One of the main problems in in closed offices where walls do not go to deck, is the lack of speech privacy. In open office areas, the lack of walls can create distractions for those trying to work especially when it comes to background noise and conversation.
Sound Masking is not an active noise cancellation technology. Rather, it provides a background ambient noise that increases the noise level across the space with a blended white noise and pink noise spectrum. By doing so, it makes other conversations and noises less audible to the listeners. This decreases distractions and frustration on behalf of workers that cannot focus due to nearby noise sources.
When to Use Sound Masking
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) underwent a recent office renovation for one of their Florida locations. Some areas of the office were open and other areas contained closed individual offices. Typically open offices will require sound masking, but it depends with closed offices. Because the closed offices at NOAA were made using demountable walls that did not go to deck, the office occupants experienced a lot of cross-talk, and did not have sufficient speech privacy.
Sound Masking for Speech Privacy
For this project the second floor, which was a combination of both open and closed office spaces, required a Vektor iNet system due to the large quantity of speakers (about 130). Commercial Acoustics’ Networked Sound Masking System is designed to allow a more configurable and centrally-controlled system.
Generally it is designed for larger open offices and speech privacy applications that may require more complex configurations than the Classic System. Post-install adjustments are easily completed via IP access, and step-ups and step-downs may be completed throughout the day (as office activity changes) and over the first few weeks to minimize disruption of the initial installation.
A smaller area on the first floor required a Spektrum Classic Sound Masking system, which is ideal for spaces 5,000-10,000 SF.
Sound Masking for Open & Closed Offices Reduces Office Noise Complaints
Prior to the installation, our sound masking engineer performed a site visit to do a speaker demonstration and to determine the mounting method for the speakers. Some areas had a drop ceiling which allows for the speakers to be hung in the plenum, above the ACT. In the area with gypsum ceilings, a hole is made in the ceiling for each speaker to be mounted into it, with just the face of the speaker being exposed.
The work was sequenced as followed:
- Second floor closed and open office spaces with plenum mounted Vektor iNet speakers.
- Second floor open office space with ceiling mounted Vektor iNet speakers.
- First floor open office space with plenum mounted Spektrum Classic speakers.
If your office, library, or healthcare project has speech privacy or acoustic comfort needs, consider Commercial Acoustics’ sound masking systems to reduce distractions and improve tenant satisfaction.
