What exactly does the acoustic optimizer do? How does it work?

The Acoustic-Optimizer absorbs the sound pressure that is concentrated in the edges and corners of a room. Especially low frequencies (the vowels in speech) are amplified and distorted in the corners of the room. Absorbing this noise creates a room with clear, clean acoustics and perfect speech intelligibility.

What's so bad about 90-degree angles?

The sound pressure is distorted from the room edges (and even more so from the room corners, where 3 edges meet) and reflected back amplified by up to 20 dB. This noise overlays the useful sounds (speech, music) and leads to stress reactions. The lower edges of the room are usually occupied by furniture, which prevents this effect. Yet the transition from wall to ceiling is mostly unobstructed and gives free rein to the sound pressure.

To what extent does the Acoustic Optimizer reduce reverberation?

Since there is as of yet no measurement or calculation method for the so-called edge effect, the effect cannot be expressed in figures. Auditorily, however, its effect can consistently be felt on an individual basis. The Acoustic Optimizer absorbs the noise generated in the 90° edges and corners of the room. A welcome side effect is the reduction of reverberation.

Does the Acoustic Optimizer meet the requirements of the DIN standard 18041?

Compliance with DIN 18041 generally results in heavily overdamped rooms without fulfilling the actual requirement. Although the room is indeed then quieter, it subsequently becomes necessary to speak in a raised voice. The Acoustic Optimizer absorbs the stress-inducing noise and calms the room without overdamping it, therefore our Acoustic Optimizer intentionally fulfills the requirements of DIN 18041 to a limited extent.

Can the difference between an acoustic ceiling and the Acoustic Optimizer be summed up in a nutshell?

It can: Large-area absorbers on walls or ceilings absorb high frequencies to a significant degree, and thus affect consonants. These consonants, however, are crucial for the intelligibility of speech (Corona masks do exactly the same thing and everyone is by now familiar with their speech-impeding effect). The Acoustic Optimizer absorbs the low frequencies in the edges of the room without affecting the high frequencies. This results in clear and clean speech intelligibility.

We have a child with a cochlear implant.

Then the Acoustic Optimizer is just right: It absorbs the disturbing noise and creates a clear volume gap between disturbing noise and useful noise (speech). Full-surface damping, in contrast, dampens all sounds (including speech) equally and thus makes it difficult to communicate over distances (i.e., across the classroom, for example).

Can you provide us with references?

The Acoustic Optimizers have been installed in many projects. You are welcome to assure yourself of the effectiveness directly on site. Just give us a call and we will give you the names of references in your area.

How many elements do we need for a 60-square-meter room?

This also cannot be calculated using a formula. It is not the volume of the room that is decisive, but the type of construction. However, you can easily determine the requirements yourself with the help of a room sketch: Please download this PDF to do so. You'll see that it’s actually quite simple. Please keep in mind that the space requirement of a single element from dowel to dowel is 127 cm.

We are currently in a temporary building/rental property. Can we transfer the Acoustics Optimizers to other rooms later?

Yes, you can: The elements can be removed very easily. If you need new fixing material, just call us.

Can we wash the fabric cover?

You can wipe the fabric with a damp cloth or vacuum it: This is a sturdy upholstery fabric. However, it cannot be taken off and put in the washing machine. In case of extreme soiling or damage, we offer re-covering. This means that the core does not have to be thrown away.

The fire department has asked whether the elements are flammable.

The fabric cover is inherently flame retardant B1, the inner material (mineral wool) is non-combustible A1. The suspension is made of metal. The elements may also be hung above escape routes.

Our rooms are not rectangular, will the Acoustic Optimizer still be of help?

The Acoustic Optimizer cannot solve all problems, but we can give you more specific information if you send us photos and dimensions of the room. Please have a look at this PDF for this purpose.

Our rooms have suspended ceilings. Can we hang the elements on them?

The maximum load per dowel is 3.25 kg (for the EWA.20, the standard element). If you have doubts, ask a structural engineer whether the ceiling can bear the total load: 3.25 kg multiplied by the number of elements. If the ceiling is unsuitable, we will supply appropriate wall fasteners at the same price.

Can we do the installation ourselves?

You can install the Acoustic Optimizers yourself. We supply the mounting material as well as detailed instructions for both ceiling and wall mounting. If you wish, we can also arrange the installation for you.

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To the phone: +49 231 - 99 76 000