What is Sound Masking?
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!
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.
Automatic Equalization
Soft dB Exclusive Features | Performances tailored to your unique office environment
Unique Automatic Equalization Process that Ensures Precise Adjustment of the Masking Spectrum
The challenge: to produce optimum masking sound for all work space 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 SmartSMS-NET is that it adapts to characteristics that are specific to each work environment. Its unique calibration system (patent no.: US 7460675 B2) 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 SmartSMS-NET, a masking zone can be completely calibrated in less than one minute, thanks to Soft dB 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.
Network Capabilities
Soft dB Exclusive Features | Take Control of Your Environment
Wired and/or Wifi Networked Sound Masking System
The SmartSMS-NET is very flexible, it can cover small or large masking zones. It combines the flexibility of 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;
SmartSMS-NET Volume Control Application
With this smartphone application , the end-users can adjust the volume of the masking sound and music for any given zone.
Additional Technology
Soft dB Exclusive Features
- Graphic control
- WIFI and LAN
- Paging and music
- Individual speaker control
- Gradual ramp-up
- Calendar adjustment
Employee Productivity
Soft dB Sound Masking System Benefits
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 offices spaces and work environments.
Employee Privacy
Soft dB 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 SmartSMS-NET has proven to be an effective, uncomplicated solution for increasing confidentiality in all types of work environments.
Acoustic Comfort
Soft dB Sound Masking System Benefits
Smart Volume Adjustment to Maximize Acoustic Comfort
As mentioned earlier in the Adaptive Volume Control section, the Soft dB patented adaptive volume control feature provides an unparalleled optimization of both acoustic comfort and effective sound masking. That unique feature allow 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.
