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Sound Masking Systems For Privacy and Productivity

by Frank Barnett

Sound masking is the use of embedded sound in an environment for the purposes of interrupting, or masking, other external sounds. There are quite a few places that make use of masking, like offices, public places, even outdoor spaces. Sound masking systems technology has been developed and refined to they meet different needs for different consumer bases.

Before installing sound masking systems, there's a need to study the acoustics of the area they will be applied on, and plan out how to implement it. Commonly, speakers can be positioned above the ceiling to ensure that the sound is equidistant. Alternately, they can be placed out of plain sight in secret hiding places, or elaborately buried.

Sound masking systems are utilized in an office setup to limit the effects of audio distractions, like gossip, loud talking, eating sounds, radio or other music sources. This is done to increase productivity, but also to ensure person-to-person conversations stay uninterrupted. Why do we need office privacy? There are laws that require some form of privacy control in the office as well.

As an individual, you can use sound masking systems to protect your own and your family's privacy, by installing them around your own house and property. In outdoor areas, they can also be used to restore natural sounds. This is needed when said outdoor environment is assaulted by external noises like neighboring houses, factories and commercial establishments.

Sound masking technologies vary between manufacturers. If anything, the one thing they have in common among them is the production of masking sound at a specific decibel. The sound needed for masking is on a range sufficient to cover speech level. On the flip side, it should not be so high to alert the ear to its presence.

Don't be misled by the brand name of a given sound masking system and ask about the technology. You'll also want to inquire about the sound masking related services these companies provide. Alternately, you may try active noise control systems, which have their distinct merits. Some environments, such as airports, use and in fact need both systems as sound control solutions for different concerns.

Sound masking is the use of embedded sound in an environment for the purposes of covering, or masking, other external sounds. Sound masking has several applications today, in offices, public places, even outdoor spaces. Sound masking systems, thanks to separate work of sound masking companies, have become very sophisticated, and a wide range of systems are available to address any need.

Published November 20th, 2009

Filed in Business


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