Acoustic Engineering · Physics of Sound
Acoustic Treatment: Absorption vs. Diffusion in Recording Studios
Why stuffing a room with foam mattresses creates an unbalanced acoustic trap, and how controlled diffusion maintains musical life.
By the Engineering Team at Lymnaean Space B.V. · Published September 2026
The Trap of Over-Absorption
Thin acoustic foam only absorbs frequencies above 1 kHz. Low frequencies (below 250 Hz) pass straight through unaffected, resulting in a dull, boomy room where vocalists feel claustrophobic and mixes lose all low-end definition.
Tuned Diffusion: The Magic of Schroeder QRDs
Quadratic Residue Diffusers (QRD) feature math-calculated well depths based on prime numbers. When sound waves hit the diffuser, they are reflected back at different time delays and angles, eliminating flutter echoes while retaining acoustic sparkle.
Target RT60 = 0.38 Seconds
In our Amsterdam-Noord live hall, we engineered an even decay time of 0.38 seconds across the audible spectrum. This provides acoustic feedback to performing musicians while preventing muddiness in multitrack mixes.
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