Electronically generated masking sound is usually required in quality open offices to increase speech privacy and reduce the audibility of other intruding office sounds. To be effective, a masking sound system must be engineered to complement the acoustical environment. It must assure uniform coverage, and should comprise components that facilitate tuning to the appropriate level and frequency spectrum. Ostergaard Acoustical Associates designs and specifies electronic masking sound systems encompassing the most recent technical advances. These include multi-channel systems with automatic attenuation to make the system less apparent after hours.
Specifications are prepared to assure professional quality systems while controlling cost.
The specifications include equipment performance requirements and models of previously tested and approved equipment. Loudspeaker layouts are engineered to assure uniform sound distribution. Ostergaard Acoustical Associates reviews submittals for compliance with the specification and visits the completed installation to inspect and tune the electronic masking sound system to the acoustically optimum spectrum for effective masking for the particular installation. Although closed offices have a higher potential for privacy than open offices, frequently the needs of the closed office users are not met. There is often excessive audibility between offices, either because intervening constructions are acoustically inadequate or because constructions were not correctly detailed and built to control sound leaks.