What is Sound Masking?

Sound masking is the addition of sound created by special digital generators and distributed by normally unseen speakers through an area to reduce distractions or provide confidentiality where needed. The sound is broad band random that conveys no information about itself to a listener. It is often referred to erroneously as white noise or pink noise; the sound spectrum and level is specially shaped to provide the degree of privacy desired by occupants. Masking operates by covering up or masking unwanted sounds, similar to one-way windows that block the ability for a person to see persons behind them, or perfume that covers up other body odors. This is in contrast to the technique of active noise control which attempts to eliminate the unwanted sound. Sound masking is used in homes, commercial offices, medical facilities, court rooms, and in secure facilities to provide secrecy.

Sound Masking is all about employee productivity. If your organization has an open office environment, you need to check out this short video:

The High Cost of a Noisy Workplace

Teams are productive, but to much of a noisy work environment can cost your company $$$ in lost productivity.  Check out the video below.

How the SMS-Net system provides privacy & comfort

GAN Computer Services is an authorized dealer of the SMS-Net System.  Learn more about it in this short video:

 

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Why Sound Masking is used

Sound masking has some unique advantages over traditional methods of reducing distracting sounds.

  1. Sound masking is dynamic (variable) as are the sounds it is intended to block. Building elements that provide sound attenuation are static (fixed) and cannot adapt to intruding sounds that change in level. Masking can vary from location to location as well as from time to time, to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
  2. Sound masking is by far the least expensive tool for providing privacy.
  3. Sound masking systems are special audio systems that create spatially uniform sound levels. The uniformity can be used to integrate music and paging into a system.
  4. Sound masking works at the listener’s ear and is independent of the building structure (acoustically) so concerns about how distracting sounds get from one place to another is unimportant. Structural modifications require such knowledge and are more costly.
  5. It helps to overcome neighborhood noises, snoring sounds from other family members, It provides soothing sleep inducing sounds for babies, afternoon and day time naps are more comfortable; it creates a noise free environment for reading or studying. It provides a personalized and discreet environment for confidential conversations.[more]