Focal is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment.

Focal

300 ICW8

#### Why Acoustic Terminology Matters

Understanding the language of acoustics is not just for scientists or sound engineers; it's essential for anyone passionate about achieving the best sound experience, whether you're an audiophile or a professional. Knowing terms like "Reverberation" or "Absorption" can help you diagnose problems in your listening room or even enhance your enjoyment of music or movies.

#### The Four Pillars

At the heart of acoustic understanding are four key terms: Reverberation, Absorption, Reflection, and Diffusion. Think of these as the four pillars that uphold the 'temple' of sound quality. Understanding these terms can significantly elevate your listening experience.

----------

### Unpacking Reverberation

#### What is Reverberation?

Reverberation is the continuation of sound in a particular space even after the original sound source has stopped. Imagine clapping your hands in an empty room; the sound lingers for a few moments, bouncing off the walls, ceiling, and floor. That lingering is reverberation. Too much of it can muddy sound quality, while too little can make a room feel "dead."

#### Reverberation Time (RT60)

RT60 is a metric that measures how long it takes for the sound to decay by 60 decibels in a room. In simple terms, it gauges how 'echoey' a room is. Measuring RT60 helps in tuning a room for optimal sound quality. For example, a home theater might aim for a shorter RT60 to keep dialogues crisp, while a concert hall might aim for a longer RT60 to enrich musical notes.

#### The Role of Reverberation in Different Environments

Reverberation behaves differently depending on where you are. In a recording studio, excessive reverberation is usually undesirable as it can muddle the clarity of recordings. Conversely, in a concert hall, a certain level of reverberation can add richness and warmth to live performances. Even in your living room, getting the reverberation right can make your hi-fi system shine.

----------

### The Absorption Factor

#### What is Sound Absorption?

Sound absorption refers to the process where materials, like acoustic foam or carpeting, "soak up" sound waves, reducing echo and background noise. Imagine sound absorption like a sponge soaking up water, but in this case, the sponge is soaking up sound energy.

#### Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)

The Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a number between 0 and 1 that indicates how well a material absorbs sound. A higher NRC means better absorption. For example, acoustic ceiling tiles with an NRC of 0.7 would absorb 70% of the sound hitting them, reflecting the remaining 30% back into the room.

#### Practical Applications of Absorption

In a home theater, strategic placement of absorbing materials can help reduce unwanted noise and echoes, making dialogues and musical scores clearer. In recording studios, absorption is essential for capturing the 'true' sound of an instrument or voice without interference from the room itself. Even in industrial settings, absorption can be crucial for employee comfort and safety, mitigating the impact of machine noise.

----------

### Understanding Reflection

#### The Basics of Sound Reflection

Sound reflection is the phenomenon where sound waves bounce off surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings. Imagine throwing a ball at a wall; it comes back to you, right? Sound behaves similarly. When sound waves encounter a hard surface, they reflect back into the room. This can either be a positive or negative factor, depending on what you're aiming for acoustically.

#### First Reflection Points

First reflection points are the initial surfaces that sound waves hit after leaving a speaker. They're critical because these first reflections will reach the listener almost immediately after the direct sound, and can either clarify or muddy the sonic picture. In most cases, these are spots on your side walls, ceiling, or floor. Knowing where these points are can help you decide where to place absorbing or diffusive materials.

#### Reflective Surfaces and Sound Quality

Reflective surfaces aren't all bad; sometimes they're exactly what a room needs. For example, in a home theater, you might want some reflection off the side walls to make the audio sound more spacious. However, in a recording studio, excessive reflection could distort the true sound of an instrument or voice. The key is to find a balance between reflective and absorbent surfaces.

----------

### The Complexity of Diffusion

#### What is Sound Diffusion?

Diffusion is the scattering of sound waves in multiple directions. Unlike absorption or reflection, which deal with sound in a more linear way, diffusion disperses sound, reducing the sense of localization. Think of it like a garden sprinkler for sound; it scatters water (sound) uniformly in different directions.

#### Types of Diffusers

There are various types of diffusers, but two common ones are Quadratic Residue Diffusers (QRD) and Primitive Root Diffusers (PRD). QRDs use a sequence of well depths to scatter sound, while PRDs utilize a different mathematical formula for a more randomized scattering. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but the goal is the same: to spread sound energy across a room evenly.

