Acoustic Fundamentals
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.
Oomph FAQs
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What are Oomph’s acoustic properties (NRC)?
- 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.
- 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.
- What is the acoustical panel made of?
- Certified 60% recycled fibrous PET material.
- Certified 60% recycled fibrous PET material.
- What is Oomph’s fire rating?
- ASTM E84 Class I or A fire rated.
- ASTM E84 Class I or A fire rated.
- What are Oomph’s VOC levels?
- Oomph acoustic panels passed all safety criteria for all installation scenarios (wall, ceiling, wall & ceiling) per CDPH 01350 v1.2
- The construction adhesives used to mount Oomph to walls is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified and GREENGUARD Certified for Children & Schools
- How many colors does Oomph offer?
- Oomph is available in 24 colorways.
- Custom colors are available at a minimum order quantity and with a 16-week lead time.
- Are there limitations to the shapes that can be cut from/into Oomph?
- Oomph can be cut into complex shapes. In general, there are very few limitations.
- No sharp external corners (less than 20 degrees), but sharp in-cuts are acceptable.
- Chamfers on curves are limited to .125" depth
- 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.
- 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.
- Does Oomph accept paint?
- Painting Oomph is not recommended. Applying paint compromises sound absorption properties and forms an undesirable surface finish.
- Painting Oomph is not recommended. Applying paint compromises sound absorption properties and forms an undesirable surface finish.
- What is the maximum size of a single Oomph panel?
- Raw material panel size: 48" x 110"
- Maximum unprinted panel size: 47" x 109"
- Maximum printed panel size: 47" x 95"
- What is the thickness of Oomph acoustic panels?
- All Oomph's colors are available in standard ½" thickness.
- 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.
- What is the weight of an Oomph panel?
- A 4' x 8' Oomph panel weighs approximately 16 lbs. (.50 lbs./ft²)
- A 4' x 8' Oomph panel weighs approximately 16 lbs. (.50 lbs./ft²)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
- Does Takeform offer a wall tile solution?
- Yes, our Oomph Shapes product offers a variety of different wall tiles that can be patterned to cover any sized wall in any combination of our 24 standard colorways. Shapes offer a flexible coverage solution that can be installed without a detailed assessment of the wall they're covering – simple and elegant. For added graphic impact, consider applying custom printing to Shapes or integrating wallcovering into your Shapes feature wall.
- Yes, our Oomph Shapes product offers a variety of different wall tiles that can be patterned to cover any sized wall in any combination of our 24 standard colorways. Shapes offer a flexible coverage solution that can be installed without a detailed assessment of the wall they're covering – simple and elegant. For added graphic impact, consider applying custom printing to Shapes or integrating wallcovering into your Shapes feature wall.
- How do Oomph Shapes butt together? Are the seams visible?
- Yes, seams are visible. Oomph Shapes have a chamfered (beveled) edge that serves two purposes: 1. The beveled edge accentuates the Shapes arrangement and creates an aesthetically pleasing shadow/highlight outline pattern on the wall. 2. The beveled edge helps hide any misalignment caused by underlying wall imperfections.
- Yes, seams are visible. Oomph Shapes have a chamfered (beveled) edge that serves two purposes: 1. The beveled edge accentuates the Shapes arrangement and creates an aesthetically pleasing shadow/highlight outline pattern on the wall. 2. The beveled edge helps hide any misalignment caused by underlying wall imperfections.
- When specifying a printed pattern or image on Shapes, is the result a continuous graphic?
- No. When printing on Shapes, the pattern or image does not print on the chamfered (beveled) edge which remains the Oomph material color. The result is a visible, aesthetically pleasing quarter-inch outline of the shape arrangement. If you desire a continuous image, spec Oomph wall panels for your project.
- No. When printing on Shapes, the pattern or image does not print on the chamfered (beveled) edge which remains the Oomph material color. The result is a visible, aesthetically pleasing quarter-inch outline of the shape arrangement. If you desire a continuous image, spec Oomph wall panels for your project.
- How are Oomph Shapes installed? Can they be removed?
- The standard installation method utilizes fast-set construction adhesive for a permanent bond. Removing Shapes from drywall will cause surface damage. When removed from harder surfaces, residual adhesive may remain.
- The standard installation method utilizes fast-set construction adhesive for a permanent bond. Removing Shapes from drywall will cause surface damage. When removed from harder surfaces, residual adhesive may remain.
- Can I install Oomph Shapes myself?
- As with most projects, that depends on the individual's level of skill, experience, and tools. Installing an individual Oomph Shape is easy, just apply the adhesive to the back of the Shape and hold it in position on the wall for 10-seconds. The challenge is getting an arrangement properly aligned and level across the entire wall surface – our installers use a laser level to ensure accuracy. Additionally, shapes will need to be accurately trimmed where they butt to corners or intersect wall edges. For best results, professional installation is recommended. From the pre-production field survey of your space to the finished install, our installation team is ready to manage the whole process for you.
- As with most projects, that depends on the individual's level of skill, experience, and tools. Installing an individual Oomph Shape is easy, just apply the adhesive to the back of the Shape and hold it in position on the wall for 10-seconds. The challenge is getting an arrangement properly aligned and level across the entire wall surface – our installers use a laser level to ensure accuracy. Additionally, shapes will need to be accurately trimmed where they butt to corners or intersect wall edges. For best results, professional installation is recommended. From the pre-production field survey of your space to the finished install, our installation team is ready to manage the whole process for you.
- Can a Shapes arrangement be specified using multiple Oomph material colors?
- Absolutely! Like all Oomph products, Shapes is all about enabling creative potential. You can collaborate with our experiential design team to create the material color mix and layout pattern right for your project.