The Plan
The image below shows a simplified room layout according to Dr. Toole’s principles.
The blue areas represent diffusers.
The red areas represent foam absorbers.
These sizes are only examples and not critical measurements for creating diffusers.
The diffusers are made with concrete form tubes, cardboard tubes with walls typically about 3/8-inch thick.
Home Depot sells them in sizes up to 14 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length.
Choosing the Diffuser’s Diameter
The diameter you choose for your diffusers is important.
If you want to make your listening roomgreat, build 1-foot thick diffusers.
If you want your roomnice-lookingand more affordable,use 14-inch diameter tubes available at Home Depot.
This tutorial builds 8-inch thick diffusers for a back wall and 7-inch thick diffusers for sidewalls.
you’ve got the option to also place a couple more diffusers farther back along the sidewall.
Definitely put a few along the back wall, which will minimize flutter echo.
The size, shape, and layout of your room will influence your diffuser count and positioning.
Make the cuts straight and precise so your diffusers will be flush against the wall and appear professionally made.
Do not use a jigsaw unless you have experience using one.
Instead, ask a more skilled person to make the cuts for you.
Orstudy the proper operation and safety practices, then practice cutting junk wood.
To make your cuts, measure the actual diameter of the tube.
In this tutorial, the diameter is 14-1/4 inches.
Next, measure half of the diameter of the tube, and mark that height on each tube.
Mark the halfway point on the tube on both sides, on each end.
Before you make height marks, put something heavy inside the tube to ensure it won’t roll.
ensure to align the 1x2 stripboard with the marks you just made.
Use high-quality 1x2 stripboards because they’re straight and almost always defect-free.
Now, carefully cut the tube by using the 1x2 stripboard as a guide for the jigsaw.
In this tutorial, the offset is 1-1/2 inches.
Go nice and slow, and you’ll be rewarded with a straighter and smoother cut.
With one side done, unclamp the 1x2 and move it over to the other side of the tube.
Nail the mounting brackets as shown below.
you’re able to use two brackets on each diffuser to make the diffusers less likely to warp.
Then place one bracket about one foot from each end of each diffuser.
Be gentle with the hammer because the cardboard tubes can dent easily.
Just see to it the brad heads are flush with the tube.
Now mark the center point in one of the brackets and drill a 3/8-inch hole there.
you better put a hole in only one of the brackets.
Finishing Touches
Here’s where you bring your creativity to the process: decorating your diffusers.
You’re better off covering the tubes with some fabric, wallpaper, or almost whatever you want.
Perhaps whimsical paisley fabric?
Or a favorite cartoon character?
It’s up to you.
Just verify the store has enough of it because you’ll be using several yards' worth.
Spray the surfaces of the tubes and give the adhesive half an hour to set.
Trim the fabric, leaving about 2-1/2 inches excess all around.
Spray the insides of the tubes on their long sides.
Fold the fabric in, making a couple of quick cuts with scissors to accommodate the mounting brackets.
Fold in the rest of the fabric.
If you need more strength, use molly anchors or toggle bolts to mount.
We used the 1x2 boards to create three legs, each 24 inches long.