#### The Role of Diffusion in Room Acoustics

Diffusion can enhance a space by making it sound larger and more open. It helps break up sound energy and redistributes it throughout the room. This is beneficial in places like home theaters where you want a balanced, immersive sound field, or in music studios where you want to capture a more natural ambiance.

----------

### Putting it All Together

#### The Interplay Between the Four Terms

Understanding Reverberation, Absorption, Reflection, and Diffusion in isolation is good, but appreciating how they interact is even better. For instance, too much absorption can make a room sound lifeless, but adding diffusion can breathe life back into it. Likewise, too much reflection could cause problems, but the right amount of reverberation could fix it.

#### Case Studies

Real-world examples can illustrate how a blend of these four elements can create an acoustically optimized space. Whether it's a Grammy-winning recording studio or a state-of-the-art home theater, the principles remain the same: balance and harmony between these four pillars.

#### Final Thoughts and Further Resources

Mastering these terms is essential for anyone interested in acoustics, whether you're a professional or just passionate about sound. For those looking to deepen their knowledge, various books, online courses, and consultation services are available to guide you further.

Photo of a modern HiFi listening room.png

What is Reverberation, Absorption, Reflection, and Diffusion

A proper understanding of acoustical terminology is essential for effective room treatment. Learn how they impact room treatment and sound quality.


In this article, we'll dive into:

-   The launch of the new PS5 Pulse Elite Headset that's set to revolutionize gaming audio.
-   How magnetic planar drivers deliver unbelievably clear and detailed sound.
-   The cutting-edge PlayStation Link™ technology for super-fast, lossless connectivity.
-   AI-powered noise cancellation to ensure your voice comes through loud and clear.
-   The convenience features, including dual connectivity and a charging stand, plus up to 30 hours of battery life.

---

Well, friends, let's figure out what's happening in the world of gaming accessories. Sony has announced its new PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset, which is set to go on sale on February 21, 2024, and it's already generated a lot of buzz. With a price tag of €149.99, it's evident that Sony's goal isn't simply to release another headset, but to truly change the game audio experience.

First and foremost, this isn't a minor update to the familiar Pulse 3D. The Pulse Elite takes things to a new level with some quite fascinating technological solutions, especially the inclusion of planar magnetic drivers. For those in the know, this is the kind of thing you typically find in very expensive audiophile headphones. We're talking about delivering cleaner, more detailed sound. Imagine being able to hear things like quiet footsteps creeping up on you in a game – that's the idea here.

Sony is also serious about ensuring the cleanest sound without delays thanks to PlayStation Link™ technology. And let's not forget the enhanced AI-powered noise cancellation feature; it's there to make sure your team hears you loud and clear, bypassing any background noise from your side.

But here's where it gets even more interesting: The Pulse Elite is designed to be versatile. You can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and manage calls without interrupting your game. Plus, it comes with a charging stand, so your headset won't just be lying around when you're not using it. In addition, with up to 30 hours of battery life and fast charging, this headset will always be ready when you are.

Now, it's not all perfect – there are some critiques worth mentioning. Some people miss the dedicated chat volume buttons that were present on the Pulse 3D. And there are questions about the build quality, particularly the attachment of the earcups to the headband. But Sony is listening to its users; they've already released an update adding an equalizer function for those who want to further fine-tune their audio experience.

So, where does that leave us? The PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset promises to be a compelling choice for those who strive to get more out of their gaming audio. It's packed with features that demonstrate Sony is truly considering what gamers desire. Sure, there are a couple of areas for improvement, but don't all products have their drawbacks? If you're fully immersed in your games and want the audio to match, this headset is definitely worth your consideration.

Screenshot 2024-02-11 at 10.55.19.png

Screenshot 2024-02-11 at 10.55.39.png

Screenshot 2024-02-11 at 10.55.28.png

The PS5 Pulse Elite Brings AI Driven Sound Technology to Your Gaming Setup

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

Enjoy clear communication in every battle with the AI-enhanced noise cancellation of PS5 Pulse Elite.

Sony PULSE Elite


The Audio Pro C20 isn't just another speaker on the block. It's got a bit of everything for everyone, whether you're deep into your music or just want something that sounds great for your living room. Let's dive into what makes this speaker a bit different from the rest.

