Noise Masking System

Will Fraser

Noise Masking System

Noise masking systems have a number of unique requirements, including:

~Multi-zone output
~Parametric EQ for each output zone
~Independent gain control for each zone
~Page input from telephone system
~Priority emergency page from life safety system

This configuration accomplishes all that...

Noise masking is used to increase oral privacy and to minimize distractions from other sounds. This active electronic solution can be applied to many environments where there are concerns about eavesdropping, client or patient confidentiality, or wherever personal details or issues are discussed.

The United States Office of Civil Rights states that incidental disclosure of personal information is tolerable only if reasonable means to prevent it have been implemented, in accordance with the December 2000 guidance that “the same protections afforded to paper and electronically based information must apply to verbal communications as well”. Accepted standards from ISO, ANSI, and ASTM already define “Oral Privacy” in a manner that can be quantitatively measured. They also describe available methods for monitoring private environments where oral privacy is required but walls are impractical.

These standards already meet the \"reasonableness\" test and provide \"best practices\" to follow. And they enable service providers to go about their business without disruption or fear of disclosure.

Four important facts:
•Oral privacy can be measured with instruments
•Oral privacy is defined by ISO, ANSI, and ASTM standards
•Oral privacy can be provided without restricting physician behavior or retraining
•Oral privacy can be provided without walls or large capital expenditure

A BLU-16 4x12 provides the flexibility needed for this application. Twelve outputs gives the ability to adjust the signal for maximum affect in each of the zones. A twelve band Parametric Equalizer (EQ) for each of the zones provides the installer the ability to adjust the EQ of the signal for optimal “masking” of environmental sounds and speech. This, coupled with a gain control for each zone output, gives the installer full control over amplitude and “color” of the masking signal in each of the zones.

Each of the page inputs are processed by a high pass filter to roll off unnecessary frequencies below the spectrum of the human voice. The page signals are each then processed by compressors to minimize the differences in vocal levels. Parametric EQs adjust the signal for optimum clarity and intelligibility. Each signal then passes through a gain object before routing to the Ducker. The Duckers are wired in series giving the emergency page signal priority over both the masking signal and the page signal.



>>>Click here to download the full application guide and sample file.<<<


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Technical Support Team
BSS Audio
8760 South Sandy Parkway
Sandy, UT 84070