Acoustic challenges simplified.
Acoustic quality is most significantly impacted by room size and the amount of hard surfaces contained within. Voluminous spaces, especially those with high ceilings, have the potential for the most obvious acoustic problem – echo. Echo occurs when sound waves bounce off surfaces and return to the listener repeatedly. Similar to large spaces and their inherent echo problem, smaller spaces can also suffer from the related problem of reverberation which deteriorates sound quality without a discernible echo.
In every space, surface hardness has the most direct acoustic impact. Simply put, the more hard surfaces there are in the space, the more sound waves will bounce, the poorer the acoustic quality will be. To a degree, acoustics can be improved by the addition of softer furnishings and finishes such as carpet, furniture, window treatments, etc. But typically there is potential for significant improvement through the addition of materials specifically engineered for sound absorption.
Acoustic Terms
The science of sound can be a complex topic. As an introduction, here are simple explanations of terms and concepts involved in the evaluation and management of acoustics in the built environment.
Absorption
The opposite of reflection. When a sound wave encounters resistance, absorption occurs which is measured in sabins.
Acoustics
The properties or qualities of a room or building that determine how sound is transmitted within it.
Ambient noise
The pervasive background noise, with the exclusion of the primary sound (i.e. a speaker's voice) within a given environment. Sometimes referred to as noise pollution.
Ceiling Cloud
An acoustic element suspended from the ceiling or roof structure for sound absorption.
Decibel
A unit that measures the intensity of a sound wave. A whisper is typically around 15 dB and a hammer hitting a nail is about 125 dB – enough to cause hearing damage.
Diffusion
The random distribution or scattering of a sound wave after contacting a surface. Effective diffusion results in a well-balanced acoustic environment.
Echo
A distinctly discernible repetition or reflection of a sound.
Loudness
Subjective impression of the intensity of a sound.
Noise
An unwanted sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
The numeric representation of sound absorption. The NRC scale ranges from 0, the measure of perfect reflection, to 1, indicating perfect absorption.
Reflection
The bouncing of a sound wave off of a surface. Sound, like light, is reflected with an angle of reflection equaling the angle of incidence.
Reverberation
The persistence of sound in space after the originating sound has stopped. Reverberation is caused by numerous reflections of a sound arriving at the listener's ear so closely that they are heard as a gradual deterioration of sound quality.
Reverberation time
The amount of time (seconds) required for a sound at a specific frequency to decay is 60 dB after the source stops. A room's reverberation time is impacted by frequency, the volume of the space, and the total number of absorption units in the room.
Sabin
The unit of measure that indicates the sound absorption of a surface. One sabin is equal to one square foot of perfectly absorptive material.
Sound
Energy transmitted by pressure waves in air, water, or solids. This form of energy is the cause behind hearing.
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
The number rating system that indicates the sound transmission loss of a wall or partition. STC is used to compare the sound transmission characteristics of architectural materials and construction methods.
Oomph FAQs
Oomph can transform your space acoustically and visually. But how do you put it to work in your space? Here are many of the frequently asked questions. Other questions? Just reach out using the contact button (?) below.
1. How will Oomph affect the noise in my space?
Oomph panels are sound-absorbing elements. As more sound-absorbing elements are added to a space, the sound reverberation (echo) within that space decreases. This decreases white noise and increases voice clarity. From quiet focus rooms to larger meeting spaces, installing Oomph panels can help create the ideal sound quality of your space.
2. What level of Improvement can I expect with Oomph?
Sound improvement in a space is quantified by calculating the reverberation time. Simply put, reverberation time is how long it takes the echo to dissipate. This calculation is dependent on the size of the space, prevalence of soft materials, flooring, and ceiling conditions. With a firm understanding of these variables and how our panels affect this calculation, Takeform is equipped to reduce the reverberation time within your space to an ideal level.
3. What are Oomph’s acoustic properties (NRC)?
a. An acoustic panel's ability to absorb sound can be quantified as its Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC rating). An NRC of 0 indicates full reflection of sound, an NRC of 1 indicates full absorption of sound.
b. Oomph's NRC rating is dependent on the mounting method.When mounted flush, the NRC is .45. When stood off the wall, the NRC can reach a maximum of .90 (at 6" stand-off). The larger the gap between the wall and panel, the more effective the panel is at absorbing sound.
4. What is the acoustical panel made of?
Certified 60% recycled fibrous PET material.
5. What is Oomph’s fire rating?
ASTM E84 Class I or A fire rated.
6. What are Oomph’s VOC levels?
a. Oomph acoustic panels passed all safety criteria for all installation scenarios (wall, ceiling, wall & ceiling) per CDPH 01350 v1.2
b. The construction adhesives used to mount Oomph to walls is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified and GREENGUARD Certified for Children & Schools
7. How many colors does Oomph offer?
a. Oomph is available in 24 colorways.
b. Custom colors are available at a minimum order quantity and with a 16-week lead time.
8. Are there limitations to the shapes that can be cut from/into Oomph?
a. Oomph can be cut into complex shapes. In general, there are very few limitations.
b. No sharp external corners (less than 20 degrees), but sharp in-cuts are acceptable.
c. Chamfers on curves are limited to .125" depth
9. Does Oomph accept print?
Yes, all available Oomph colors are printable. Printing Oomph does not significantly affect its sound absorption properties. Print color is affected by the color of the Oomph panel. For print color accuracy, we recommend printing on AC100 – Frost Bite.
10. Does Oomph accept paint?
Painting Oomph is not recommended. Applying paint compromises sound absorption properties and forms an undesirable surface finish.
11. What is the maximum size of a single Oomph panel?
a. Raw material panel size: 48" x 110"
b. Maximum unprinted panel size: 47" x 109"
c. Maximum printed panel size: 47" x 95"
12. What is the thickness of Oomph acoustic panels?
a. All Oomph's colors are available in standard ½" thickness.
b. Oomph panels can be laminated together to create a thicker panel. Multi-layer panels can be used as a design feature for contrasting reveals or as a technical feature to increase the NRC of a flush-mounted panel (from 0.45 to 0.7). Restrictions may apply.
13. What is the weight of an Oomph panel?
A 4' x 8' Oomph panel weighs approximately 16 lbs. (.50 lbs./ft²)
14. Can dimensional letters and logos be mounted to Oomph panels?
Yes, dimensional letters and logos can be stud-mounted to (or through) Oomph panels. Stud holes can be precut in the factory or cut on site. When making a stud hole on site, using an awl is preferred over a drill.
15. Is the Oomph mounting adhesive method permanent? Will it cause damage to the walls if the panel is removed?
Yes, the mounting adhesive is permanent. Panel removal will cause damage. Removable/replaceable mounting methods are available using our cleat, z-clip, or button mount.
16. Is Oomph cleanable?
Yes, the Oomph surface is designed for easy cleaning and sanitizing. Vacuum is the primary cleaning method. Spray cleaners and disinfectants may also be used. Blot with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not rub as this may set soil into fibrous texture.
17. How does Takeform ensure accurate fitment in my space?
Before a design is finalized, Takeform conducts a “Field Verification Survey" (FVS) to assess the wall that's being covered. This survey is a detailed report that includes wall measurements, notable obstructions, and other potential installation challenges. This is nearly identical to the survey process required for Amplify.
18. What about wall obstructions, how do they affect installation?
Obstructions are noted in the design phase of a project and planned for accordingly. Obstructions can be cut around or remounted to the surface of the Oomph panels. In general, obstructions are cut around during installation. Oomph panels are easily cut using a utility knife and straight edge (or template).
19. Does Takeform offer a wall tile solution?