Sound Masking Systems

Q: What does sound masking actually sound like?

Sound masking produces a gentle, uniform background sound similar to soft airflow. It's tuned to human speech frequencies and most occupants forget it's there within minutes.

Q: Is sound masking the same as white noise?

No. White noise is harsh and equal across all frequencies. Sound masking is tuned to speech frequencies and shaped to be comfortable for extended exposure.

Q: How much does sound masking cost per square foot?

Installed costs typically range from $1.50-$3.00 per square foot, significantly less than construction-based privacy solutions.

Q: Can sound masking be installed in occupied spaces?

Yes. Speakers install above the ceiling grid with minimal disruption. A typical 10,000 sq ft office can be installed in 1-2 days during normal operations.

Q: What sound masking brands does Axseter install?

We install Cambridge Sound Management (QtPro), Lencore, and Atlas Sound. Systems are recommended based on ceiling type, zoning requirements, and integration needs.

The Challenge

Privacy in Open Environments

Open floor plans create acoustic challenges. Conversations carry. Private discussions become semi-public. And in regulated industries like healthcare and financial services, speech privacy isn't just a comfort issue—it's a compliance requirement.

Sound masking adds a comfortable background sound that reduces the intelligibility of human speech. The result: conversations remain private, distractions decrease, and your facilities meet regulatory expectations.

Modern open office requiring sound masking

How It Works

The Science of Sound Masking

Sound masking doesn't silence conversations—it makes them unintelligible beyond a certain distance by raising the ambient noise floor with a comfortable, unobtrusive sound.

1

Acoustic Assessment

We evaluate your space, ceiling type, and privacy requirements to design a system that delivers appropriate coverage.

2

Speaker Installation

Speakers install above the ceiling tile, out of sight. Wiring connects to zone controllers that manage sound levels by area.

3

Tuning & Commissioning

We tune the system to achieve target sound levels throughout your space, ensuring consistent coverage without noticeable variation.

Applications

Where Sound Masking Matters

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Healthcare Facilities

Patient privacy is non-negotiable. Sound masking helps healthcare facilities maintain confidentiality in check-in areas, waiting rooms, and open clinical spaces where conversations about health conditions occur.

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Financial Services

Bank branches and insurance offices handle sensitive financial discussions. Sound masking protects customer financial information in open floor plans while maintaining a professional atmosphere.

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Corporate Offices

Open floor plans increase collaboration but decrease privacy. Sound masking lets your teams work in open environments without sacrificing confidentiality or focus.

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Legal & Professional Services

Attorney-client privilege requires physical privacy. Sound masking ensures conversations in law offices remain confidential even with open reception areas.

Compliance

Speech Privacy for Regulated Industries

In healthcare, HIPAA requires reasonable safeguards to protect patient information during conversations. Open reception areas, check-in desks, and clinical hallways are common privacy vulnerabilities. Sound masking is one of the most cost-effective physical safeguards to address these risks.

Financial institutions face similar requirements under GLBA and state privacy regulations. Client conversations about account balances, loan applications, and investment strategies need protection in open branch layouts. Sound masking addresses this without requiring expensive private offices at every workstation.

Axseter deploys sound masking systems that meet ASTM E1130 and E2638 standards for speech privacy. We measure and document Normal Privacy (NP) and Confidential Privacy (CP) levels at each site, providing compliance documentation your privacy officer can reference during audits.

Privacy Levels We Target

Confidential Privacy (CP) Healthcare / Financial

Conversations are unintelligible beyond a few feet. Required for areas where protected health information or financial data is discussed.

Normal Privacy (NP) Corporate Offices

Conversations can be partially overheard but not easily understood. Appropriate for open offices where general workplace privacy is desired.

Acoustic Comfort All Environments

Reduces the perceived loudness of office noise and conversations, improving concentration and reducing distraction in open floor plans.

FAQ

Common Questions About Sound Masking

What does sound masking actually sound like? +

Is sound masking the same as white noise? +

How much does sound masking cost per square foot? +

Can sound masking be installed in occupied spaces? +

What sound masking brands does Axseter install? +

Related Services

Ready for Speech Privacy?

Let's discuss how Axseter can deploy sound masking across your facilities.

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Sound Masking Installation