Too much of the wrong kind of noise is distracting. You could absorb it with ceiling panels, or block it with partitions. But have you ever considered covering it with more noise?
It’s counter-intuitive, but it works. Not only do sound masking systems achieve a perceived reduction of distracting noises, but they also increase privacy for confidential conversations.
What is sound masking?
Sound masking is an audio technology that amplifies subtle, ambient sound throughout a space. Designed to match the frequency of human speech, it “levels out” noise in the room, particularly conversation chatter. When a room is too quiet, even a pen dropping or a whispered conversation can be heard from several feet away. Add low-level, neutral background noise, and these distracting sounds become less distinct.
Key components of a sound masking system
A sound masking system is comprised of the following components:
- Sound masking generator: creates broadband sound signals, similar to white or pink noise.
- Amplifier: a bridge between the generator and the loudspeakers, used to boost the signal.
- Control system: used to adjust sound masking settings such as volume, and sometimes comes with the generator and amplifier inbuilt.
- Loudspeakers: convert electrical signals into sound and distribute them throughout the space.
- Cables & wires: connect the sound masking generator to the amplifier, and the amplifier to the loudspeakers.
How does sound masking work?
- The sound masking generator produces a broadband signal, which is fed through an amplifier.
- The amplifier boosts the signal to multiple loudspeakers, which are typically distributed in a grid-like pattern across the ceiling.
- The speakers circulate low-level broadband ambient noise to create a “mask” over the space. This can be done either directly or indirectly.
Common types of sound masking
- Indirect sound masking: Speakers are installed in the space between the lower ceiling deck and the upper structural ceiling (called the plenum). Sound bounces off the upper ceiling, and is amplified back down to the room below. As speakers aren’t visible, they are more discreet.
- Direct sound masking: Speakers are installed into the ceiling and directed downwards. This option is better for infrastructure that doesn’t have plenum space, but has the disadvantage of being obvious to the naked eye. Unless installed carefully, there is also a higher chance of “dead spots” in the sound masking sound distribution.
Can’t I just use white noise?
White noise has been described as the “audible embodiment of chaos.” Given that it is comprised of random frequencies from 20-20,000 Hz, evenly distributed across the sound spectrum, this is unsurprising. While relaxing to some, many people find it painful to listen to.
By contrast, the sound distributed by a sound masking system is in a range of 200-4000 Hz, engineered to mimic the frequencies of human speech. It is gentler on the human ear and, unlike white noise, is able to blend with and muffle peripheral conversation.
Benefits of sound masking
Privacy
Have you ever had a conversation in a public space, only for the background noise to suddenly die down? You probably became painfully aware of the sound of your own voice, and maybe even too self-conscious to keep talking. There’s a reason parties feel awkward without music.
With the mild background noise sound masking provides, your conversation will become unintelligible to anyone outwith a 15-feet radius.
Productivity
A study from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences found that high noise levels impair cognitive performance and reduce attention. Human beings have evolved to notice changes in our environment, so sudden noises (such as the sound of a printer) are prone to distract our attention. In these cases, a sound masking system will cover over unwanted noise and increase workplace focus.
Employee Wellbeing
A large body of research indicates that excessive noise has a detrimental impact on mental health, contributing towards heightened levels of depression and anxiety.
The cost of interrupted work: More speed and stress
On the other hand, a recent sound masking study found that the use of adaptive sound masking solutions in an office environment contributed to lower feelings of stress and tension among employees.
Though sound masking adds noise to the environment, the nature of low-level broadband noise is beneficial for employees. Think of it like the sound of water running. When you stand next to a river, you experience a calming, constant, non-threatening sound that drowns out the busy road on the other side of the park.
Who is sound masking for?
The organisations that benefit from masking sound are industries requiring discretion and/or focus. Typical examples include:
- Financial institutions: While banks often have private booths for the discussion of personal finances, wall partitions don’t ensure complete noise reduction. The sound can travel upwards, through the ceiling panels, and into the adjoining room. In these cases, engineered broadband noise between ceiling partitions makes the speech unintelligible, thereby enhancing security.
- Health facilities: No one wants a bunch of strangers in a waiting room to hear about the weird rash on their foot. GP practice receptionists often require personal and sensitive information from patients, information that would be better kept private.
- Educational establishments: “Silence in the library” is out, and sound masking in the library is in. In large and quiet spaces, even whispers travel far. Tapping pens and the echoing steps of an invigilator in an exam hall can be covered by the stress-relieving low-level noise of a sound masking system.
- Offices: Open-plan offices, while enhancing collaboration and creativity, carry the risk of lowering productivity for “deep focus” tasks in the workplace. It isn’t necessarily beneficial to reduce background noise, particularly if the content of the noise is collaborative conversations between colleagues. For everyone not involved in the discussion, however, reducing noise irritation with sound masking will substantially increase productivity.
Choosing the right sound masking system
There are as many sound masking system options as there are workspace layouts. To choose the right one, you will need to consider:
- Budget
- Surface area
- Architectural acoustics
- Type of noise distractions to be reduced
- Level of speech privacy required
- Optional extras
Flexible sound masking solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your office. Zoning control, for example, targets specific areas with sound masking.
At Mediascape, we supply and provide expert installation of the industry’s most flexible sound masking solution from Biamp. Contact us today to see how sound masking systems can enhance your space!
