1. How did Snowsound® Acoustic Panels come to be?
With the growing need for acoustic comfort in spaces, Snowsound® introduces a line of acoustic solutions that architects, designers and project owners no longer need to hide. The products are as beautiful they are functional, and not only does Snowsound® create a more comfortable acoustic environment, but it also enhances the aesthetics of any given space. Design partners that include Michele De Lucchi, Alberto Meda, and Alessandro Mendini elevate the design integrity of the spaces they’re incorporated into. The colors, shapes and sizes as well as their ease of installation make them the most flexible and user-friendly acoustic panels, with the broadest spectrum of application and mounting possibilities, thus providing a solution for any project need.
2. What was the inspiration behind the Snowsound® technology?
Inspired by nature, Snowsound® panels use a patented composition of sound absorbing material that mimics the properties of freshly fallen snow. An industrial invention of material comprised of variable densities allows the panels to selectively absorb the optimal amount of sound from each frequency category. This selective absorption optimizes the acoustical environment, without eliminating key sounds.
3. How and why will Snowsound® Acoustic Panels help reduce and improve sound?
Snowsound improves sound by absorbing echoes and reverberation without eliminating all sound, creating natural sounding peace and quiet. The panels act as acoustic equalizers and close the gaps between the different frequencies in a space, which leaves necessary sound without the feeling of noise. Through the use of variable density material, the panels can treat all frequencies in the acoustic spectrum as opposed to focusing on limited ranges.
4. How many panels do I need to achieve optimal acoustic comfort?
Based on the dimensions of the room, height of the ceiling, purpose of the room and the material of the room surfaces, our technical team calculates the optimal number of panels for the space. Since acoustic sensitivity between individuals can vary to some degree, and because rooms may have some constraints, our quantity recommendation is usually given in a range, from better to best.
5. How do I determine where to place the panels in my space?
Flexibility and ease of use are two of Snowsound®’s greatest features. Because sound travels at over 1,000 feet/second, Snowsound® panels will absorb the unwanted sound frequencies no matter how they are arranged or placed; as long as the panels are evenly distributed in the space, optimal sound absorption will be achieved. The panels are manufactured complete as one unit, which allows simple mounting and customization in specifying the desired layout.
6. How are Snowsound® Panels different from other acoustic panels currently on the market?
Several characteristics differentiate Snowsound® from other acoustic solutions on the market:
- Snowsound® products are manufactured using a patented sound absorbing material with variable densities, which allows the panels to be the market leader in sound absorption effectiveness with NRC ratings of 1.0 for all panel designs.
- The patented and award winning Snowsound® technology behind our product enables the panels to achieve acoustic correction and balance: the inner core of our panels is made of variable density polyester, which allows the panels to selectively absorb the optimal amount of sound from all frequency categories in the spectrum, resulting in the most advanced acoustic correction to eliminate echo and reverberation.
- Snowsound® acoustic panels can be free standing, desktop standing, wall mounted, ceiling suspended and ceiling mounted. Their ease of installation, convenience and flexibility of application make Snowsound® panels the primary choice for immediate and retrofit acoustic solution needs.
- Panels are made entirely of polyester, 100% recyclable, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified to meet sustainability and evironmental health standards for green buildings.
- Complex manufacturing yields a complete single unit, double-sided panel, without any fabrication or assembly required. The absence of an airspace or cavity between the outer fabric and sound-absorbing core significantly decreases the accumulation of dust and the panels are easy to clean with mild cleanser. The frameless design also gives Snowsound® panels a completely sound absorbing surface; no other material is present to hinder the sound-absorbency or reflect part of the sound.
- Snowsound® Acoustic Panels are designed by some of Europe’s most renowned architects and designers, giving project owners the ability to solve acoustic problems while enhancing the aesthetics of their space. Available in 12 colors and a multitude of application hardware, Snowsound® panels improve both the acoustics and aesthetics of any environment.
