Sound Masking Explained
Co-working environments are becoming increasingly more popular due to the collaborative opportunities they present. They offer more flexibility, creativity and are generally more cost-efficient than a traditional workspace. While these open floor plans come with a long list of benefits, they have their drawbacks as well, and it is common for them to deliver a distracting environment due to the lack of background noise they possess.
Sound masking is a technology that disguises unwanted noise. Through the use of ambient sound, background noises found within open areas are minimized, resulting in greater speech privacy. This post explores how Sound masking works, its benefits, and how the solution can help bolster an office environment, ultimately increasing productivity.
How Does it Work?
Sound masking is not the elimination of sound or the isolation of any particular space. It is actually the addition of noise that reduces the perception of sound at specific frequency levels. Simply put, by incorporating the right type of sound, an open area seems quieter. It may seem counterintuitive, but it's true.
Not to be confused with white noise, sound masking is specifically engineered to match the frequencies of human speech. When integrated correctly, sound masking is virtually undetectable, becoming part of the background “hum” of a workplace.
A central control unit placed within the ceiling is required to achieve the benefits of sound masking. This unit acts as the sound source, delivering a soft, inconspicuous noise to speakers wired throughout the ceiling. In advanced systems, administrators can control the volume, intensity and frequency and integrate music, creating a sound balance of proper masking and ambient audio.
The Benefits of Sound Masking
Sound masking is not reserved exclusively for open-concept office spaces. Any public area that requires focus will benefit from this solution. In addition to the decreased distraction and increased productivity sound masking provides, it offers enhanced privacy, which is extremely valuable to industries that rely on privacy protocols to remain compliant. As an effective way to abide by HIPAA and GLBA requirements, two Privacy Acts within the healthcare and finance industries, sound masking systems are a perfect addition to hospitals, pharmacies and banks.
Sounds masking is a unique audio visual solution. The technology used is not typically seen and practically inaudible. Only when the equipment is disabled is the extreme difference in sound apparent, and the benefits are truly appreciated.
Evolution AV specializes in designing sound masking solutions that can resolve even the most complex acoustic issues. When considering how cost-efficient it can be, sound masking is a small investment with a sizable return.