ZR Acoustics® | Q & A

ZR Acoustics^® is a design paradigm. It uses the principles of quantum physics to control air molecules, and consequently, sound energy riding on air. Applied material science and higher mathematics increase the performance, transportability and design aesthetics of the architecture and form factor of all ZR formats from Permanent Construction to Prefab to Products. It is iconic in the world of acoustics for it’s ability to create acoustic cloaking, perfect intelligibility, Life-like Imaging, high definition micro-dynamics and wall-to-wall sweet spots.

The ZR design paradigm uses bio-mimetics, materials science and applied quantum physics to control sound energy with an underlying layer of Fractal, Fibonacci and Chaos mathematics to create high resolution quantum architectural spaces and devices. Cloaking performance is directly related to acoustical resolution, which is measured in Non-Parallel Surfaces per Square Foot or NPS/sq.ft.

Yes, there are two popular videos available online to the public with in-depth interviews on the topic of studio design, quantum acoustics, ZR Acoustics^® and DHDI. The first is part of a series including Al Schmitt, Micheal Beinhorn, Richard Gibbs and Hanson Hsu. It was produced by Lynda.com and is free to view with this link.

The second is also very popular and captured in DHDI’s private listening room in Marina Del Rey. It’s available on Produce like a Pro or free on youtube with this link.

Both.  ZR Acoustics^® is a design paradigm from which acoustic architecture as well as products have been created. The end result in all cases is an object such as a studio, boardroom, theatre or quantum acoustic product/device. However, research on the underlying nature of applied quantum physics to large molecules such as air, continue to grow and capture the imagination of more scientists and educational institutions.

In it’s origins, the ZR concept is different than traditional, Euclidean acoustics, just as quantum physics is based on an entirely different set of rules than classical, Euclidean-based physics.  ZR is based in the quantum set of rules. It’s apples to oranges. ZR operates by using the rules of quantum physics to control one, singular thing: air molecules. By controlling the behavior of all the air molecules, ZR is consequently controlling all the sound riding on the air. All frequencies, all amplitudes, all phases. Traditional acoustics tries to control frequency and amplitude of every single audible sound from 20hz to 20,000 hz including every one in between.  For every frequency there needs to be a different panel or architectural acoustical feature, which means that no one thing controls all the sound.

Traditional acoustics controls sound energy one frequency at a time focusing on amplitude. (volume) The human hearing range is generally believed to be from 20 hz to 20,000 hz. This means controlling nearly 20,000 different, individual frequencies of sound, each with it's own architectural acoustical feature or traditional acoustic panel.

ZR Acoustics^® powered by Quantum Acoustics^™ controls the air which the sound energy rides on. By convincing the air to act as independent particles vs. together as a wave, sound energy ceases to exist. Not one frequency, or ten frequencies or 10,000 frequencies, but all frequencies of sound, just by controlling one thing: air.

No. ZR Acoustics^® was invented by DHDI Founder and Sr. Designer Hanson Hsu. It is used exclusively by DHDI for use in architecture and product design. Over the years, custom ZR work has been commissioned by various clients of DHDI for unusual and challenging circumstances. A handful of firms worldwide have done some research in quantum acoustics, but currently it is primarily rooted in educational institutions and research labs.

ZR Acoustics^® comes in a variety of formats. ZR Permanent Construction is architectural acoustics with blueprints, structural engineers, zoning, city planning and contractors. ZR PreFab is manufactured in our US factory and mounts to existing walls with a minimal profile of 3.5”. ZR Products are ultra-thin devices freestanding or mounted to walls and ceilings with extreme acoustic resolution for unrivalled performance. ZR technology comes in a variety of families of products, ever increasing in performance thanks to innovations in materials science and ever-increasing resolution.

Yes, the three (3) formats of ZR Acoustics^® are Permanent Construction, PreFab, and Products. Permanent construction is when architectural plans are drawn up, blueprints are approved by the city planning department and contractors build ZR Acoustics^® into the very walls of the building. This type of ZR has an extreme acoustic resolution of over 0.56 NPS/ft.² (traditional acoustic resolution = 0.01 NPS/ft.²) Acoustic resolution is directly related to performance. Higher acoustic resolution means higher performance. The second format is ZR PreFab. Made in our U.S. factory and added onto the walls of a space to increase usable studio space, ZR PreFab has the same extreme acoustic resolution as ZR permanent construction. ZR products are thin, lightweight, acoustical devices which fasten to room surfaces or speakers.  They are designed with extremely high acoustic resolution ranging from 140+ to well over 9200 NPS/ft.² .  ZR Devices have higher resolution and therefore higher performance than ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab.