#### It Looks Good, But Sounds Even Better

First off, the C20 has a look that's clean and simple, which is pretty refreshing. It comes in three colors – white, grey, and black – and has this cool fabric front that you can take off if you want. It's not trying too hard to stand out, which is nice.

Now, the sound. This thing packs a punch with 190W of power. The detail in the sound is something you'll notice, whether you're blasting your favorite playlist or just chilling with some background tunes. It's got the right balance of crisp highs and deep lows, so everything from classical to pop to movie soundtracks comes through nicely.

#### Vinyl Lovers, This One's for You

Here's something you don't see often: the C20 has a built-in spot for connecting a turntable directly. No extra gadgets needed. So, if you've got a love for vinyl, this speaker's going to be right up your alley. Plus, you can play that vinyl sound through other speakers in your house if you've got a setup like that.

#### Not Just for Music

What's neat is that the C20 isn't just for music. It's got an input for TV sound, so it can double as a soundbar. That means less clutter under your TV, and let's be honest, nobody likes a bunch of wires and gadgets everywhere.

#### Easy to Use, Easy to Enjoy

Apart from all the technical stuff, the C20 is pretty user-friendly. Streaming music from your phone or tablet is straightforward, and if you've got more than one of these, you can pair them up for an even bigger sound, which is pretty cool for movie nights or house parties.

#### So, What's the Verdict?

The Audio Pro C20 is like that reliable friend who's good at a bunch of things. It's not just about the looks or just about the sound; it's a solid all-rounder. Whether you're into your music in a big way or just want something that'll make your TV shows sound better, it's worth a look. It's not the cheapest option out there, but for what it offers, it seems like a fair deal.The Audio Pro C20 isn't just another speaker on the block. It's got a bit of everything for everyone, whether you're deep into your music or just want something that sounds great for your living room. Let's dive into what makes this speaker a bit different from the rest.

#### It Looks Good, But Sounds Even Better

First off, the C20 has a look that's clean and simple, which is pretty refreshing. It comes in three colors – white, grey, and black – and has this cool fabric front that you can take off if you want. It's not trying too hard to stand out, which is nice.

Now, the sound. This thing packs a punch with 190W of power. The detail in the sound is something you'll notice, whether you're blasting your favorite playlist or just chilling with some background tunes. It's got the right balance of crisp highs and deep lows, so everything from classical to pop to movie soundtracks comes through nicely.

#### Vinyl Lovers, This One's for You

Here's something you don't see often: the C20 has a built-in spot for connecting a turntable directly. No extra gadgets needed. So, if you've got a love for vinyl, this speaker's going to be right up your alley. Plus, you can play that vinyl sound through other speakers in your house if you've got a setup like that.

#### Not Just for Music

What's neat is that the C20 isn't just for music. It's got an input for TV sound, so it can double as a soundbar. That means less clutter under your TV, and let's be honest, nobody likes a bunch of wires and gadgets everywhere.

#### Easy to Use, Easy to Enjoy

Apart from all the technical stuff, the C20 is pretty user-friendly. Streaming music from your phone or tablet is straightforward, and if you've got more than one of these, you can pair them up for an even bigger sound, which is pretty cool for movie nights or house parties.

#### So, What's the Verdict?

The Audio Pro C20 is like that reliable friend who's good at a bunch of things. It's not just about the looks or just about the sound; it's a solid all-rounder. Whether you're into your music in a big way or just want something that'll make your TV shows sound better, it's worth a look. It's not the cheapest option out there, but for what it offers, it seems like a fair deal.

audio_pro_C20-black-angle-nofront-airplay2-google-cast-chromecast-AudioPro.png

audio_pro_C20-black-top-angle-airplay2-google-cast-chromecast-AudioPro.png

audio_pro_C20-black-back-airplay2-google-cast-chromecast-AudioPro.png

Audio Pro C20's Scandinavian Elegance in Speaker Design

Audio Pro is a Swedish audio brand that specializes in the production of high-quality wireless speakers and audio systems.

Audio Pro

Embrace the Scandinavian charm of the Audio Pro C20 in your living space.

300 ICW8

by Focal

Interesting articles

What is Reverberation, Absorption, Reflection, and Diffusion

The PS5 Pulse Elite Brings AI Driven Sound Technology to Your Gaming Setup

Audio Pro C20's Scandinavian Elegance in Speaker Design