

DIFFUSE Signature is the backbone of the modular DIFFUSE System. Signature panels are available with 3 standard standoff distances to accommodate variable depth arrays, as pictured here. Given the myriad potential applications, this wide bandwidth diffuser is the most versatile acoustic product in the DIFFUSE System.
DIFFUSE Signature or DIFFUSE High can be used to face bass traps, resonators or reflectors. We can also manufacture auxiliary products that compliment the integration of our standard acoustic products. Wall surfaces, cabinets, shelving and reflectors can all delivered turn-key to contractors for ease of specification and installation, providing a seamless architectural aesthetic on every interior surface.
Reserved for areas where critical listening is of the utmost importance, DIFFUSE Elite is the finest diffusion device available today. This modular panel is available with 3 standoff lengths at two points for truly unlimited variability and customization. The modularity of the DIFFUSE System finds its fullest potential in DIFFUSE Elite.
Used where flutter and slap echos present harsh room interactions, DIFFUSE High is an incredibly useful tool for engineers and designers. Available with or without slots, DIFFUSE High can be used for applications that range from low frequency absorber to high frequency diffuser. Integration options include 3 different standoff lengths or tongue and groove interfaces that allow bending of the monolithic array. DIFFUSE High is an acoustic treatment with a wide array of possibilities.
DIFFUSE High FLEX is a poly-based, flexible version of our DIFFUSE High acoustical plank. Flexible to a radius as tight as 12″ DIFFUSE High FLEX opens the creative possibilities within the acoustical space. Here it is pictured above the listening position as a cloud diffuser. We will also build the backing components to seamlessly integrate this innovative acoustical option. DIFFUSE High FLEX is available with or without slots.
DIFFUSE Glass has changed the way designers and engineer consider reflections from glass or transparent surfaces. Only 1″ thick, DIFFUSE Glass offers the only truly transparent acoustic treatment. We spend a significant amount of time to ensure every surface is as transparent as possible to guarantee notably low light refraction. DIFFUSE Glass panels are mounted using a vertical cable system, removing the need to drill into glass and simplifying a previously impossible application.
DIFFUSE Glass has changed the way designers and engineer consider reflections from glass or transparent surfaces. Only 1″ thick, DIFFUSE Glass offers the only truly transparent acoustic treatment. We spend a significant amount of time to ensure every surface is as transparent as possible to guarantee notably low light refraction. DIFFUSE Glass panels are mounted using a vertical cable system, removing the need to drill into glass and simplifying a previously impossible application.
ABSORB acoustic panels take the application of absorptive products from a generic commodity to a thoughtful design element. Available with a variety of design textures and colors, ABSORB allows designers to uphold architectural brilliance while maintaining an acoustically correct space.
Performing Arts
The extent of the scalability of the DIFFUSE System is most apparent in large performing arts spaces. Every interior surface can be treated with DIFFUSE products, as seen below. Arithmetic Design also manufactures a variety of reflective interior surfaces, both flat and curved.
DIFFUSE Signature’s slotted surface allows engineers to custom build stage shells which address myriad acoustic phenomena while maintaining a seamless architectural aesthetic. DIFFUSE can be backed with reflective surfaces to propagate high levels of energy or with absorptive material like our ABSORB to create tuned absorbers or bass traps where lower energy levels are preferred. With DIFFUSE shells, drummers do not overpower vocalists and the details of each instrument can be discerned with pinpoint clarity.
Orchestra pits present a complexly unique acoustical complication. Untreated reflections within pits can generate detrimental feedback for orchestral musicians and must be addressed appropriately. The sound propagated from the pit into the house must also be coherent, which is difficult given the tight architectural constraints into which many pits are crowded. DIFFUSE Elite appropriately spreads acoustical energy evenly to each orchestra member within the pit creating a sound field with intelligibility and coherency making timing and intensity easier to discern. DIFFUSE High FLEX is used here to wrap the stage step for diffuse field sound propagation into the house.