A “device” is any product using quantum physics in it’s primary function. By nature, all electronics are devices because electronics is based in quantum physics: cell phones, light bulbs, computers, televisions, etc. As the ZR design paradigm is rooted in quantum physics, we call products designed with it as ZR Devices. As traditional acoustics is rooted in classical/Euclidean physics, they are most commonly referred to as “panels”.

SMD’s or Surface Mounted Devices are ZR Devices which mount onto walls or ceilings, i.e. surfaces. Coined originally as a term for integrated circuits (IC) mounted to the surface of printed circuit boards (PC), we use the term quite literally: a device mounted to a surface.

ZR Acoustics^® designs and products are available worldwide.  Currently there are studio projects across many countries with ZR Technology driving the acoustic signature. Architectural Acoustic designs with ZR Permanent Construction can be managed remotely or in person, regardless of locale. ZR Products are easily shipped anywhere using our conscious logistics team and customer support system. Regardless of location, DHDI can handle transportation, customs, logistics and shipping door to door.

For shipping quotes on ZR Devices to international destinations please contact us directly.

Acoustics is very challenging. Like most things it can easily be done poorly to a threshold that is tolerable for many. However to truly create an audible environment that at least matches the beauty and splendor of our visual environment, acoustics can be very hard.

Everywhere there is air, sound can exist. Because humans need air to exist, air is everywhere humans are. This means there is sound everywhere people exist. Unlike light and vision, we never close our ears. Everyone sleeps, and when they sleep they close their eyes. This shuts out the light and gives our eyes, optical nerves and brains a chance to rest and recover. You can even consciously shut your eyes with a thought and make everything black. However, no one can close their ears with a thought. There is no muscle, no “earlid” that closes to shut out sounds of the world. Evolutionarily this makes sense, that we are ready to fight or flee if we hear warning sounds. Yet gives our ears, our cochleas and our brains no rest from an increasingly loud world.

Acoustics is the science of sound. Like many fields, it began as a way to control existing sound in a variety of environments. Today it means stopping sound energy before it has a chance to exist. If the problematic sound never has a chance to exist, then the problem it would have created also can never exist. Neither of these scenarios are simple to address. If you think of sound as a wave on the ocean which can move freely, beyond the confines of the ocean, anywhere in the world, you can understand the vast effect sound has. Now change the sound with every reflection off every mountain, plant, driveway, window, car, grassy field or forest, and you have a nearly infinite number of combinations which need to be addressed.

Sound is affected by every single material it comes into contact with.  Like a chameleon superhero in the movies, sound takes on a little bit of character from everything it touches.  Sound rides on air, so everywhere air can go, so can sound. Each little crack in a window, every little gap in a door jamb, where there is a leak big enough for air to sneak through, so can sound.

Acoustic signatures are the subjective quality of how “good” or “bad” something sounds. This is all the reflections off all the surfaces creating a “signature” of sound. Acoustic isolation is the cracks and gaps where air and sound leak through, letting sound go where we don’t want it to go.

Between these two things and the enormous variations of materials which effect them both, designing for good acoustics is far more of a challenge than anyone realizes.

Recently someone asked, “why can’t I just buy a cheap, easy to install acoustic system that will sound amazing no matter where I am, what instrument I’m playing or how I record it?”  The answer of course, is why does a Stradivarius sound so much better than a mass produced $100 instrument made overseas?

Acoustics is challenging but thankfully technology and innovation continue to evolve and hopefully will not waver in their course.

Human nature and the constitution of the United States grant everyone in the U.S. the right to speak, and have an opinion. As always, we look forward to hearing from you, and are eager to have everyone experience ZR in person.

As a general rule in the design community, including architecture, interior design, studio design, film, television, and internet production, we only give referrals or recommend people based on the quality of their work, and personal experience working with them in the field.

Our clients all make a living trusting their ears.  The challenge is to capture and recreate audio to sound as if it were live, not a recording.  This task alone is daunting;  dealing with artists, musicians, nature sounds, weather, foley, and the myriad of acoustic elements that are captured to create the amazing work done by audio professionals every day.  For this, we salute you all.

As our mentors taught us, and their mentors taught them;  learn to listen.  Critical listening and the ability to hear are the most important tools we possess.  You cannot buy it, steal it, purchase it, download it, or read about it online and say you're an expert.  It has to be earned with ear training, practice, hard work and real world experience.  Hopefully, with the guidance of an excellent mentor like Al Schmitt, Mick Guzauski, Glenn Phoenix or one of the industry's legendary audio professionals, known affectionately as the "golden ears" of the business.

At DHDI we believe your ears, and the ability to use your ears well, are the most powerful tools anyone can possess.  It comes from learning to process sound, and to train your mind to recognize, identify and understand sound in great detail across a plethora of instruments, background noises and audible traits of the world around us.  It's not in the speakers, microphones or studios, but the in ability to listen critically.

