It is noted that about 50 million Americans do their job in open plan offices. Cubicles usually make better use of space and improve communication flow, but they are an acoustic challenge.

Conventional walls are being replaced by modular workstations, as more workers are using the same working space, and everyone is seated in close proximity to one another. You will also see, though, that modern building methods, along with absorptive actions, and quiet machines, have decreased the ambient level of office noise, reducing the volume considerably.

Sound masking, also known as "white noise", has been one of the most successful solutions thus far. The sound masking process produces an engineered noise in the background that can be heard throughout the facility. The sound produced by this process is most like the sound of gently blowing air.

Sound masking has many benefits the most significant of which is reduced distractions with conversations and a more relaxed working environment. Sound masking can be easily set up and fits easily into new or existing facilities regardless of size. It provides a very efficient and affordable way to tackle acoustic troubles without having to perform structural modifications.

If you have ever tried running the water in the sink while attempting to talk with someone in an adjoining room, you are aware of the phenomenon of sound masking. Though you know that the other person is talking, it is very difficult to understand what they are saying because of the increased amount of sound in your area produced by the running water.

At this point, we should discuss the definition of a "noise floor". This term is used by sound engineers to describe the ambient sound level in your environment. If it is too high, you might be annoyed by the "background noise". Conversely, if it is too low, typical sounds such as people talking in the distance might become a nuisance.

Masking is a way of ensuring privacy, producing a noise level adequate to conceal noises, but not high enough to produce discomfort, with decibel levels generally between 42 to 48 dBA. By doing this, a system can effectively mask sounds, without being a distraction itself.

Conventional walls are being replaced by modular workstations, as more workers are using the same working space, and everyone is seated in close proximity to one another. You will also see, though, that modern building methods, along with absorptive actions, and quiet machines, have decreased the ambient level of office noise, reducing the volume considerably. The main benefit of sound masking includes reduced conversational distractions and a normally more relaxed working atmosphere. Through masking privacy can be achieved, which establishes a noise level sufficient to hide intrusive noises, but sufficiently low so as not to be bothersome, usually in the range of 42-48 dBA.