thinQmaster Virtual testing partner Adaptive practice exams that find your weak spots and drill them. Every answer explained. From $69
Enroll

thinQmaster

Find your exam

Five questions free, before you decide.

Step 1 · choose a vendor

In one of our camps? Your practice exams come with the tuition — they are on your study page already.

Collaboration, Voice & AV · Intermediate

Sound Masking

Adding engineered background sound to a space to reduce speech intelligibility and distractions, improving privacy.

Definition

Sound masking systems emit a broadband, spectrally shaped noise through ceiling loudspeakers at a low level, typically around 40 to 48 dBA. They raise the background level so distant conversations become less intelligible in open offices and near meeting rooms. Masking is not the same as noise cancellation.

Example

A masking system outside executive offices prevents conversations from being understood in the corridor.

Exam tip

Masking increases the noise floor intentionally for privacy; it does not cancel sound.

Related terms