The best part about freedom of speech and the internet, is that everyone gets to have a voice.  In this day and age, we are all responsible more than ever for that voice, and for our opinions.  We are also personally responsible to vet the sources we receive information from, or quote as wrote.  Like the ability to critically listen, we must all develop the ability to vet which sources are truthful and valid vs. the alternative.

At the end of the day, ZR users fall into two categories.  Most say, "It sounds unbelievable!  I can't begin to understand how it works, but it makes everything clearer, more defined and my work flow is faster and easier than ever before!  I don't need to know how it works to make all my work sound better."  While a few say, "It sounds incredible!  I don't understand it.  How does it work?  I can't wrap my head around the technology.  It's freaking me out, but I'm still using it on everything."  Yet they all agree, the benefits are well defined and dramatically obvious, even to the untrained ear.

Every audio professional understands that while their everyday set of tools includes microphones, speakers, consoles, protools, computers, plugins and electricity, they don't know how they're all designed, built, manufactured, or programmed.  Every moment of every day, audio pros use a vast range of audio electronics, which are also known as applied quantum physics devices.  They do not necessarily need to understand the minutia of how quantum physics drives every electron in every piece of audio gear at the theoretical level.  Nor do they need to know on a practical level, how to build a processor chip, write software for a plug in, or draw schematic diagrams of their computer's pc boards.  Their primary concern is how to apply their considerable skills and their ability to critically listen, to create phenomenal sounding audio.

We trust the golden ears of the industry to share their unbiased opinions.  We continue to learn from these talented individuals as we have for our entire careers.  The evolution and innovation of ZR is based in our ongoing relationships with them, the benefit of their experiences, and the most trusted crews they work with on a daily basis.

At DHDI we continue to enjoy hearing from our clientele, their clientele and everyone who has had the pleasure to experience and hear ZR in the real world, personally.

“Translation” is perhaps the most critical element in the world of audio production. Quite simply it means that the final audio product sounds the same regardless of delivery format, computer file, transducer type, length of copper wire, wifi system, speaker type, size/shape of the ear canal or listener’s ability to hear. It means what you hear sounds the same anywhere to everyone. This is what makes audio production such a challenge. With nearly endless varieties of hearing abilities, speakers, venues, earbuds and headphones, “translating” a song, film score or podcast to make it not only sound appealing and “good”, it must sound the same to everyone’s ears on everyone’s speakers. Translation is the bane of every audio engineer’s existence. With critical listening, talent and experience, audio engineers can make translation as easy breathing. Without these things, it can be as hard as climbing mount Everest.

Yes. Acoustic Signature is like your personal handwritten signature. It’s unique to you only and no one else has that exact type of handwriting or way of writing your name. Each room, studio, concert hall, airplane or conference room has a unique sound signature. It is made up of millions of reflections off of millions of nooks and crannies in every piece and particle of paint, drywall, curtains, floors, lamps, couches, desks, windows, doors or anything that the air in a room comes into contact with. Because every material that air comes into contact with changes the Acoustic Signature of the room, every room sounds different, even rooms built with identical architectural plans and materials. Air molecules are tiny and invisible. They fit into tiny nooks and crannies of everything, and everything alters the sound riding on the air, creating the room’s unique Acoustic Signature.

Acoustic Isolation is keeping sound from getting into or out of a space. It’s like keeping all the water in the fishbowl. If there’s a leak in the fishbowl, you can hear sound. The science of how to keep sound from leaking from one room to another is called Acoustic Isolation. While this may sound easy, it’s still the most laborious, difficult to solve, challenging and expensive area of acoustics. While quantum leaps in acoustic signature have lead to ultra-thin devices that can control the unique Signature of a room’s Acoustics, Isolation is still based in classical/Euclidean science rooted in thick heavy walls with lots of mass and density and large footprints, taking up lots of space. Soon, the same innovations which lead to the onset of quantum acoustic devices will solve the Acoustic Isolation challenge and offer thin, lightweight, easy to install devices which will keep sound where we want it, and out of places we don’t want it.

Perhaps it’s simply easier to only discuss two pieces of the puzzle.   Perhaps it was too difficult to achieve a consensus amongst the governing organizations, or perhaps the majority of acoustic-centric people didn’t understand the nuances of all critical elements that can effect sound.

After years of research, both in controlled circumstances and in the field, boots on the ground, DHDI has determined that there are two fascinating gaps which exist in the fields of sound and acoustics.

First and foremost, that the impact of Phase is considerably more serious than previously expected. The human ear is capable of hearing minute changes in phase. In fact as little as a fraction of a 1 degree of change. This makes Phase as important and perhaps, even more important than either frequency or amplitude in sound and acoustics.

