FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

1 

Why is acoustic comfort important?

Acoustic comfort is an increasingly significant topic because it directly affects the quality of life, psychophysical well-being, and productivity in the environments where people live and work. Some key reasons why acoustic comfort is so important include:

• Health and Well-being: An environment with good acoustic comfort promotes the overall well-being of individuals. Continuous exposure to high levels of noise can cause stress, fatigue, and even long-term health issues.

• Productivity: In work environments, the presence of unwanted noise can negatively impact concentration and productivity. An acoustically comfortable environment fosters better concentration and work performance.

• Communication: In environments where communication is crucial, such as offices or school classrooms, good acoustic comfort is essential for clear speech understanding and reducing auditory fatigue.

This underscores the growing importance of designing living and working spaces that consider not only the visual aspect but also the acoustic aspect to enhance overall occupant comfort.

2

Why do Zen panels solve the reverberation problem?

The patented Zen SoundShaper® panel has an acoustic absorption coefficient of 0.97 and is equipped with supports that make it usable in 4 dimensions: Wall, Ceiling Freestanding, and Desking, providing consumers with design solutions that discreetly integrate into an existing environment or allow for the creation of work islands in open space environments that require acoustic treatment.

3

Which is the best position of panels in the room?

The Zen SoundShaper® sound-absorbing panel is effective in all positions. The application depends on the position of the sound source. For example, the placement of the panel in a school classroom is different from that in a restaurant or meeting room. The most effective position for acoustic panels is always as baffle. The Zen range extends from thermoformed single-faced panels, through highly performing panels, to fiber panels suitable for environments where performance is not affected by design. According to different needs, various solutions can be mixed to arrive at a solution based on the available budget.

​

Additional useful information is available on the Steelbox website to address common questions. We invite you to visit www.steelbox.it.

4

Why choose Steelbox sound-absorbing panels from the Zen SoundShaper® line?

Steelbox's Zen SoundShaper® panels are featured by patented technology and are certified Class A in speech frequency by ZetaLAB, an independent laboratory. The patented Zen SoundShaper® panel consists of two 30mm thick polyester fiber mats with a density of 1400kg/m3 wrapping around a fire-resistant honeycomb panel. Original Zen SoundShaper® panels feature small surface depressions that enhance their acoustic performance.

5

What is the acoustic absorption coefficient of Zen SoundShaper® panels?

The Zen panel achieves a coefficient of 0.97 at a frequency of 1 kHz.

6

Where is acoustic treatment most needed?

It is particularly needed in open spaces such as call centers, restaurants, schools, gyms, industrial environments, and public waiting areas.

The Zen collection offers solutions for every context.

7

Which panel would you choose based on the environment?

Educational environments: The Zen Go! line is specifically designed for these types of settings. It ensures effective acoustic treatment, enhancing learning while keeping costs in check.

​

Music rooms: In addition to the Zen Go! and Zen SoundShaper® panels, the use of Bass Traps is recommended. They are specially designed to control low frequencies, improving acoustics in environments dedicated to art and music.

​

Offices: The Desking, Suite, and Pole modes within the Zen SoundShaper® line offer a mix of acoustic efficiency and elegant design, ideal for improving concentration and productivity, while also allowing for some privacy within spaces.

​

Horeca: The Ceiling and Wall mounting options integrate perfectly into these environments, enhancing the customer experience and creating a more pleasant atmosphere.

​

Waiting rooms: The Free Standing panels from the Zen SoundShaper® line offer discreet and effective acoustic control, allowing for the creation of areas that provide the necessary privacy.

​

Industrial spaces: The entire Zen collection is suitable for this purpose, with special compatibility of the Wall, Ceiling, and Baffle mount panels.

8

How to calculate the panels needed to create acoustic well-being?

Steelbox, to assist its customers in accurate design, has specifically created ZEN APP, an easy-to-use application for Tablets and Smartphones. With the help of a measurement kit, this application can detect the effective reverberation time of the environment to be designed, indicating the current T60 and the optimal T60 based on the intended use of the room. It also provides information on the compliance range to be respected and consequently suggests the number of panels needed to achieve maximum acoustic comfort. For further details, please visit the website www.steelbox.it.

9

How does the Zen SoundShaper® panel differ from other panels on the market?

The Zen SoundShaper® panels are absorbent, resonant, and diffusive. Thanks to the Soundshaper® technology, the sound remains captured within the honeycomb structure for a longer time, resulting in the dispersion and decay of the sound tail. In contrast, most panels on the market are not thermoformed and do not feature the same technology, making the dispersion of the sound tail less effective.

​

Furthermore, the Zen collection offers a variety of supports for the four dimensions (Free Standing, Wall, Ceiling, and Desking), meeting diverse usage needs.