The Q&A on Sound Masking
Premier Office Acoustics explains how you can reduce harsh or obtruisve sounds in the workplace.
What is Sound Masking?
Sound masking is a broad band, low level background sound that is designed to cover (mask) unwanted noise and conversational distractions.
How does Sound Masking work?
Sound masking introduces a background sound that is tuned to the sound frequency of human speech. This sound effectively drowns out the voices of neighboring workers, enabling undisturbed and more productive work.
Why would you want to add noise to an office?
Think of a library. A single whispering voice can be extremely distracting to others. In the working environment the situation is much the same. The overall quiet atmosphere is broken only by the voices of the workers. The key is to add just enough background noise to mask the offending distraction without becoming distracting itself.
How can Sound Masking be a good investment?
Employee costs are the greatest expense that a company faces today. Sound masking can help these dollars go farther by recapturing productivity lost to distractions. Payback on the sound masking investment is often less than six months.
How can Sound Masking help capture lost productivity?
Studies indicate that uncontrolled noise distractions cause a 10 to 30 percent loss in productivity. With distractions eliminated, workers can concentrate better and work more efficiently, effectively and accurately. My company uses “acoustical†panels for our open plan offices.
Does this eliminate the need for Sound Masking?
To answer this question you must be aware of the “ABC’s” of office acoustics: Absorb, Block and Cover. Optimum office acoustics can only be achieved when you address all three aspects. Acoustical panels (60″ minimum) will absorb some of the sound. Acoustical panels will even block some sound. Sound masking is designed to cover over the vast levels of sound that escape through, around and particularly over the panels.
My company has a number of “closed” offices. Can Sound Masking work here?
Unless these offices have been constructed using very expensive techniques such as deck to deck walls, double layers of sheet rock with the cavity insulated and sound proof doors and seals, sound will travel into, around and through these offices as well. Sound masking is very appropriate in closed offices, especially in environments where confidentiality is important. Sound masking can eliminate the need for these costly construction upgrades.
What does Sound Masking sound like?
A properly tuned sound masking system sounds somewhat like your buildings HVAC system. It should not be harsh or obtrusive. In fact, you may have visited a “masked” facility and not even known it.
Contact us today, for more information on Sound Masking solutions.