be translated domestically. Hence, the separation of this section of the article in order that it can be readily updated as information becomes available.




The primary indication of the research was that plants work better in ‘acoustically live’ spaces, i.e. those that have minimal soft furnishings. In domestic terms it makes sense for those who favour the minimalist approach to room decoration, and who, quite possibly, have hard flooring, to use a range of (larger) heavily foliaged plants to make up for deficiencies in room reverberation (RT60). Yet, whilst this may be true, anecdotal evidence suggests that more normally furnished rooms can still benefit from the absorbent and diffuse action of plants. The proviso being that there be some room around the plant(s), rather than they being used right next to an absorbent piece of furniture, for example, where any acoustical action they may have will be lost.

In terms of use and placement. It isn’t recommended that a plant (plants) be used to treat first reflection (mirror) points – unless, through domestic consideration, there is no alternative. Where plants tend to come into their own is in the treatment of room shape issues and secondary reflection (mirror) points. One such location is the bay window. An often unused area of floor space – yet one of audible sonic detriment – it makes the ideal location for a (perhaps table-mounted) plant or two. By combining a stiffer, architectural, vine with something of a lighter, but dense foliage – such as the Weeping Fig. You will generate a (relatively) wide bandwidth of absorption, as well as varying degrees of reflection/diffraction/diffusion, that may ameliorate known bay window issues.

Rooms corners are an ideal location for the use of larger plants. Fortunately, corners also maximise the potential benefits plants have to offer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a larger palm in each of the room corners to the rear of the seating position can be as effective as OEM shaped foam in terms of modal treatment. Smaller plants, on the other hand, are ideal for spot treatment. A mantelpiece will hold a number of plants that along with their round-profile pots, add modest diffusion to a chimney brest. Likewise, placed on shelves on the front wall (alcoves), behind, and to the sides of the loudspeakers.

Beyond this, experiment. In the knowledge that as good as they are for general ambience, plants have acoustical benefit, too. They may not be as effective as OEM treatment, but they do have effect, and one that is a viable, and useful domestic alternative.

 

nope, they will not make any audible difference, not at the density shown in the picture.

 

this all feels a bit like snake oil to me. i have not actually measured the acoustic properties of plants so i am probably wrong, but i have never noticed any characteristics of a plant filled room other than the rooms that plants are typically stored in.

maybe its a matter of technicality? or maybe i just havent listened close enough to the acoustics of plant filled environments? im not sure, but i will keep my eyes and ears open for it

 

Of course it makes a difference. Depends what kind of plants, how thick and how much of an airgap behind them

Simple physics cant be denied lads

 

Diffusion has nothing to do with the thickness or absorption coefficient as the names implies it is about diffusion. Even a flat angled surface or a bookshelf can be a diffuser.

Absorber
An absorber "swallows" the impinging sound - reflections are contained.

Diffuser:
The incident sound is reflected in a wide range.

Creating a diffuser is actually quite simple, it gets more tough when creating a absorber especially for the bass region (basstrap).

 

Last edited: Mar 24, 2020

I bet these circular diffusers can can create a big tension in the sub harmonics of the listeners body

 

hahaha its just that if it made a difference enough to be able to use as a subsitute for proper treatment then you would be able to hear it when you walk into a room with a lot of plants. i have not been in a studio that substituted with plants, but i have been in rooms full of plants, and at that density i dont think it would be good enough.

 

put a plant in a concrete domestic empty room, and the reflections go waaaaay down

 

Better yet, get some marihuana plants in there and the quality of the sound and overall experience will improve 1000%.

Signed by Bob Marley and Barack Obama

 

interesting. i need to do some experiments. not like i havent got the time right now!
i should have done experiments before i thought in text

 

So, what's the Conclusion? Could a wall with hanging plants as shown in my picture replace a common diffuser on the rear wall? Like 100% 70% 30% .... ?

 

I 2nd the melons.

 

nothing is just diffusion or just absorption, unless its physics theory

and depending on the bookshelf, it can be mostly an absorber too

and creating a low end absorber doesnt get tough lol, it just gets thicker