Secondly, that resolution of materials and non-parallel surfaces is paramount. Higher resolution means greater performance. This is true in digital audio sample rates, in pixel depth for imaging, in quality of Egyptian cotton, in the hubble space telescope and in many more things. Scientists, physicists, chemists, cosmologists all understand the importance of resolution, as it effects everything they do on a daily basis. The real challenge is to have a unit of measure, and the tools to measure resolution of materials, objects and devices.

Granted, there are many people and organizations doing phenomenal work in the world of phase coherency. Unfortunately this group is in the minority, but with innovation of thought and the right motivation, Phase Coherence will soon be as ubiquitous a term as volume.

In 1975 the mathematician Mandelbrot published his book Les Objects Fractals: Forme, Hasard et Dimension which revealed that existence of Fractals in the natural world around us. He explained it in a mathematical way and later in beautiful, complex drawings and imagery which revealed one critical element of fractals: that regardless of scale, the formula and imagery maintain their consistency. In other words, if you zoom many orders of magnitude in or out, the geometry of the image (which is based in fractal math) stays the same.

Without knowing the difference between meters and nanometers, Mandlebrot could never have discovered Fractals. NPS/sq.ft. measures how many Non-Parallel Surfaces in every square foot exist in an object, material or acoustic device. It’s very simple. If you were to draw a square on a wall 12” x 12”, then measure how many surfaces in that square were non-parallel, then you get NPS/sq.ft. On a flat wall, you have a measure of zero (0) NPS/sq.ft.   If in the square the wall takes a turn and has one angle in it, you would have a measure of 1 NPS/sq.ft. In a traditional studio designed with classical/Euclidean physics you would have a trapezoidal floor plan with perhaps an angled ceiling or acoustic clouds above. To measure this space you would measure the number of angles in the entire room and divide by the square footage of the room. In most rooms the floor is not counted in either the Non-Parallel number or the Surface Area number. In the 1% of rooms with angled floors you would add both numbers into the equation.

Here’s an example of how to do the math. If there is a room with dimensions 20’L x 10’Wx 10’H, the total surface area of the four (4) walls would be 600 sq.ft. The ceiling would be 200 sq.ft.   Altogether, the total square footage for four (4) walls and the ceiling is 600 + 200 = 800 sq.ft. With a traditional studio design, on the high side, there would be twelve (12) Non-Parallel Surfaces (NPS) in the entire room. Divide 12 by 800 and you get 0.015 NPS/sq.ft. In contrast, ZR Hybrid devices have over 450 Non-Parallel Surfaces in every square foot. That’s 30,000 times more of the key element to control sound in every square foot. Or in other words, an SR24+ ZR Hybrid device which is 24” x 24” square has over 1800 Non Parallel surfaces in it. A traditional studio has only 12 in the entire room.

This unit of measure (NPS/sq.ft.) gives us a basis from which to measure resolution. Without a proper unit of measure, there was only a subjective measure of performance. DHDI created NPS/sq.ft. as a means to measure acoustic resolution with a well defined, clear and understandable ruler.

Currently there is no measure for imaging or dimensionality. Beside the subjective method of using descriptive language such as Life-Like Imaging or Crystal Clear Sound and many adjectives, there is no unit or scale for measuring either one.

It would  be of benefit to everyone if we used a scale already in place, like latitude and longitude. The image was spherical from the ground plane, 220 degrees wide with center at 0 degrees dead center, height at 90 degrees vertical with a depth of 20 feet. Imaging is spherical, like in real life. This means to describe imaging in a sphere we simply use degrees and angles like on a globe. Perhaps one day the audio industry and world of acoustics will all agree on how to best measure imaging, but for now it’s all just language.

ZR Acoustics^® was invented in 1996 during a studio design project for the late great Mike Shipley. It is the brainchild of Hanson Hsu, CEO and Sr. Quantum Acoustician at DHDI. For the full story watch the Lynda.com interview with Bobby Owsinski.

A wide diversity of people use Quantum Acoustics^™.  ZR users include musicians, producers, filmmakers, audio post-production engineers, internet audio production houses, investment bankers, schools and many more. Clients with ZR Acoustics^® all share one thing in common: a need for crystal clear sound. ZR Acoustics^® makes perfect sounding rooms possible. A sample client list include U2, Kanye West, WCM Investment Partners, Microsoft Studios, Bungee, Universal Music Group, Dan Wilson, Mike Shipley, Alan Meyerson and United Recorders.  For a curated list of clients please visit DHDI's Portfolio page.  Please note for privacy reasons not all clients are listed.

The best examples of ZR studios are in the Los Angeles area but there are ZR Studios worldwide with more going in every day. To find a studio near you and hear ZR Acoustics^® in person, please contact DHDI to schedule a demo.

