fpitas
Master Contributor
Obviously the sound will be more organic.
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Can plants act as sound diffusers ?
- Thread starter bothu
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Killingbeans
Major Contributor
Well, if you could add an automated hydroponics system and some effective "incognito" grow lights, it would make some really nice looking room treatment. Probably also make the room climate better. Hella expensive solution though
I've come across some studies in recent years. Evaluation of green walls for sound absorption in urban environments is an area of architectural study/interest. That includes both exterior and interior applications. Azkorra et al (2014) Evaluation of green walls as a passive acoustic insulation system for buildings goes into some detail.
Here's an example of interior application to reduce RT:
In general consider that the substrate will absorb lower frequencies and the plants higher frequencies. Open pored substrates (including organic soil) have a different effect to fine clay soil and so on. So the short answer is yes, both absorption and diffusion can be achieved, but areas and depths required are similar to other treatment materials.
Yan et al (2022) A review of the application of green walls in the acoustic field considers 34 papers mainly four aspects: laboratory applications, outdoor applications, indoor applications, and audio-visual applications. The paper is paywalled but some of you may have research access.
Here's an example of interior application to reduce RT:
In general consider that the substrate will absorb lower frequencies and the plants higher frequencies. Open pored substrates (including organic soil) have a different effect to fine clay soil and so on. So the short answer is yes, both absorption and diffusion can be achieved, but areas and depths required are similar to other treatment materials.
Yan et al (2022) A review of the application of green walls in the acoustic field considers 34 papers mainly four aspects: laboratory applications, outdoor applications, indoor applications, and audio-visual applications. The paper is paywalled but some of you may have research access.
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Well, if you could add an automated hydroponics system and some effective "incognito" grow lights, it would make some really nice looking room treatment. Probably also make the room climate better. Hella expensive solution though
Replace that ivy stuff with ganja plants and it pays for itself.
Not trying to be to confrontational but they most assuredly do. Purposed FR curtains work even better. They dampen, diffuse and are adjustable. The see through veil (light diffuser) works also. Everything matters in a room. One of the best ways along with adjustable helmholtz resonators to tune a room. Plants have been used for over 60 years that I know of. Even my father born in 1928 used them.. Curtains, plants and carpets, all reduce the ol slap test, how old is that? Every church and hall in the country, that want the auditor to be heard, tames with curtains, plants and carpets. Seats and people help too.
Regards
Even Dr. Toole mentions in his Books, that heavy curtains and carpets including other various absorbent furniture can help dampen reflections.Not trying to be to confrontational but they most assuredly do. Purposed FR curtains work even better. They dampen, diffuse and are adjustable. The see through veil (light diffuser) works also. Everything matters in a room. One of the best ways along with adjustable helmholtz resonators to tune a room. Plants have been used for over 60 years that I know of. Even my father born in 1928 used them.. Curtains, plants and carpets, all reduce the ol slap test, how old is that? Every church and hall in the country, that want the auditor to be heard, tames with curtains, plants and carpets. Seats and people help too.
Regards
Is it the best, no. Far better than nothing.
fpitas
Master Contributor
You may not care how the music sounds then; but whatever, dude!
Acoustic living wall...
www.kimptonacoustics.co.uk
It's probably a bit industrial for the lounge
Acoustic Living Wall or Noise Screen | Kimpton Acoustic Engineering
The Kimpton Acoustic Living Wall or Noise Screen is a solution that reduces noise and maintains a strong visual appeal.
www.kimptonacoustics.co.uk
It's probably a bit industrial for the lounge
fpitas
Master Contributor
Yes, and the various birds and other animals are optional.Acoustic living wall...
Acoustic Living Wall or Noise Screen | Kimpton Acoustic Engineering
The Kimpton Acoustic Living Wall or Noise Screen is a solution that reduces noise and maintains a strong visual appeal.
It's probably a bit industrial for the lounge
fpitas
Master Contributor
You train them to move randomly.Are squirrels absorbers or diffusers?
fpitas
Master Contributor
They may absorb a little, but the stars of the show are owls, which are mostly feathers.Are squirrels absorbers or diffusers?
I don’t know what you mean by “purposed FR curtains” but any absorbent, cloth based curtain cannot diffuse sound. For a diffuser to work it has to have a quasi-random, irregular shape and be reflective.
The topic is about diffusion not absorption.
...and eat someone's small dog in the theater. Lol
fpitas
Master Contributor
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D
Deleted member 48726
Guest
Yes.
I think purpose build curtains work very well if you know what their abilities are. Simple non porous material pleated will absorb a lot of sound. When in multi
layers like in a production shop with heavy metal breaks and general noise, the noise levels can drop 20db by directing the noise through 2 sheets with just space
between them. A forge worker can actually hear after a shift now. Tools books are great but gospel in the industrial world is not the same as the speaker world.
I'm sure he was referring to standard curtains. Not floor to ceiling retractable full width curtains like in EVERY theater in the country. LOL They actually work
very well and many vendors with great rooms at shows attribute their awards to the way they set up, not their equipment. Curtains? OH YEA!!
Regards
If you are going to comment, perhaps read my post instead of being a reflexive pedant.
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