What The Heck Is Sound Masking?

We get this question A LOT, “What the heck is Sound Masking?!” This article will address the basics; what it is, why it is, do you even need it, how would you even get it and what you should be aware of when considering installing it.

Workspaces are constantly evolving and increasing collaboration and productivity along with reducing the overall real estate footprint are some of the main drivers for businesses today. Coworking, hotelling, bench seating, sit-stand desks, open ceiling architecture and glass fronts are some of the design trends that are the leading ways companies are achieving these goals, but they’re also driving the need for sound masking.

Although the open space plan claims to lend itself to more collaboration, you may have noticed that employees now have headphones on! This is to drown out their colleagues so that they can remain productive. Active sound masking solutions help improve productivity by providing a layer of pink noise (not to be confused with white noise) to the office space, allowing users to remain focused and increase productivity. In fact, studies show that active sound masking systems can improve productivity up to 20%. Here are some key points to keep in mind when considering a sound masking solution.

1. Aesthetics of speakers  

Aesthetics are a main driver on today’s projects and the architectural community is always concerned with how the speakers will integrate with the space. There are several different applications and speaker solutions that may make senses depending on the office layout and finishes. Above ceiling speakers are often hung from chains to disperse sound masking in a plenum environment. With the trend toward designs that integrate exposed high ceilings and beams, many manufacturers have rolled out pendant speakers in different colors to improve the aesthetic. Cables also need to be either neatly installed utilizing button runs or conduit/surface raceway should be installed to conceal the cables to integrate into the overall design. And don’t be afraid to ask if the cable color can match the ceiling color.

2. Music/Paging Interface

Most of today’s sound masking solutions can also integrate music and paging functions. These features are often left out of the initial design but considered after install. This may not be a day one requirement but it is important to consider this feature if you foresee this becoming a requirement in the future. Coordination between the sound masking designer/installer and both the phone system and paging team should be handled early in the process to ensure there are no hiccups during implementation.

3. Costs Associated with Day 2 Installation

IT, AV and Security are often looked at as the three integral technology components for Facilities and IT teams when planning relocations and buildouts. Sound masking is often either missed or removed from the initial design to save costs. This often becomes a costly mistake. During construction these systems can be easily installed at minimal cost in relation to construction budgets. If sound masking becomes a day 2 item the work will likely need to be done after hours and when many of the cable and speaker pathways have been closed. This adds a considerable amount to costs for implementation due to overtime wages, additional labor associated with operating in a built space and trip charges from other trades. This can often increase costs to over 2 to 3X.

4. Other Design Considerations

We are often brought in to remedy problem areas such as bullpens, conference rooms and large open offices. One of the most important design considerations when laying out sound masking is to ensure that the employees do not get distracted by the sound as they walk in and out of certain areas. For this reason we generally recommend different levels of masking throughout the space to eliminate these pockets. For retrofit installations there are ramping features that allow the sound masking integrator to increase the levels of sound over a period of time to ensure that the pink noise remains discreet.

Although we do recommend masking throughout the space there is one specific area where masking should be avoided or engineered specifically to address problems. In integrated AV conference rooms with ceiling microphones and speakers we typically do not specify masking within the room. There are solutions that address privacy for specific conference rooms. These systems are installed on the perimeter of the conference room so that outside employees and guest are not able to hear private discussions that are taking place within the room. Unlike traditional systems that are “set it and forget it” these systems can be set up with an on/off mode with an IPad like control so that others are aware that there is a private meeting in session.

5. Sound masking may not be the only solution

Sound masking will almost always help increase privacy and productivity in offices spaces. However, it should not be looked at as the only solution. Acoustical paneling, ceiling tiles, carpeting and Sheetrock walls can all lend a hand in the sound masking process. For both new and retrofit projects it is often worth the costs to hire an acoustical consultant. These consultants are able to provide an agnostic report on how spaces can be improved acoustically.

Sound masking systems come in all shapes, sizes, functions and price points but what they all have in common is the need for a well designed installation. You can purchase a top of the line Cambridge or Lencore sound masking system with both paging and music functions but if there’s no design behind the installation it may end up doing more harm than good. If you’re considering an active sound masking implementation you should always make sure there is a design based on your office layout. Active sound masking solutions has been one of Telecom’s specialties for over 30 years and we are well versed in the dos, don’ts and the how tos of all sound masking applications, so if you ever have any questions about sound masking for your work environment, we’re always here to help.