Unwanted sound is formed by waves that are reflected from solid surfaces that have limited absorption, such as stone or wood floors, glass, walls and ceilings. Ideally, sound travels in one direction from the speaker to the listener. Today in many offices, schools, healthcare facilities, government buildings and indoor public areas (e.g. libraries, concert halls and museums), sound reflects off hard surfaces creating echoes. These echoes diminish voice intelligibility, making words hard to understand. We have all experienced acoustic “reverberation”, or echo, in large open spaces. Working or being in a noise polluted environment is stressful and reduces productivity and enjoyment.

Better acoustics requires reducing these secondary sound paths with sound absorbing materials. Traditional products on the market today are far less effective in absorbing problem frequencies below 500 Hz, somewhat effective in the mid-range of 500 to 2,000 Hz, and more effective above 2,000 Hz where the least attenuation is needed. Snowsound acoustic panels are an ideal solution to reduce echoes in conference rooms, call centers, restaurants, hotels, houses of worship, classrooms, retail stores and movie theaters. These commercial grade panels are designed for many years of use.

Snowsound technology derives its name and inspiration from the properties of fallen snow. The pores in snow cover are responsible for quieter outdoor conditions. When acoustic waves travel above the snow, the increased pressure of the wave momentarily pushes some air into the pores. Some of the sound energy is absorbed due to friction and thermal effects. Over a short distance, this mechanism can significantly reduce the sound energy in acoustic waves.