What is Sound Masking?
Understanding the Technology
How does it work?
In-office spaces, the background noise level is generally low. Hence, people unintentionally overhear conversations – a difficult situation for all concerned. To address this problem, sound masking systems emit a soft, inconspicuous background sound with the use of a loudspeaker system. The ambient sound level becomes more uniform and otherwise noisy distractions are muffled by the sound masking.
Sound masking makes undesirable conversations and other noise distractions less audible. The result: Employees are less distracted, they are able to concentrate better, and their productivity rises measurably!
VoiceArrest™ Sound Masking Features | Acoustic Comfort With Adaptive Control
Adaptive Volume Control
Real-Time Adaptive Adjustment of Masking Sound Volume Based on Ambient Noise Level
Office space is a dynamic environment in which ambient noise and the volume of sound distractions vary a great deal depending on the schedule and activities underway. To be optimal, sound masking must adapt to changes: It must increase during very active periods and become more discreet when the area is quieter. Only VoiceArrest™ makes this possible!
Effective Sound Masking at All Times
Our adaptive adjustment system (US 8116461 B2) identifies variations in ambient noise in real-time, from signals supplied by sound level sensors installed in the ceiling of the workspace. And, thanks to advanced signal-processing technology, it automatically adjusts the masking volume depending on the intensity of conversational noise and other noise distractions.
Mask unwanted noise
in real-time
Absorb sound with beautiful acoustic panels
Create privacy through comprehensive solutions
Smart Volume Adjustment to Maximize Acoustic Comfort
The adaptive volume control system provides an unparalleled optimization of both acoustic comfort and effective sound masking.
Real-Time Adaptive Adjustment Features
- Control of masking volume based on the level of disturbing noise in a room.
- Disturbing noise is measured using sound level sensors installed in the ceiling.
- Masking sound level is adjusted automatically in real-time.
- Adjustment rate, high limit and low limit are programmable separately, for each zone.
- An input mixer allows for the combination of any active input with any output channel.
VoiceArrest™ Exclusive Features | Performances tailored to your unique environment
Automatic Equalization
Unique Automatic Equalization Process that Ensures Precise Adjustment of the Masking Spectrum
The challenge: to produce optimum masking sound for all workspace characteristics. Parameters such as size, type of ceiling, wall coverings, and furnishings have a direct influence on the propagation of sound masking. If the masking system is not properly calibrated to the specific conditions of the room, it becomes ineffective and/or irritating.
The advantage of VoiceArrest Project Management Software is that it adapts to characteristics that are specific to each work environment. Its unique calibration system (patent no. US7460675B2) uses a sensor to measure the acoustic response and the background noise in the space. Based on this data, it automatically calculates the noise spectrum that must be used to emit a soft, uniform, and non-disruptive masking noise.
Rapid Calibration, Accurate Results
With VoiceArrest™ Project Management Software, a masking zone can be completely calibrated in less than one minute, thanks to VoiceArrest™ automatic calibration process (pat. US 7460675 B2).
This automatic adjustment is done not only on 1 /3 octave bands, but on 340 narrow band spectrum. It is quick, precise and provides an unparalleled regular smooth and comfortable sound masking spectrum.
The calibration quality is measured by the system’s integrated frequency analyzer. At a glance, it provides indications as to whether the masking generated is in complete conformity with the desired sound spectrum.
VoiceArrest™ Project Management Software Exclusive Features | Take Control of Your Environment
Network Capabilities
Wired and/or Wifi Networked Sound Masking System
The VoiceArrest™ Project Management Software is very flexible, it can cover small or large masking zones. It combines the flexibility of the networked system and the cost efficiency of centralized systems. Changes can be made very easily, the layout is integrated into the software.
- Wireless network simplifies wiring and connection;
- It reduces installation costs (no proprietary cables);
- The Project Manager software is efficient and easy to operate;
- State of the art graphical user interface;
- The ergonomics of the software allows faster interventions;
- For each system installation, a quick course can be offered;
- If requested, free on-line support is offered;
VoiceArrest™ Volume Control
Sound masking makes undesirable conversations and other noise distractions less audible. The result: Employees are less distracted, they are able to concentrate better, and their productivity rises measurably!
VoiceArrest™ Exclusive Features
Additional Technology
- Graphic control
- WIFI and LAN
- Paging and music
- Individual speaker control
- Gradual ramp-up
- Built-In Self Test (BIST)
- Calendar adjustment
- LEED Design
VoiceArrest™ Sound Masking System Benefits
Productivity
Productivity Gains
Sound masking makes undesirable conversations and other noise distractions less audible. The result: employees are less distracted, they are able to concentrate better, and their productivity rises measurably!
Return On Investment (ROI)
The benefits of masking have been the subject of numerous scientific studies. From these studies came out figures that help us today to evaluate the real costs of such a device in your different office spaces and work environments.
VoiceArrest™ Sound Masking System Benefits
Greater Confidentiality
It is easier and more economical to use sound masking than conventional soundproofing methods to obtain greater speech privacy in office spaces. The VoiceArrest™ Project Management Software has proven to be an effective, uncomplicated solution for increasing confidentiality in all types of work environments.
VoiceArrest™ Sound Masking System Benefits
Smart Volume Adjustment to Maximize Acoustic Comfort
As mentioned earlier in the Adaptive Volume Control section, the VoiceArrest™ patented adaptive volume control feature provides an unparalleled optimization of both acoustic comfort and effective sound masking. That unique feature allows the sound masking system to adapt to the sound levels of the room; It must increase during very active periods, and become more discreet when the area is quieter.
