Understanding Sound Masking
An installed sound masking system is almost indiscernible to occupants.
Just as with light, temperature and humidity, there is a comfort zone for the volume of sound in an occupied space. It is determined by the noise floor, or the level of continuous background sound. If the noise floor is too high, the environment is irritating and tiring. If it is too low, other occupants’ conversations are easily overheard and noises cause distractions.
Acoustically, green buildings present additional challenges because the strategies that help with daylighting, natural ventilation and temperature regulation also tend to lower their acoustic performance.
A sound masking system can be used to help in addressing this problem. This type of system consists of a series of speakers that distribute an engineered background sound, raising the noise floor in a controlled fashion throughout the space. Most people compare the sound to that of softly blowing air. Sound masking can be used in both private offices and open areas to improve confidentiality and reduce distractions.
Sound masking makes noises and other occupants’ conversations more difficult - or impossible - to hear or comprehend. It also minimizes the differences in the level and quality of sound across the space. If the facility uses barriers and absorptive materials, the result will be an even more comfortable and consistent acoustic environment.
Sound masking can enable the use of natural ventilation while maintaining effective acoustics. Additional green benefits include: reducing material requirements and, hence, waste following renovations; and helping to maintain the flexibility of the space and to control acoustics as occupant numbers and density increase, allowing organizations to occupy their facility for a longer period.
Sound masking systems have been around for 40 years, but traditionally have used large speakers installed within the ceiling plenum, and have required considerable expertise to tune and balance the emitted sound. In contrast, new direct-field systems feature much smaller emitters installed in ceiling tiles and project sound uniformly into a workspace.
When specifying a sound masking system, ensure that it has low energy requirements, complies with Ro-HS standards for hazardous substances, and can be readily recycled.
