Edge diffraction: large, rounded baffle, or narrow square baffle

[catapult]

Many of your questions can be answered by playing with the free baffle diffraction simulator at the FRD group. Simulate the change in frequency response, both on and off axis, with different baffle sizes and shapes, driver locations and edge treatments.

http://www.pvconsultants.com/audio/d...ownloadbds.htm

[Volenti]

Originally posted by bradley
I have little technical background but have always wondered, while reading discussions of baffle step compensation and edge diffraction, what would be the outcome of eliminating the reflectivity of the front baffle surface as much as possible. B&W obviously does away almost entirely with the baffle surface in the photo posted above, but if front baffle diffraction issues are a problem, why aren't drivers surface mounted on more common flat baffles and a layer of very dense felt, say 3/8 to 1/2 inch, applied to the balance of the surface. Wouldn't this make the baffle relatively acoustically transparent?

The felt will still only be addressing a limited frequency range, most probably to high to prevent baffle step, though it may help a little in other areas.

[Timn8ter]

I heard a design that seemed, to me, to have eliminated the problem. This is the Uvola. It sounds very similar to dipole or bipole speakers.