Yes. With DHDI’s Visual Acoustics we use high resolution sublimation dye processes to print any 600 dpi graphic file onto acoustically transparent fabric. This applies only to ZR Permanent Construction, PreFab or Products which are wrapped in textile. Currently, Visual Acoustics is not available with the Sample Rate technology.

Yes, we have many clients who commission custom ZR devices with their imagery on them. From striking artwork to visual cloaking ZR to match the room, Visual Acoustics let you create your own personal vibe for any ZR space.

Perhaps. DHDI has a enormous variety of approved and tested, acoustically transparent textiles. With over 300 options in a cornucopia of color ways, there are many options to choose from. That being said, many clients have brought their textiles to DHDI for studio use.   If the textile passes DHDI’s acoustic testing and works with the interior design of the space, we are happy to use your textile.

When DHDI was founded in 1998, a core ethos was to envision, design and build studio spaces and architecture which “not only sound fantastic but also look fantastic.” For many years recording studios were brown, grey, drab places without good architecture or interior design.  The era of dark cave-like studios was coming to an end, and our mandate was that everything that left DHDI’s design studio be beautiful, acoustically and visually.

We live in a world of beauty. It effects the way we create audio as much as how we live and work.

Many times. Many clients who do not have a need for acoustics have purchased ZR Sample Rate devices as artwork for their private homes.

Nearly all ZR spaces are custom projects. Even the most recent product, ZR Cloak, is a custom designed quantum wrap for your speaker, shaped to fit snugly around your specific pair of speakers. However, if there is an usual need or challenging requirement, DHDI is always up the challenge and happy to take on any custom work to create perfect sound.

While we do not recommend painting or staining ZR Sample Rate devices, clients have for aesthetic reasons done both. There is a minimum 2db loss in performance with stain and as much as 6 – 8 db loss with paint. If you are absolutely unwavering in your pursuit to change the look of ZR SR’s then consider the rawhide version or call DHDI to discuss the acoustic impact and how to mitigate it in the overall design. Rawhide SR’s have the look of horsehair area rugs. They are more rough, raw looking with a more unfinished look. Alternatively, DHDI can recommend particular stains which will have less negative impact on the acoustic performance.

Yes. As the ZR Acoustics^® design paradigm is based in quantum physics, the rules of traditional/Euclidean acoustics do not apply. ZR devices can be free hanging in open space and make the entire space behind them inaudible. ZR Permanent Construction and ZR PreFab designs have ZR embedded in the wall or on existing walls, so there would be no need to stand them off a wall. ZR products/devices can be mounted on standoffs or hanging freely in open space with no change in performance. Some clients have mounted their ZR just proud of the wall in order to backlight the Visual Acoustics custom printing on the ZR Hybrid and Micro devices in the studio.

To hear this effect please listen to ZR Live! online for free. ZR Live! is a series of recordings made with a thin layer of ZR devices in a loft space with a 1.32 second reverberation time. With ZR the decay time was cut to under 0.1 seconds. Recordings were done live with a studio audience and mixed in the same space.  ZR Live! was home to the very first performance of the 2019 Best New Age Grammy Award, Opium Moon.  Also popular was Nick Mancini's rendition of Blues in F.

Yes. With ZR mounted proud of the wall, it is a simple matter to mount LED’s or LED rope lighting behind the ZR devices. Be sure you place enough mounting to hold the ZR firmly to the wall.  To date science has not been able to measure a correlation of the effect of photons (light) on phonons (sound) so for now you're fine.

Yes. Because ZR Acoustics^® works on the basis of quantum mechanics, it is not subject the the traditional rules of physics. In other words, it does not need a large amount of space or depth, does not require layers of high mass and density then an air gap for 24”, and does not need special fasteners or rigging. ZR devices are 1.25” thick or less, weigh roughly a pound per square foot and are embedded with such a high degree of acoustic resolution that they can control even low frequencies down to 16 hz in an ultra-thin form factor. Also, ZR devices, draperies and cloaks have already been designed and installed in the most challenging space imagineable.

Yes. Many initial demonstrations of ZR occur with two ZR devices. In the initial demo at his private studio, Rafa Sardina was impressed with how one ZR device behind his left nearfield monitor cleared up his imaging and increased his LF range without interfering with or coloring the rest of the sound. Obviously two devices will have less impact than 100% coverage, but each ZR solution is custom fit to the space, time and budget needs of the individual. In many cases where space and sightlines are a challenge, we recommend the ZR Cloak as it has a minimal profile with maximum performance with only two pieces, one for each speaker in a stereo pair.

Yes! Underground Sun commissioned DHDI to turn their Airstream into a ZR Studio. With 100% custom ZR devices, including hundreds of SR4’s, David Franz and Sarah Todd now track and mix records in perhaps the most unusual looking and best sounding airstream this side of the Atlantic. Other private projects have been commissioned in buses and other transportation vehicles.

