VoiceArrest Sound Masking System

Paradigm Consulting was approached and asked to review and consider working with Speech Privacy Systems out of Plano,Texas.  We are always reviewing new and changing technologies from Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), to many of the new media display and presentations systems, to new IP video conferencing systems.  One we had missed completely is the world if digital sound masking systems.  The following is based on information supplied to us and on information we found.

Benefits of today’s sound masking systems

Open-office environments are implemented to encourage team building, improved communications and easier sharing of ideas.  However, open-office environments also challenge the employee to perform individual tasks with efficiency and accuracy while dealing with a more social work place.  Depending on the task to be performed, individual performance can suffer from lower productivity and increased levels of stress in such social environments.  This is where a well designed sound masking system can reduce the over-all noise and distraction level by covering the conversations and noise.  It reduces interruptions from miscellaneous office noise and worries about what others may be hearing of your specific communications. 

The VoiceArrest system uses a four-channel sound masking technology to simulate a full white-noise or “whooshing” sound of a high-end HVAC system.  The background noise is aimed at interfering with the frequencies that make up human range of speech, which will cover conversations several office spaces away.  The key is that the sound is so natural to the ear, that after a short while, a person does not even realize that the sound is present.  Through the use of “Direct Field Technology”, the background masking balances both the volume as well as the frequency content.

 Better Privacy

This technology provides better privacy in two ways:  1) Greater levels of privacy per decibel of sound output and 2) Consistent levels of privacy throughout the entire coverage areas.  The balance of the volume and frequencies creates a uniform sound that permits the system to operate at substantially lower sound levels, while maintaining its effectiveness.  Some competitive systems normally operate at a sound level between 48 to 51 decibels of sound to reach the same acceptable privacy that is reached at just 45 decibels using the VoiceArrest system.  An added operational feature is that the system can be adjusted so that the masking level can go higher, above the 45 decibel level when a higher level of privacy is required for specific spaces or situations.

 Another valuable feature of using “Direct Field Technology” is that the sound making for the open space and the sound making for the private office do not bleed into each other’s space.  The bleed over effect is controlled allowing clear and clean breaks between the designed for spaces or zones and the separate zones are controlled independently.

More Efficient Use Your Office Sound Systems 

This sound masking system is capable to utilize the sound masking speakers to serve part of the office paging system and/or background music system.  The quality of the sound masking speakers provides crisp and clear sound from the paging or music systems.  The sound does not have a drastic change in volume creating the “startle” effect.  And still allows the message and/or music to be heard with out harsh distractions.

 Conclusion

The VoiceArrest sound masking system is a cost-effective alternative to the older plenum-based systems or to replacing the normal ceiling tiles with upgraded sound dampening tiles or sound bating above the ceiling tiles.  The VoiceArrest system is a competitive alternative to adding absorbent wall materials or even raising the height of the furniture panels/walls.

 The proof is in the pudding as they say.  We look forward to working with Speech Privacy Systems and learning first hand from the customers the value that this sound masking system can bring to their successful operation.  Please contact us with your questions, thoughts and comments.