What is Sound-masking?
Sound-masking (noise-masking) is used to increase speech privacy, and to minimise distractions from other sounds.
Where can it be used?
Sound-masking systems can be used in 'open plan' offices or where sound isolation between adjacent rooms is insufficient. This is a common problem in modern lightweight partitions.
Sound-masking (noise masking) systems are also used in preventing eavesdropping where confidentiality is important and can be integrated with acoustic insulation and other security measures. more...
How does Sound-masking Work?
An electronically generated noise is distributed throughout the space. This increases the ambient noise - 'masking' other sounds and reducing the intelligibility of speech.
Sound masking is sometimes referred to as 'pink noise system' or 'white noise system' or as 'sound conditioning'.
What does it sound like?
Correctly installed, occupants are usually unaware of the masking sound, which is a gentle sound like air flowing through a vent.
Sound-masking systems consist of:
- An electronically generated "random" noise source
- High-quality equalisers to shape the noise
- Stable, high quality power amplifiers
- Loudspeakers to evenly distribute the “noise” around the space.
Sound-masking systems require a sound masking generator, specially selected loudspeakers which may be in the ceiling grid or in the plenum, amplifiers and equalisers. The aim is to provide a consistent level and even distribution of the ambient (masking) noise throughout the space.
What are the Design Requirements?
Implementation of a successful, effective sound-masking system requires acoustic measurement of the space, and the transmission paths for sound between adjacent areas.
The masking noise itself should be non-intrusive, with uniform and consistent distribution of the masking noise to all areas - without hot spots or quiet zones.
In true open plan offices, sound masking can only work well in a space with correctly designed acoustics and office work stations.
Announcements can be made through the same loudspeaker system at minimal additional cost and it can also carry background music.
Applications include stockbrokers, banks, legal practices, call centres, hospitals, confidential meeting & consulting rooms, security.We have the necessary expertise and also the experience in providing sound masking in large open-plan spaces, high-profile executive offices, small meeting rooms, reception areas and retail environments.
Contact us for an initial discussion, so we can assess the suitability of sound masking for your premises.
Find out more by reading more from consultancy Apple Dynamics by reading a testimonial about sound masking in an office by making an enquiry
