Sound Masking for Offices

Sound Shadow Spec Sheet
Modular Sound Shadow Spec Sheet
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Sound Masking Article

Sound Shadow® Sound Masking System
SOUND SHADOW® MODULAR OR CENTRAL MASKING SYSTEMS

Sound Shadow® masking systems deliver a uniform level of properly tuned masking sound through speakers which are installed in the plenum above the suspended ceiling. Our Master Control Unit M-101 can provide a signal to 16 plenum mounted speakers. Our Shadow Central rack mounted system can provide a signal to an extensive number of speakers. All components meet applicable national codes. Installation and relocation is easy, most components “snap” together.

Effectively achieve speech privacy with one system, with the efficiency of a low-power requirement. Our first installations have been operating for over 28 years!

Sound Masking is a method of introducing an electronically produced sound, evenly distributed throughout a space, in an effort to overwhelm sound which cannot be blocked or absorbed by any other means.

Why choose Sound Shadow Sound Masking:

It isn’t noticed when it’s on, but is missed if turned off.

It has the correct tonal qualities. A “humm” not a “hiss.”

It is never obtrusive – it disappears and may be thought to be the normal background sound of a well designed HVAC system.

It is the correct volume – louder than what you don’t want to hear but, not so loud as to interfere with the conversations you want to have. One should never feel compelled to speak over it or strain to listen.

It is uniform throughout the space – no “hot spots” or “dead spots.”

Sound Shadow Sound Masking Systems accomplish all of this and more. View the specifications page for more information, or view our list of satisfied customers. Request a quote today.

What is Bad Sound?

SMG replaced this Sound Masking system at an emergency Call Center. Click below to watch a video which shows the frequencies too loud. When replaced with our trademark Sound Masking System, we greatly improved the working conditions within the space.

Click to Watch

Optional Features

Paging and Alarm PA – 101
The Sound Shadow® Central System can be utilized for paging or alarm purposes. A separate module is added to allow for paging via a dial up number. The same module can also be programmed to play a pre-recorded alarm signal consisting of voice and/or emergency tone burst.

A dedicated and protected phone line is used to access these features. By simply dialing the number from any phone authorized personnel can make announcements over the masking/paging system. If more security is required, the access can be limited to certain phones. Keeping the access extension number confidential is usually sufficient and preferable.

A system within the module enables emergency announcements to be pre-recorded (for example: “There is an emergency in the building. Please leave immediately”). An emergency sound (a “whoop, whoop” for example) may be added from a menu of ten such tones to draw attention to the forthcoming announcement. A two digit code after dialing the alarm/paging number activates this recording; another two digit code turns it off.

Installation Timed Attenuator TV – 101
When sound masking is installed in new occupied space, the volume can be set at the final design level. When introduced in occupied space, it may be important that the occupants do not notice it. Frequently, turning the system on after hours is sufficient but a gradual increase in the volume over a period of time may be preferred.

To accommodate this, the Sound Shadow® system has an optional feature that will allow the volume to be ramped up over a period from 5 to 15 days. Simply set the final volume level, select the time period for the gradual introduction, hit the “execute” button and walk away. The Volume will decrease by 20 decibels – well below ambient – and ramp-up at 1/4 decibel steps over the period selected until it reaches the volume that was initially selected.

Octave Band Graphic Equalizer E – 101
This option allows the installer/tuner to achieve virtually any spectrum distribution of the masking sound. While the basic options are frequently within the preferred spectrum, a more tailored audio spectrum may be preferred. The Sound Shadow® E-101 1/3 octave 28-band graphic equalizer enables this precise tuning.

Zone Attenuator – ZA – 101
The zone attenuator control option enables a zone to be established and controlled independent of the rest of the system. Typical applications are: to reduce volume in a conference room when audio transmission is implemented; to increase volume immediately outside a room where particularly confidential conversations are occurring; and, to eliminate the masking signal in larger space where instruction is occurring. Masking sound can be picked up by video and teleconferencing microphone interfere with the transmitted signal.

This is controlled with a wall mounted control that can vary the volume of a zone from “off” to levels exceeding the level surrounding the zone.