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Quiet Technology Sound Masking

Herman Miller Introduces Quiet Technology Sound Masking
March 28, 2003  

Now available, Quiet Technology sound masking for open-plan office environments.
Working with the developer of Quiet Technology, Cambridge Sound Management, Inc., Herman Miller created a patented sound-masking spectrum into an effective system for delivering sound masking.

Straightforward in application, able to be easily retrofitted, and more economical than in-ceiling systems, Herman Miller's Quiet Technology sound masking products also address the issue of worker productivity.


Download the Quiet Technology product sheet (121KB PDF) and product essay (86KB PDF) to learn more about sound masking in the office.

The complete news story follows.


QUIET TECHNOLOGY SOUND MASKING IMPROVES ACOUSTICS IN OPEN-PLAN WORKPLACES

Herman Miller, Inc., a leading global provider of office furniture and services, recently introduced innovative sound masking products designed to make it easier for people working in open-plan environments to improve concentration and increase their ability to focus on tasks, so they're more productive.

Herman Miller developed Quiet Technology sound masking in conjunction with Cambridge Sound Management, Inc., a leading innovator in acoustic engineering and design. Quiet Technology products emit a patented, direct-field sound spectrum that matches the frequencies of the human voice. This makes speech beyond a 12-to-16-foot radius unintelligible so a person can concentrate on his or her work and still collaborate easily with nearby colleagues.

"People can get used to many noises in an open-plan environment, to the point where they 'tune out' the distractions," explains Peter Phillips, Product Manager for Quiet Technology. "But some people find it nearly impossible to disregard intelligible human speech. Quiet Technology products mask conversations beyond 12 to 16 feet away from a person's immediate work area to allow better concentration. In environments without sound masking, conversations up to 50 feet away can be distracting."

Quiet Technology's patented sound spectrum targets human speech so it can provide the same level of sound masking performance at a lower decibel level than many other systems. This is accomplished by eliminating the low and high sound frequencies typically used in "white noise" systems. In addition, Quiet Technology sound masking delivers the targeted sound spectrum through a three-channel, 120-degree-angle system that ensures a consistent sound level at any point in the coverage area.

Herman Miller is making Quiet Technology products available initially on its Resolve system. Small speakers that emit the patented sound spectrum attach to Resolve tall poles. The system consists of a main and satellite units. One main unit plugs into a standard receptacle and draws about the same wattage as a common nightlight. It powers up to three satellite units. A convenient remote control allows a facility manager or other authorized person to adjust volume for the units to any of four levels and to turn units on or off.

"Quiet Technology sound masking gives our customers several benefits," explains Phillips. "It's simple and easy to apply. Companies can put it only where it's needed and add it to the furniture at any time. And, since it attaches to the furniture, it can move whenever or wherever the furniture does. It also depreciates on a seven-year schedule versus 30 years for an in-ceiling sound masking system. But most important, Quiet Technology can improve productivity."

Phillips bases that claim on research conducted on the Quiet Technology sound masking system during its development. "An independent research group tested the system under controlled conditions," adds Phillips. "The group built test-chamber environments to simulate working conditions in large open-plan offices equipped with Resolve furniture and 65-inch-high traditional systems furnishings."

Test subjects in both furniture environments scored nearly the same on a series of productivity measures, such as sounds considered distracting, ability to focus on tasks, and accuracy in performing required tasks, without Quiet Technology sound masking. When Quiet Technology sound masking was present, performance improved significantly in both furniture environments, with those in the Resolve space achieving the highest level of productivity.

"Researchers also noted that test participants adapted to Quiet Technology sound masking almost immediately," says Phillips. "They reasoned that the subjects' improved performance on a half-hour test indicates workers need little or no time to acclimate to this form of acoustic privacy."

Quiet Technology products for the Resolve system are available for order now through Herman Miller dealers.

Herman Miller creates great places to work by researching, designing, manufacturing, and distributing innovative interior furnishings that support companies, organizations, and individuals all over the world. The company's award-winning products, complemented by primary furniture-management services, generated over $1.46 billion in revenue during fiscal 2002. Herman Miller is widely recognized both for its innovative products and business practices, including the use of industry-leading, customer-focused technology. Again in 2002 Herman Miller was named "America's Most Admired" furniture company by Fortune magazine and included in Forbes magazine's "Platinum List" of best-performing large corporations. The company trades on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol MLHR.