In a perfect world we recommend 100% surface area coverage with one type of ZR technology: Permanent Construction, PreFab or Products. As we understand the constraints of time, budget, the uncertain and the unknown, clients have been extremely happy with 75% or even as minimal as 50% coverage. Resolution and placement have a great deal of impact on performance so in any case beside a package system, either a CDL or a full ZR design is recommended. Obviously, with more coverage and higher resolution, performance increases. For consultation on how to best use ZR in your space please contact DHDI.

To achieve the best results, please contact DHDI for a consultation. Whether you are build a studio with 100% ZR coverage or just a pair of ZR Cloaks, the application of ZR is important to the overall performance. In some cases with custom projects a CDL or Custom Design Layout may be required. For certain cases a Creator Series package or a Revitalizer package with included CDL will suffice. With all ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab projects, a full ZR Design is necessary to insure the studio be built properly and installed correctly.

It’s easy. The Revitalizer Series is an entry level package for clients interested in getting a taste of how ZR works. It helps understand the technology in a real world setting before moving forward with a full studio design.

The Creator Series are ZR systems designed for a variety of room sizes. They are scalable and affordable. Each Creator Series can be turned into the next by simply adding the next level of ZR to the existing one. For instance, if you have a Michelangelo package and want to upgrade to a DaVinci package, you simply add the additional ZR devices to what is already installed and you have a DaVinci package.

If you’re interested in ZR but not ready to commit to a full ZR room, the Revitalizer Series is for you. If you need help with acoustics but don’t have the time or budget for a full studio design, the Creator Series will solve your problems.

If you’re looking for the highest performance of the Ultimate Listening Experience, you’ll want a full CDL on a 100% coverage studio using ZR devices, or a full ZR studio design for ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab.

Simple. To mount a ZR device to the wall, simply peel off the protective clear layer off the military-grade Velcro on the back, line it up on the wall and push. As both parts of the Velcro (hook and loop) are already pre-installed on the back of the ZR device, one push and you are done. If you have concerns about the stickiness of your walls or any other reasons to feel unsure about the walls surface, start from the beginning, and peel off the layer of Velcro on the back of the ZR device. This is the loop part of the Velcro. The hook side is attached to the back of the ZR device. Now peel the protective layer off the loose loop piece and place it in the correct position on the wall.   Add drywall screws through the Velcro into a stud in the wall for additional fastening. When done, place the ZR device in place to match the Velcro loop piece already on the wall and push. You can push hard on the outside edges and gently in the middle part of the ZR device to adhere it to the wall mounted loop Velcro.

ZR Permanent Construction requires a general contractor to build and install ZR Acoustics^® into the walls. ZR PreFab requires a carpenter or general contractor to mount the ZR Modules on the existing wall.

For questions on installation please contact DHDI directly.

ZR devices are attached to walls and ceilings with military grade Velcro brand hook and loop. In special circumstances such as mounting ZR proud of a wall to install back lighting, z-clips may be used. In theatrical applications of ZR Cloaks for Dolby Atmos installations or behind acoustic cloth walls in theatres, L-brackets on the sides with liquid nails on the back may be used if the installation is permanent. For more detail on your specific application please contact DHDI.

Yes. All ZR formats can be installed, un-installed and re-installed in a new space, except ZR Permanent Construction. ZR PreFab was designed to be re-utilized. Every module is mounted with specific fasteners which are easy to remove. ZR products/devices all come with military-grade Velcro brand hook and loop fasteners for easy installation and re-use. We recommend if you are moving to a new space with different dimensions or acoustical characteristics that you contact us for a new CDL or design. This will insure the higher level of performance re-using the ZR you already own.

Yes. As ZR works on the principles of quantum mechanics, they are not subject to rules of traditional/Euclidean physics. This means they perform exactly the same in a room full of fiberglass and foam as they do in a bare room without any acoustic treatment.   Many clients already have existing traditional acoustic treatments and are accustomed to the way their rooms sound. They simply add ZR to solve the issues which cannot be solved by traditional means. ZR starts from the existing situation and addresses the acoustics of the space from that point on as a reference point, regardless of how good or bad it sounds. In every situation with existing product, ZR cleans up imaging, creates larger sweet spots, clarifies and extends LF energy, and dramatically increases micro-dynamic definition.

The Creator Series are room systems comprised of ZR Acoustics^® quantum devices, designed to clear up acoustical room anomalies. Each of the four (4) packages are named after icons in history, in science, art, mathematics, architecture and physics. They are designed around a baseline room size but are effective in any room up to a certain size. Smaller is not an issue but if the room is too large and the percentage of ZR surface area coverage is too small, we recommend a custom system, ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab. Creator Series designs utilize quantum devices from three families of ZR technology: Sample Rate, Micro and Hybrid. Each package is designed for maximum performance and visually given the limitations of less than 100% surface area coverage. Every package begins with a room, a pair of speakers on a wall, a console and an audio interface on a desk. For Dolby Atmos or Immersive Audio spaces, please contact DHDI for a custom design.

