Challenge

Overheard Conversations at a Busy Office

In many ways the headquarters for Event Source, a Cleveland-area business specializing in renting out equipment for corporate and private events, is like a lot of other offices across the country with a mix of cubicles and private office space. And like many typical office spaces, noise distractions and lack of speech privacy were concerns. Office management was fielding complaints from workers that there was too much noise from cross talk in the open office area and it was making it difficult for them to concentrate. Additionally, there was a concern that conversations occurring in private offices and conference rooms could be overheard in other areas of the office.

After some research, Event Source management found that sound masking; the process of adding a low level, unobtrusive background sound to an environment; might be a viable option. The introduced masking noise, specifically tuned to the frequency and amplitude of human speech, covers up, or “masks” excess speech noise, making the affected environment more comfortable, private, and free of excess noise distractions. Event Source’s telecom provider, Axiom Solutions, suggested utilizing QtPro sound masking from Cambridge Sound Management, the world’s leading provider of sound masking solutions. QtPro could provide sound masking that was effective, uniform, scalable, and that integrated well with the architectural features of the Event Source office.

“With sound masking, I am no longer distracted by conversations that aren’t intended for me – they just fade into the background. This allows me to be much more productive at work.”

– Arthur Boilanger Help Desk Specialist Event Source

Solution

Qt® 600 Sound Masking System

Certified masking experts from Axiom Solutions installed the barely visible Qt Emitters (loudspeakers) throughout the space’s open ceiling. The emitters were connected by cables to an intuitive Qt® 600 control module rack mounted in the server room.

Result

A Functional, Comfortable, and Private Work Environment

Employees don’t notice the masking sound, but they do notice that the office is noticeably more acoustically comfortable, less distracting, and more private. “With sound masking, I am no longer distracted by conversations that aren’t intended for me – they just fade into the background,” says Arthur Boilanger, Help Desk Specialist. This allows me to be much more productive at work.”

Since the original install, Event Source has undergone a complete office renovation and expanded the sound masking coverage in the space. The white Qt Emitters and mounts have been replaced with black ones to better match the space’s new ceiling.

About Event Source

Event Source provides top-notch service and the finest quality rental products to create memorable events. An extensive in-stock product line will suit any taste or style in quantities to customize any size event – from a backyard picnic to a convention – from an intimate wedding to a gala. Learn more at www.eventsource.net.

About Axiom Solutions

Axiom Solutions provides structured network cabling, fiber optic cabling and fire containment services, resulting in high-quality networking solutions that are both FAST AND SAFE. We combine our areas of expertise — network cabling and fire containment — into one powerful solution for your business. Learn more at www.callaxiom.com.

About Biamp
Biamp® is a leading provider of innovative, networked media systems that power the world’s most sophisticated audiovisual installations. The company is recognized worldwide for delivering high-quality products and backing each one with a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2018 Global Installed Audio Conferencing Enabling Technology Leadership Award, Biamp is dedicated to creating products that drive the evolution of communication through sight and sound. The award-winning Biamp product suite includes: Tesira® media system for digital audio and video networking, Devio® collaboration tool for modern workplaces, Audia® digital audio platform, Nexia® digital signal processors, Vocia® networked public address and voice evacuation system, Cambridge® sound masking solutions, and loudspeakers for installed sound applications from Community Loudspeakers® and Apart Audio®. Each has its own specific feature set that can be customized and integrated in a wide range of applications, including corporate boardrooms, conference centers, huddle rooms, open floor environments, performing arts venues, courtrooms, hospitals, transportation hubs, campuses, retail, hospitality, military and government, and multi-building facilities.

Founded in 1976, Biamp is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, with additional offices around the globe. For more information on Biamp, please visit www.biamp.com.