Exploring Common DIY Terminology - Dispersion

Dispersion

Dispersion refers to the way sound waves propagate and spread in space. It describes how the sound energy is distributed in different directions from a loudspeaker. Dispersion patterns determine the coverage area and the way sound is perceived at different listening positions. When a loudspeaker radiates sound, the dispersion pattern determines the spatial distribution of sound energy, including the angle and intensity of the sound in various directions. The dispersion pattern is influenced by factors such as the design of the loudspeaker cabinet, the driver(s) used, and any additional waveguides or horns employed. Common dispersion patterns include:

• Omnidirectional Dispersion: Omnidirectional speakers radiate sound evenly in all directions, providing a 360-degree coverage pattern. This means that the sound is dispersed equally in a spherical shape around the loudspeaker. Omnidirectional dispersion is often desired in applications where sound needs to be distributed uniformly, such as in background music systems.
• Broad-Beam Dispersion: Broad-beam dispersion refers to a wide dispersion pattern, where sound is spread over a broad area. This pattern is often achieved by using large driver(s) or employing specific loudspeaker designs. Broad-beam dispersion provides wide coverage and is suitable for applications where sound needs to cover a large audience area, such as in outdoor venues or open spaces.
• Narrow-Beam Dispersion: Narrow-beam dispersion involves focusing sound energy in a specific direction or a narrow angle. This pattern provides more precise sound targeting and is commonly used in applications where sound needs to be directed towards a specific audience area. Narrow-beam dispersion helps to reduce unwanted reflections and can be beneficial in achieving better intelligibility and sound localization.
• Controlled Directivity: Controlled directivity refers to dispersion patterns that are specifically shaped and controlled to meet the requirements of a particular venue or application. This is achieved through the use of waveguides, horns, or other techniques that shape and control the propagation of sound waves. Controlled directivity speakers aim to provide a balance between coverage and precision, offering controlled dispersion over a specific listening area.

The choice of dispersion pattern depends on the specific requirements of the application, the size and shape of the venue, and the desired coverage area. For example, in a large concert hall, a combination of different dispersion patterns may be used to provide coverage to both the main seating area and the balconies. It's important to consider that dispersion patterns can vary with frequency, and different loudspeakers may exhibit different dispersion characteristics at different frequencies. This frequency-dependent dispersion behavior is often taken into account when designing loudspeaker arrays and systems to ensure consistent coverage across the audible frequency range.



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