The Revitalizer Series are entry level systems using quantum acoustic devices. They begin with a pair of speakers up against the ZR devices on one wall, with a desk and audio interface. Included in every package is the CDL which helps the system perform to it’s ultimate performance, given the limitations of minimal surface area coverage. Revitalizers are popular for clients with space restrictions or limited budget.  Packages utilize devices from three families of ZR technology: Sample Rate, Micro and Hybrid.

The Creator Series are pre-designed quantum systems with larger surface area coverage and higher performance than Revitalizers. As each package has more ZR devices, each CDL is more complex and in depth, resulting in a greater performance. Each package builds upon the previous one.  Creator Series systems are popular with clients who want to scale-up over time without having to start with a new design every time.

Yes. The Creator Series are designed as incrementally scaled packages. Each package is simply the same as the previous package with additional design and product. It is a scaled up version of the previous package. This makes for simple expansion without having to redesign and move all the product.

Revitalizers are entry level and therefore easy to add to. There are less product and therefore simpler designs. To add to your Revitalizer Series system and increase your performance and aesthetic, please contact DHDI for a new CDL and quote on ZR devices.

CDL stands for Custom Design Layout. It is a condensed, smaller version of ZR designs specifically applied to ZR Product and Packages. Anything which has a CDL is a system of ZR devices and anything with a ZR Design is either for ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab.

The CDL show the location, design and relationship to other ZR devices in the room. If an SR24+ has multiple designs, the CDL will designate each devices’ location and design. Example: LHS wall, upper left SR24+ is TUR (Toccante Up Right). This is typically represented as a diagram or drawing with labels and directional arrows. Depending on which family of technology, ZR devices can have as 10 specific designs for one product. This means there are a multitude of variations which can help to optimize your rooms’ performance.

CDL’s are included with every Revitalizer or Creator Series package. Custom systems require their own CDL’s, while Permanent Construction and PreFab require full ZR designs which come in three tiers: Virtuoso, Plus and Classic.

ZR Designs apply to ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab. These systems require a full design of every square inch of all walls and the ceiling. ZR design are complex and extensive, drawn with the same detail as a set of architectural plans. ZR Designs are the acoustical alchemy behind every studio which is purpose built or uses DHDI’s proprietary ZR PreFab system. They are not applicable to systems using ZR products or devices.

CDL’s are condensed versions of ZR Designs. They only apply to systems using ZR products/devices and are included in every Revitalizer Series and Creator Series package.   CDL’s were created to provide easy to install diagrams for systems using ZR SMD’s (surface mounted devices).   They are not transferrable or applicable to ZR Permanent Construction or ZR PreFab.

ZR products/devices can be purchased worldwide, either directly from DHDI or through authorized dealers. Currently the authorized dealers are Lift AV in the pacific northwest and GC Pro worldwide. To order, request a quote or for more information, please contact DHDI.

Once your made-to-order products are ready to ship, arrival at your doorstep can be as little as a day for domestic locations and as much as a month or 6 weeks for international destinations. Within the continental United States most shipping arrives within 5 – 7 business days. Overseas or internationally, arrival dates are mostly governed by the time it takes to pass through customs vs. actual shipping times. Upon request overnight, 2 day and 3 day services are available for an upcharge. Shipping quotes can be provided once the size and weight of your ZR system is selected.  For more information about shipping options please contact DHDI.

Once your made-to-order products are ready to ship, arrival at your doorstep can be as little as a day for domestic locations and as much as a month or 6 weeks for international destinations. Within the continental United States most shipping arrives within 5 – 7 business days. Overseas or internationally, arrival dates are mostly governed by the time it takes to pass through customs vs. actual shipping times. Upon request overnight, 2 day and 3 day services are available for an up-charge. Shipping quotes can be provided once the size and weight of your ZR system is selected. For more information about shipping options please contact DHDI.

DHDI utilizes a variety of vetted transportation methods, all based on what is best for the client and safest for the product. The simple way to understand transportation and shipping it to think of what is getting shipped. In general, there are two ways to ship materials: on a pallet or in a box.

Larger shipments which need to ship altogether as one shipment require a pallet.  ZR orders are carefully packed with impact absorbing materials.  Larger orders are enclosed in a hand built wood crate to further increase the level of protection during shipping. DHDI uses a variety of worldwide logistics firms based on price, accountability, reputation and ability to deliver.

