Sound Masking
What is Sound Masking?
If your space is very quiet, or has only a low level of ambient background noise, loud sounds might be an issue.
For example, in a very quiet office people will often hear conversation from nearby areas clearly and understand the words easily, because the room is so quiet and sound can travel freely.
Or, in a naturally quiet bedroom, any sound that arises is more likely to wake you up than sleeping in a room with some background noise, such as fan, nearby traffic, or ocean waves. A more active ambient soundscape can hide loud sounds better than a very quiet soundscape. Sound masking involves adding speaker(s) that generate a constant background noise (that our bodies can naturally tune out), which can help us to hear nearby sounds less clearly and therefore be less bothered by them.
In many situations sound-masking is the most appropriate solution for solving noise problems. Sound-masking techniques aim to strategically add ambient sound to a space in order to lessen the effects of outside sound.
Common Uses of Sound Masking
Common uses of sound-masking include white noise machines outside of a doctor’s office, and recordings of repetitive nature-sounds (such as ocean waves and waterfalls) that are designed to help you fall asleep. In both of these cases, ambient sound is added to the environment in order to lessen the extreme change in noise that may come from outside, such as a barking dog or a loud car.
Sound Masking Solutions
Sound-masking solutions are also great for the workplace. In large spaces such as open offices and call centers sound-masking can raise the baseline of ambient sound in the room, and mask the sounds of other conversations that are happening around. They can also be useful in aiding offices to have more privacy.
Sound Masking Systems Installation
We specialize in specifying and installing a complete system with all components needed for sound masking. Once such a system is installed, it can be used as any speaker or sound system: to play music, use as a PA system to make announcements, or play any type of background sound (such as nature sounds, etc).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is sound masking?
Sound masking is a technology that introduces a background sound to reduce the intelligibility of speech and minimize distractions. It's particularly beneficial in open offices, commercial spaces, healthcare facilities, and any environment where speech privacy and reduced noise distractions are crucial.
How does sound masking differ from traditional soundproofing?
While traditional soundproofing aims to block sound transmission between spaces, sound masking focuses on adding a gentle, ambient sound to reduce speech intelligibility within a given area. It's an effective solution for improving speech privacy and reducing distractions in open and shared spaces.
Can sound masking be customized for different spaces?
Absolutely. New York Soundproofing offers customizable sound masking solutions tailored to the specific needs of your space. Whether it's an office, healthcare facility, or commercial setting, our experts can design a solution that addresses your unique acoustic challenges.
Will sound masking affect the aesthetics of my space?
Not at all. Our sound masking systems are designed to be discreet and blend seamlessly into your environment. The speakers are often installed above ceiling tiles or within the architecture, ensuring that the aesthetic appeal of your space remains intact while enjoying the benefits of improved acoustic privacy.
How long does it take to install a sound masking system?
The installation timeframe depends on the size and complexity of the space. Our experienced technicians work efficiently to minimize disruption to your operations. In many cases, installations are completed within a few days, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of sound masking promptly.