The philosophy of sound masking sounds like a made up term, doesn’t it? But can become surprisingly topical when a client doesn’t understand it.

Recently, a client wanted to integrate our system into the control panels within each room. In the end, we explained our philosophy and installed our system just the way it should be done. However, it got me thinking about client expectations and assumptions about sound masking, and where they might come from.

End user experience

Some of our competitors have face plates and other bells and whistles that allow end users to adjust systems either automatically or at will. It makes sense in a way—much like lighting or audio technology, end users like control. Indeed, these are options we have explored, but rejected. Part of this decision is a difference in sound masking philosophies between manufacturers. Part of it is because we’ve had over 35 years of experience dealing with the psychology of humans who use our systems.

At Soundmask, we love giving clients value for money, and making the lives of end users better. Adding unnecessary extras can hinder the success of the system, especially if these extras do not serve the purpose of the sound masking system.

The purpose of a sound masking system

Going back to basics, the purpose of sound masking is to increase of background sound levels in order to mask intrusive noise. Following from this, sound masking solves the problems of speech privacy and distracting noise. It’s important that the sound itself is comfortable and appropriate for the space. It is also vital that the sound masking system itself should not be a distraction. The best way to ensure this outcome is to make the masking sound blend seamlessly into the acoustic environment.

Acoustic environments are optimal when they are unnoticeable. Think of the irritating tonal sounds of heavy manufacturing equipment or that loud talker in the cubicle beside you. These problems are what sound masking should solve. You don’t want to replace one annoying noises with another. By allowing users to tinker with the levels, or by otherwise changing the sound levels throughout the day, the sound masking system becomes noticeable. Indeed, it can become a feature. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past three or so decades, a noticeable system will annoy around 10% of end users. At least temporarily. Yikes!

This is where our philosophy differs from some other manufacturers.

Our philosophy

A simple system that is out of sight and out of mind is optimal. To optimise indoor environment quality, a sound masking system needs to be set at the correct sound level, and needs to quietly do its job without anyone noticing. In other words, “set and forget”. Kind of like the furniture.

Adding in-room controls, or making the sound levels go up and down during the day based upon changes in the ambient background sound levels, hinder this outcome. And neither are necessary if the sound levels are set correctly during installation and commissioning.

If you want a sound masking system that is complex enough to do everything a sound masking system should, but simple enough that there are no unnecessary extras, why not give us a call?