Smaller shipments or shipments which can be sent as multiple shipments can be sent via small format carriers such as Fedex or UPS. On occasion if requested we can use USPS services. For more information regarding shipping options for your ZR system please contact DHDI.

Unfortunately no. We believe that clients should see all the parts of their costs clearly rather than building shipping into the cost of the product. However, each generation of ZR devices continue to get thinner and lighter, decreasing shipping costs and size of packaging overall. Once we invent the holographic ZR with a USB dongle key downloadable, we’ll let everyone know.

All shipping related issues are insured. In order to make sure claims are approved, packages must be inspected upon receipt. If there is any visible damage anywhere on the packaging, please document with photos and notes as to where the damage is, and if possible, when the damage occurred to the shipment.  Please inspect your package immediately before signing acceptance of the delivery in order to make sure any damages are properly covered by shipping insurance.  Please alert DHDI within 1 to 2 business days or there may be issues with any insurance claims.  Emails can be sent to info@deltahdesign.com or your DHDI contact directly.  All damage claims must be in writing or via email.

Without proper documentation of damages due to shipping, the carrier will not honor any damage insurance claims. Please make sure to inspect all materials, packing and product before signing for receipt of materials. Once you have signed for receipt and checked the box saying there is no damage, there is no recourse at a later date to apply for insurance covered damages.

For more information please contact DHDI.

DHDI provides a limited warranty for materials and labor on products with manufacturing defects.  If for some reason your product is not perfect per DHDI’s design, we will repair or replace your product to insure your complete satisfaction.

All shipping related issues are insured by the carrier. In order to make sure claims are approved, all packages must be inspected upon receipt. If there is any visible damage anywhere on the packaging, please document with photos and notes as to where the damage is, and if possible, when the damage occurred to the shipment.

Without proper documentation of damages due to shipping, the carrier will not honor any damage insurance claims. Please make sure to inspect all materials, packing and product before signing for receipt of materials. Once you have signed for receipt and checked the box saying there is no damage, there is no recourse at a later date to apply for insurance covered damages.

For more information please contact DHDI.

All ZR finishes and textiles are pre-approved before final orders are shipped. DHDI requires every client to choose from actual textile swatches which are delivered directly to the client for selection and final approval. From experience we understand that a picture on a luminescent screen appears very different to the eye than light reflecting off a piece of cloth. For this very reason we send every client a variety of textiles to choose from. Client’s decisions are based on having a physical swatch in person to review both visually and kinesthetically. We recommend clients view the cloth at different angles in different type of light and at different times of day. Average time for a final textile approval is 2 – 3 weeks. The decision on aesthetics for all cloth wrapped ZR devices is actually the most complex and lengthy part of the manufacturing process. Once this is complete, orders are approved for final shipping delivery to client.

As the selection and approval process is very thorough with final approval by the client, DHDI is happy to offer options to re-cloth devices DHDI does not approve returns based on aesthetics.

All ZR Products are made to order based on each client’s specific ZR Design or CDL based on up to 10 designs per type of product. All ZR devices except Sample Rate technology are wrapped in bespoke textile personally chosen by the client for their specific décor. As a result, there is logistically no way to have stock ready for immediate purchase. DHDI has researched limiting the aesthetic choices to only three (3) colors and only one (1) design to make stocking a reality, however the majority of our clientele prefer both the wide variety of aesthetic choices and the higher performance based on more design options.

Yes, we would be happy to see you either in our Los Angeles offices or factory. We have many clients pickup their orders in person. Please contact us to insure you have the proper vehicle and packaging to safely transport your ZR products to their final destination.

ZR products/devices are also made from scratch, and made-to-order. While DHDI stock all the raw materials to manufacture ZR devices, the complexity and handmade nature of much of the ZR line simply takes time. Truth being stranger than fiction, the aesthetic decision on which type and color of textile takes over 50% of the lead time for ZR devices. Once the aesthetic decision is made, the textiles must be ordered and shipped to DHDI’s factory and installed on the product. As DHDI has over 300 types of textile with each one having as many as 25 different colors, it is simply too challenging to stock enough textile to provide the freedom of choice our clientele are accustomed to. We appreciate your understanding and are constantly analyzing our systems for maximum speed and efficiency.

Yes. Many of DHDI’s clients have studios or spaces for rent either by the hour, day or lockout. However, many of our clientele operate private studios and businesses which are not open the public and not listed in our portfolio. If you see a studio or space in the DHDI Portfolio or know of a ZR space and would like to rent it, please either reach out directly to the client or contact us to see what their status is.

DHDI has a limited amount of rental gear which is available to potential clients who would like to experience ZR in situ before investing in ownership of a full ZR system. In certain cases DHDI will rent ZR devices outside of this group with special permission. For more information please contact DHDI.