Best Sound Management Solutions Use 2-Tiered Approaches

This photograph of a Smart Homes project was graciously provided by the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. 

Do you have a large space where carry-over noise and room echo are a problem?  The Best Sound Management Solutions Use 2-Tiered Approaches to address these and other acoustic issues.

When combined, sound masking and sound dampening features deliver the best sound solutions for any space by simultaneously managing noise and controlling the reverberation of soundwaves.

In this post, we’ll explore how this applied method of addressing sound management issues is especially useful in larger spaces.

Table of Contents:

• Best Sound Management Solutions Use 2-Tiered Approaches
• White Noise vs. Pink Noise. Can Noise Have a Color?
• Design Your Optimal Environment with Smart Homes Smart Offices

This photograph of a Smart Homes project was graciously provided by the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. 

Best Sound Management Solutions Use 2-Tiered Approaches

When combined, sound masking and sound dampening features deliver the best sound solutions for any space by simultaneously managing noise and controlling the reverberation of soundwaves. This multi-faceted approach to sound management is especially useful in large spaces that require a combination of acoustic solutions.

What is Sound Masking?

Sound masking is a technique that uses strategically placed speakers to pipe low-level, ambient noise (white or pink noise) into a room.  Sound masking improves privacy and creates a more comfortable environment in which to work or communicate. This approach makes other sounds – like conversations – less distinct. The ambient noise usually sounds like forced air, similar to the sound your HVAC system makes when it kicks on.

In an open office layout or call center setting, there will likely be multiple conversations happening at once. Overhearing coworkers’ conversations can be distracting and even create stress for workers who may naturally perform better in a quiet setting. Sound masking helps make surrounding noise less noticeable.

For hospitals or other care facilities, sound masking systems provide the additional benefit of ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations related to patient privacy. Sound masking systems are used in healthcare facilities to prevent confidential conversations from being overheard.

Schools, libraries and courtrooms use sound masking systems to reduce background noise and make surrounding conversations less distinguishable. This creates a more comfortable, peaceful space for learning and focused conversations.

Other professions, such as government offices and financial institutions also require a higher level of confidentiality during meetings or transactions. They also benefit from using sound masking to prevent sensitive information from being overheard.

Sound Dampening

Sound Dampening, also referred to as sound absorption, uses materials specifically designed to absorb sound waves and reduce the reverberation of sound in a room or large space. Sound dampening helps to reduce the echo effect in a room, making it easier to hear more clearly.  It also improves the overall sound quality in a room.

Acoustic panels are often used to control and absorb sound. They are typically made from fiberglass, foam or wool and are finished in a special fabric that is designed to absorb sound waves. Acoustic panels come in all shapes and sizes, and can be mounted to walls, ceilings or even set up as freestanding, portable solutions.

In addition to their acoustic benefits, sound dampening panels can also bring aesthetic appeal to a room or space. Many panels are available in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can choose the ones that best match your décor. Some panels even double as works of art, with unique designs and patters that can add visual interest to any space. For example, the pictures on the wall shown in this post are actually sound panels disguised as artwork.

White Noise vs. Pink Noise. Can Noise Have a Color?

Just as the human eye can distinguish the difference between warm-tone light and cool-tone light, the human ear can distinguish subtle differences in sound frequencies. Although sound doesn’t emit a color exactly, it’s helpful to think of sound in terms of color when distinguishing between different frequencies.

Both white noise and pink noise encompass all sound frequencies detectable to humans; however, how they sound to the ear is very different.

With white noise, all frequencies – high, low and everything in between – are distributed equally. Examples of white noise include the sound of radio static, a running vacuum cleaner or a fan.

Pink noise is a little different. With Pink Noise, the lower frequencies are stronger than the higher frequencies, which gives them a deeper tone. Examples of pink noise include the sound of ocean waves, waterfalls, wind or a steady rainfall.

The use of white noise or pink noise as a sound masking solution can provide noticeable benefits to the overall health and productivity of people living or working in a given space.

Design Your Optimal Environment with Smart Homes Smart Offices

Each room is unique and we believe that the right tools and resources are essential for achieving the best possible acoustic solution for any space.

We specialize in designing sound solutions that make your space comfortable, functional, aesthetically pleasing and acoustically sound. Our team has years of experience in designing and installing sound masking and sound dampening solutions in a wide range of spaces. We take pride in our work and strive to provide the best possible service to our clients. When you choose Smart Homes Smart Offices for your acoustic improvement project, you can expect:

• Professional, courteous service from start to finish
• Expert guidance on choosing the right solution for your space
• Precise measurements and installation
• Quality products that are built to last
• Unparalleled after-installation support

Don’t let unwanted noise and echoes distract you and your team from doing your best work. Let Smart Homes and Smart Offices help you create a more pleasant and productive environment. Contact us today to learn more about our full line of available acoustic solutions.