Arithmetic offers a number of interior treatments to seamlessly integrate acoustics into the architectural space. Reflectors, both flat and curved, can be fabricated and delivered with the same finish as our standard DIFFUSE products for a consistent and predictable aesthetic. We build full turn-key acoustic interiors, without the incompatible variance of a multiple supplier construct. We also offer all of our standard DIFFUSE products in commodity finishes for projects wrapped in fabric – lowering the cost without acoustical compromise.
Arithmetic manufactures ceiling baffles and reflectors in flat, curved and serpentine shapes meeting the needs of complex large space sound propagation. Available in sizes up to 5′ x 12′ and in endless finishes to suit a variety of interior needs, from economical to luxurious performance spaces.
DIFFUSE products used to treat mezzanine fascia reduce intense reflected energy to lower house guests and performers alike. By spreading sound energy over space and time, DIFFUSE envelopes the audience in an equalized and uniform sound field.
ABSORB Select on the side and rear walls help maintain critical mid and high-frequency information while absorbing lower frequencies. This helps maintain uniformity throughout the performance space when combined with other diffusive elements.
Private Theater
Small rooms present myriad acoustic phenomena that prove problematic. An excellent listening experience requires addressing these issues, particularly low frequency modes, without deadening the listening space. The DIFFUSE and ABSORB Systems are specifically tailored to present lively, engaging and uniform sound without depressing the overall aural experience, improving the efficiency and coherence of the entire sound system.
The primary importance of baffle wall construction is widely accepted among acoustical engineers. DIFFUSE Elite or DIFFUSE Signature used between LCR channels expands stage presence and contributes to pinpoint imaging and event placement. ABSORB 2D provides a light and sound absorbing surface that does not reflect light and reduces echoes from sound returning from rear wall reflections.
Slat type diffuser/absorber using DIFFUSE High. All components of the DIFFUSE System can be used to face low-frequency absorbers in order to treat various acoustic problems within the same wall area. Here, DIFFUSE High is specified in a binary sequence with a serpentine curve and placed over a custom fiberglass absorber to scatter high-frequencies, redirect mid-frequencies, and absorb low frequencies.
Low-frequency bass traps are a burdensome hurdle in architectural design. Here, DIFFUSE High FLEX is applied as a diffusive facing for a large, tuned ceiling bass trap. Engineers can accurately address high-pressure room modes by changing the thickness of the absorptive material behind the array and bending the flexible monolith accordingly. In this example, the first through fourth order modes are addressed using a combination of faced and raw fiberglass board/batting behind DIFFUSE High FLEX. Plate/membrane absorbers used behind the array in low particle velocity areas help to reinforce low-frequency control.
The critically important first reflections are best addressed using DIFFUSE Elite (pictured) or DIFFUSE Signature. Both products scatter and delay broad-bandwidth sound (adding spaciousness) from early reflections while maintaining high levels of acoustic energy free from cavity resonance or coloration.
In multi-channel platforms such as Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D, DIFFUSE Signature arrayed between surround channels balances the acoustic space and strengthens perceived envelopment. This diffuse sound field distributes large amounts of acoustic energy in a spacious manner, making it difficult to directly perceive the location of the source. Object movement is uniform and fluid, even if speakers are widely spaced.
DIFFUSE Elite placed on the back wall enhances the overall acoustic uniformity and psychoacoustic placement of events in soundtracks. This placement also reduces flutter echoes from front channels and reinforces the effectiveness of front baffle treatments.
Similar to the areas between surround channels, placing DIFFUSE Signature between height channels helps to balance the acoustic space and strengthen perceived envelopment. In multi-channel platforms such as Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D, this diffuse sound field distributes large amounts of acoustic energy in a spacious manner, making it difficult to directly perceive the location of the source – especially in small rooms. Object movement is uniform and fluid, even if speakers are widely spaced. The DIFFUSE High FLEX array on the ceiling helps to bolster the effects of this placement.
ABSORB Select products selectively absorb lower frequency sound while returning mid and high level sound into the listening space. These materials are most important to offset the high levels of absorption from carpet, seating and other absorptive materials in typical theaters. This selective absorption provides an engaging and uniform sound field throughout the listening space.
See the final buildout of the room here…
Finished Private Theater

