Challenge

A Growing business with a growing need for sound masking
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures with clients in the academic, scientific, municipal, utility and corporate environments. In 2005 and again in 2007, SGH installed Qt Quiet Technology sound masking solutions developed by Cambridge Sound Management (CSM) to increase privacy and worker performance in their converted manufacturing warehouse.

In 2011, the engineering firm needed to expand its headquarters a third time. As with its previously inhabited sections, the new addition features 17’ to 24’ open ceilings with exposed steel beams and duct work. Harking back to its original function, the repurposed manufacturing warehouse features exposed structural supports, concrete floors, and large windows. While noise in the space is slightly dampened by the large 10’ by 12’ cubicles and the tall (80”) partitions, the facility managers needed to include sound masking due to the hard reflective surfaces in the space.

Additionally, the firm needed to ensure a collaborative environment for their design teams, while preserving privacy and keeping acoustic distractions to a minimum.  In this large facility, the firm relies on a separate paging system to alert team members of guest arrivals and to provide instructions to evacuate in case of emergency.

Solution

Seamless system expansion
For the latest expansion, CSM recommended that Simpson Gumpertz & Heger have a Qt 600 installed into the space. To match the interior of the space and blend with the exposed beams the emitters and mounts were custom painted. Nearly 150 emitters were installed to cover the expansion. The space was separated into four zones due to varying ceiling heights.  Additionally, the Qt 600 was connected to the firm’s pre-existing paging system, using the contact closure. In the event of an emergency page, the Qt 600 will mute the sound masking in the space.

Results

An aesthetically pleasing, comfortable work environment
The sound masking between the original office and the two expansion areas feature seamless masking sound due to the sound masking frequency and the patented Qt emitters. These four channel “Smart” emitters provide unobtrusive uniform sound masking coverage. Simpson Gumpertz & Heger employees cannot detect a difference between the sound masking expansions throughout the office. The employees have reported that when the system is switched off, the noise level is jarring and uncomfortable to work in. Michael Roche, Facilities Manager, describes the system as invaluable for their office, stating, “We can’t work without it.”

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.