What sound masking does
Open offices are often too quiet in the background, so every nearby conversation is easy to understand and distracting. Sound masking adds a carefully shaped, low-level background sound – similar to soft airflow – through a grid of small loudspeakers (emitters) in or below the ceiling. It doesn't cancel noise; it raises the background level just enough that speech from a few desks away becomes unintelligible, improving privacy and concentration.
Typical design values
| Space | Masking level | Notes |
|---|
| Private offices | 40 – 43 dBA | Improves privacy through walls |
| Open office | 45 – 47 dBA | Most common target |
| Call centers | 47 – 48 dBA | Higher background tolerated |
| Healthcare, legal, HR | 42 – 46 dBA | Speech privacy for confidentiality |
Emitter layout
- In-plenum systems place emitters above a suspended ceiling, facing up; sound reflects off the deck and filters down evenly. Spacing is often 12 – 16 ft.
- Direct-field systems face emitters down into the room, giving more precise control with spacing around 10 – 14 ft.
- Open ceilings use pendant or surface emitters at tighter spacing.
- Smaller zones allow finer level control near meeting rooms, reception and quiet areas.
Cost
Installed sound masking typically costs about $1.50 – $3.50 per square foot depending on system type, ceiling and integration with paging or background music. Many systems combine masking, paging and music on the same emitters.
The ABC approach
Masking is one part of good office acoustics: Absorb sound with high-NRC ceilings and panels, Block it with partitions and furniture, and Cover it with masking. All three together achieve the best speech privacy.
Frequently asked questions
How loud should sound masking be?
Usually 45 – 47 dBA in open offices and around 40 – 43 dBA in private offices.
How many sound masking speakers do I need?
Roughly one emitter per 150 – 250 sq ft, depending on ceiling type and height.
How much does sound masking cost?
Typically about $1.50 – $3.50 per square foot installed.
Is sound masking the same as white noise?
No. Masking sound is shaped to the frequencies of speech and sounds like soft airflow, not hissy white noise.
Does sound masking reduce noise?
It doesn't reduce noise; it makes distant speech less intelligible and therefore less distracting.
About MaskPlan
MaskPlan is an independent, free planning calculator for sound masking in offices, healthcare and financial services, based on common industry guidance for emitter spacing and levels. Have a specialist design and commission final systems. We are not affiliated with any sound masking manufacturer.
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Last updated: October 28, 2026
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