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| 1. What is sound masking? |
| Sound masking introduces an unobtrusive, ambient background sound into
an environment that renders speech unintelligible and reduces interference
from distracting office sounds. It provides a random sound that does not
carry information, is completely unobtrusive, non-directional and
harmoniously uniform. Sound Masking is an electronically generated, broad
band, low level background sound precisely contoured to cover conversations
and unwanted background noise. It sounds much like a gently blowing breeze.
The addition of sound masking is equal, acoustically to tripling the
distance between employees. Sound masking can increase conversational
privacy by as much as 100 percent. |
| 2. What is a sound masking system? |
Speakers are mounted in the space above the ceiling, aimed upward. The
sound from the speakers passes through the ceiling tile to the listener's
ears. Audio equalizers are used to shape the sound to the specific
acoustical signature of each facility. The system can be automatically
controlled to provide the correct level of privacy dependant on the time of
day and day of the week. A typical sound masking system will consist of one
or more of the following:
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| 3. Who needs sound masking? |
| Everyone. Anywhere employees are working and there is noise and
distractions or confidentiality issues. For today's successful commercial
office or call centers, sound masking is a necessity. Sound masking can be
installed in hospitals, educational facilities, libraries, funeral homes,
legal facilities, and even military bases. Top |
| 4. Can you hear the sound masking sound? |
| Yes. The sound masking sound is audible if you listen for it.
However, sound masking has been designed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
The sound masking system is specially tuned to reduce any variation in the
sound volume across the office space, so that the masking is uniformed.
Also, it does not contain any variations or patterns which can be
consciously recognized. The system uses pink noise which is very soothing
and pleasant. It sounds similar to lightly blowing air. It is set to one or
two decibels above conversational speech, which alleviates distractions,
creates speech privacy and increases productivity substantially. Top |
| 5. Can the sound masking system move with me to a new building? |
| Yes. It moves easily at a minimum expense. Top |
| 7. Can sound masking be installed in new or existing buildings? |
| Both. Sound masking can be installed in existing buildings as
well as new buildings. Top |
| 8. How much does sound masking cost? |
| In general a complete sound masking system costs about $1.00 per
square foot where you install it. For example, a floor with 50,000
square feet may only need 9,000 square feet of sound masking. The cost would
be around $9,000. The cost may be slightly higher or lower depending on the
size and complexity of the system.
A 15,000 square foot installation uses as much electricity as an
emergency exit light. |
| 9. How long is the warranty? |
| The sound masking system and equipment is warranted for 20 years
for both parts and labor. If, for any reason, the system is not working
properly, it will be repaired, replaced, re-tuned and rebalanced at no
cost to the customer for 20 years. Top |
| 10. What is the difference between centralized and distributed systems? |
| Centralized systems incorporate a central control point for the masking
generator, equalizers and amplifiers. All speaker zones are wired back to
the "rack" or central location. This allows for volume controls and sound
masking, paging and music to be controlled and maintained in a single
location. This approach also allows for upgrades as new technology arrives.
In a distributed system there is no central "rack" location. Every
individual speaker is its own self contained masking system. While this
approach is well suited to small projects with little or no growth potential
it has disadvantages for medium to large size projects. Distributed systems
cannot be easily retuned or maintained on larger projects. Also distributed
systems generally lack 1/3 octave tuning capability and as such do not meet
ASTM standards for professional sound
masking systems. |
| 11. Can sound masking and paging be combined into one system? |
| YES. A properly designed system can be used to distribute almost
any audio function such as sound masking, music, or paging. It provides
exceptional broadcasts due to the even distribution of its speakers
throughout the office space. It is clear and impressive. It is a slight add
on charge. This saves companies tens of thousands of dollars from installing
a separate paging system. Just think of it, paging, music, and sound
masking combined for about $1 a square foot where you install it. Top |
| 12. Why is sound masking important? |
| As trends continue to push traditional enclosed private offices out into
the open plan workstations, the issue of sound and the ability to control it
has become paramount. The ability to concentrate is a key benefit that all
employees must have if companies are to remain productive and operate at
optimum levels.
A recent report by The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) shows that over 80% of respondents currently use open plan/panel systems in their space planning. The use of workstations having thus defined the majority of corporate America, has forced system furniture manufacturers to stay abreast of important trends that affect the open plan. Whether addressing the ergonomics of a workstation, creating a better wire management system for electric and cabling flexibility, or providing acoustical comfort, manufacturers and their dealer distributors must provide answers to the problems their clients face. The latest trend receiving focus is office acoustics:
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| 14. What is 1/3 Octave Band Equalization Tuning? |
| Unlike a fixed sound masking spectrum for all applications, this process
precisely fills in one-third octave band attenuation deficiencies for the
specific application, and generates and contours a precise computer
generated sound masking spectrum for optimum performance.
Acoustical privacy is accomplished by a combination of voice levels, sound attenuation, and background levels. The sound attenuation factor is a property of the building structure and cannot be changed, once installed. The background sound levels are set with a masking sound spectrum that is designed to complement the sound attenuating factors such that a specific degree of privacy is obtained. This computer tuning process assures the maximum degree of speech privacy
at the lowest possible background sound. |
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