- Some manufacturers of other acoustic panels boast that their panels are most absorptive at higher frequencies. However, it is not something to boast about. By nature, the higher frequencies are easiest to absorb, and are absorbed by objects and people in the room. If a concert hall is being fitted with acoustic panels, it would be a mistake to use ordinary panels that are most absorptive at the highest frequencies – this would drown out the sound of the high pitched instruments like the violin and create an imbalanced acoustic performance. While it is typical for current acoustic panels to absorb more of the high frequencies, Snowsound® technology intentionally diffuses a bit of these high frequencies in order to maintain the acoustic balance of spaces to create the most optimal acoustic environment, making Snowsound® Acoustic Panels entirely unique.
7. How heavy are the panels? How thin are they?
All panel designs weigh less than 1lb. / sq. foot. All panels have a standard thickness of 1.5"
8. What is NRC?
In the simplest possible terms, a NRC (or Noise Reduction Coefficient) is the number that represents the effectiveness of a material at absorbing sound. The NRC is a single-number determined in a lab test and used for rating how absorptive a particular material is. This industry standard ranges from 0 to 1*. It is simply the average of the mid-frequency sound absorption coefficients (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hertz).
*Based on the testing methodology, and depending upon the material's shape or surface area, some products can test at an NRC above 1.
9. What sound absorption tests were conducted for Snowsound®?
Sound absorption testing was conducted by Istituto Giordano using the (UNI EN) ISO 354:2003 standard, obtaining CLASS A sound absorption according to ISO 11654 standards. This ISO 354 test is comparable to ASTM C423 (Standard Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method).
Additional sound absorption testing was done by Laboratoria Di Acoustica of MATERIACOUSTICA, a research and engineering lab specialized in acoustics and vibration according to ISO 10534-2, which is comparable to ASTM C384 (Standard Test Method for Impedance and Absorption of Acoustical Materials by Impedance Tube Method).
10. What is the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of Snowsound® Acoustic Panels?
Snowsound® Acoustic Panels have an NRC of 1.0 for all panel designs.
11. What class is the fire rating?
Snowsound® Acoustic Panels are CLASS A Flame Spread and Smoke Development (UL 723 / ASTM E-84)
12. How is NRC different from STC?
The key difference between NRC and STC is that NRC is used to rate materials that absorb sound, while STC is used to rate materials that block sound. The design of Snowsound® Acoustic Panels to absorb sound rather than eliminate sound was intentional: the panels purposefully allow some of the high frequencies to persist, in order to keep the acoustics balanced and prevent the muting of these essential sounds. The goal of Snowsound® is therefore not to eliminate sound, but to clarify it and enhance it, to make for a more pleasant and comfortable acoustic environment.
13. Where can I purchase the product?
Snowsound® Acoustic Panels can be ordered in your area through our authorized dealers. If there is not a dealer in your area, please contact us directly at orders@snowsoundusa.com and we will facilitate the order.
14. Who are the designers for Snowsound®?
Designed by world renowned architects and interior designers, Snowsound® panels are the most contemporary acoustic panels on the market. Mitesco was designed by Michele De Lucchi; Flap was designed by Alberto and Francesco Meda; and Corista was designed by Lorenzo Palmeri. New products debuted at NeoCon 2015 include designs by Marc Sadler, Alessandro Mendini, Sezgin Aksu and Lorenzo Damiani.
15. What is the Lead-time?
Delivery lead time for Standard orders can be as soon as 1-2 weeks, but up to 6 weeks, depending on panel color, size and quantity availability. Special orders will maintain a lead time of at most 10-12 weeks. Please contact your Snowsound® Dealer for exact availability.
16. How are Snowsound® Panels cleaned?
Snowsound® panels are extremely easy to clean due to their durable surface. The absence of airspace or a cavity between the outer fabric and sound absorbing inner material significantly decreases the accumulation of dust. Panels can be vacuumed (lightly) with a clean upholstery brush. For spots, warm water on a clean sponge or towel can be used to dab the area. The area can air dry or dry on low with a hairdryer.
17. Where is the product manufactured?
Snowsound® Acoustic Panels are designed and manufactured in Italy.
18. Where is Snowsound USA headquartered?
Snowsound® USA is a division of Atlantic Inc. and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
19. How do I become a Dealer or a Rep?
To apply for Representation or Dealership, please contact us directly through the contact tab on our website at www.snowsoundusa.com/contact