In the world of modern workspaces, nothing disrupts productivity quite like unwanted noise. Whether it’s the hum of conversation from a neighboring office or the clatter of a busy hallway, sound distractions can reduce focus, hinder privacy, and even contribute to a less pleasant environment. But there’s a solution—one that innovative enterprises and IT managers are already embracing to mitigate these issues: sound masking systems. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of sound masking, breaking down what it is, how it works, and why it’s a crucial component for businesses aiming to create better, quieter workspaces. Let’s explore how sound masking could be the game-changer your AV setup needs.
What is a Sound Masking System?
A sound masking system is a specially tuned audio player and speaker equipment that provides a humming-like noise crafted to mask human speech and other distracting sounds within a building. Often employed to help control distraction and improve privacy within open office environments, sound masking systems are one of the best ways to mitigate conversation bleed and promote privacy and a distraction-free work environment.
Unlike noise-canceling devices like some headphones, sound masking systems provide a constant hum to mask sounds that distract people at work. Noise-canceling, on the other hand, provides a more real-time solution by listening via a microphone and employing distinctly opposing sound waves to inherently ‘cancel out’ the exterior noises.
Open-concept offices, medical facilities, and corporate boardrooms are great places to use sound masking systems. Maintaining privacy in places where people discuss sensitive information is beneficial.
Studies into the effectiveness of different types of sound masking show that sound masking that is expressly set for the environment can have a highly positive effect on privacy and make external speech challenging to discern. (1)
How Does a Sound Masking System Work?
I mentioned that sound masking is the production of low-level sound to mask ambient noise within a space. However, that’s only part of the picture. The magic happens before the sound masking system even gets installed. In most scenarios, the sound of an area is recorded and analyzed to discern the specific frequencies that create the background and distractive noises. That information is what makes the sound masking systems installed by professionals work so well – it’s about knowing what frequencies to mask and providing adequate levels of sound masking to promote the privacy and distraction-free work environment required.
The sound masking system has three primary components:
- Speakers are strategically located and installed in the space for the most significant benefit of the system’s performance.
- An amplifier boosts the sound to the speakers for playback.
- A control unit plays the sound/frequencies required, delivering them to the amplifier.
These systems are often set to a timed schedule that corresponds with workplace operating hours via the controller.
Two Primary Types of Sound Masking Systems
The difference between ceiling-mounted systems and direct-field solutions in sound masking systems lies in how the sound is distributed throughout the space and how the equipment is installed. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ceiling-Mounted Systems:
Installation: These systems typically involve placing sound masking speakers above the ceiling tiles in what’s called the plenum space or mounted directly on the ceiling.
Sound Distribution: The sound is diffused through the ceiling, bouncing off surfaces and dispersing evenly across the room. The masking sound filters down into the space below, creating an ambient background noise.
Typical Use: Ceiling-mounted systems are often used in traditional office environments with drop ceilings and where a more uniform spread of sound is needed. They are also more common in spaces with fewer open areas.
Pros:
Even sound coverage.
The equipment is hidden, maintaining aesthetics.
Cons:
Installation can be more labor-intensive, requiring access to the ceiling. It may not perform as well in spaces with high ceilings or open architecture, as sound disperses too much before reaching ear level.
- Direct-Field Solutions:
Installation: These systems position speakers directly within the room, often mounted on walls, suspended, or in open areas, at ear level or close to it.
Sound Distribution: Direct-field systems deliver sound directly into the room without relying on ceiling structures to diffuse it. The speakers are positioned to deliver consistent sound at ear level, making the masking effect more immediate and effective.
Typical Use: This method is best suited for open offices, spaces with high or open ceilings, and areas where the ceiling plenum is inaccessible. It is also ideal for spaces where direct sound coverage is necessary, such as modern office spaces with exposed ceilings.
Pros:
More efficient sound coverage, especially in open or high-ceiling environments.
Easier to install in spaces without traditional ceilings.
Cons:
Equipment is visible, which may affect the aesthetic of the space.
It can require more speakers for even coverage.
Summary:
Ceiling-mounted systems use the ceiling to help diffuse sound but work best in spaces with traditional ceiling setups.
Direct-field solutions provide more focused sound delivery directly into the room. They are ideal for modern, open spaces with architectural challenges like high ceilings.
The choice between the two depends on the space’s physical structure and the type of acoustic environment needed. A professional audio-visual technician can determine the best setup for your organization. In fact, sound masking systems are one of our specialties here at Century AV.
The Benefits of Implementing a Sound Masking System
You should have a pretty good idea of what a sound masking system is, what it does, and how helpful it is. However, let’s review the actual benefits based on studies and real-world data.
According to studies going back to 2005 and before, noise at workplaces like in healthcare has been shown to have the following adverse effects on people (2):
- Noise affects health by adding stress.
- Noise disrupts sleep, negatively affecting healing in healthcare facilities where patients stay overnight.
- Noise in the office and other workplaces negatively affects team member productivity.
- Noise increases distractions and error rates.
On the opposite side of these adverse effects are the benefits of using sound masking systems, which help reduce stressful noise, provide healthcare patients with less interrupted sleep, decrease distraction, promote greater focus and productivity, and help lower error rates. When you look at the facts, it’s clear that sound masking is more beneficial than previously considered.
Key Features to Look for in a Sound Masking System
When it comes to sound masking systems, it is best to leave the equipment selection to the professionals. However, there are a few features you may want to look for:
- Timed operation for power-saving and efficient use.
- Auto-adjusting volume to compensate for noise level fluctuation.
- Zoning capabilities to control multiple different environments within a single workspace.
- Integration with existing public address or other audio-visual systems.
- Scalability: You can expand the system as your facility requires.
- Aesthetic design and installation to keep your workplace looking its best.
- A trustworthy supplier/installer who provides long-term maintenance and service support.
That last point is vital—without a professional AV provider, you are leaving too much to chance by trying to appropriate your sound masking system. AV professionals like our team at Century AV are specialists and trained explicitly in sound masking system design, installation, maintenance, and repair. Only with a trusted partner will you get the best results and long-term support that you deserve.
Unlocking Your Quiet Workspace with Century AV
Studies have shown that the use of sound masking technology can show measurable results on patients’ heart rate recovery after noise-induced distraction in healthcare settings, one of the most distractive work environments, which can have a profound influence on the healing process and well-being of people. (3)
If it works for healthcare, it can also work for open offices, boardrooms, and other environments where privacy, productivity, and a distraction-free work environment are top priorities. If you’d like to learn more about how a sound masking system can benefit your workplace, contact our team at Century Audio Visual today.
Article Sources
- Ueno, Kanako, Hyojin Lee, Shinichi Sakamoto, and Yasushi Shimizu. 2008. “Experimental Study on Applicability of Sound Masking System in Medical Examination Room.” ResearchGate. Acoustical Society of America. June 2008. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5327606_Experimental_study_on_applicability_of_sound_masking_system_in_medical_examination_room.
- HCD Guest Author. 2005. “SOUND MASKING in HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS.” HCD Magazine. HCD Magazine. November 2005. https://healthcaredesignmagazine.com/architecture/sound-masking-healthcare-environments/.
- Zhou, Tianfu, Yue Wu, Qi Meng, and Jian Kang. 2020. “Influence of the Acoustic Environment in Hospital Wards on Patient Physiological and Psychological Indices.” Frontiers in Psychology 11 (July). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01600.
