Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1414667
October/November/December 2021 I 51 FIGURE 2: Two-channel sound masking system with separate equalizers for music and sound masking and adjacent speakers connected to separate amplifiers can help prevent performance degradation and eliminate noticeable phase cancellations. for determining speaker spacing based on the size and characteristics of the space, and it is important for ICT professionals deploying the technology to work closely with their vendors to acquire training on design and implementation. A few considerations when selecting a system include: • Single-Channel versus Multi-Channel Sound Masking In a single-channel system that uses a single amplifier or sound generator, all sound masking devices emit the same signal. While typically less expensive, this can cause noticeable phase cancellations between two speakers as occupants move from one space to another. To ensure sound masking is completely unobtrusive, a two-channel system that connects adjacent speaker to separate amplifiers can eliminate noticeable phase cancellations. • Combined Sound Masking and Background Music While some combined systems can result in comp- romised performance of one system due to back- ground music occurring at a higher level than sound masking, choosing a higher-power amplifier and speakers and deploying separate equalizers for the sound masking versus background music can prevent the systems from impacting the performance of each other (Figure 2). It is important to note that sound masking should never be combined with life safety systems, such as mass notification systems. IMPROVING COLLABORATION THROUGH ADVANCED AV In addition to privacy in the call centers, UWCA needed to collaborate more efficiently and effectively with local partners and connect with the community. The project started during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which made enhanced virtual communi- cation even more important. Audio and video clarity were therefore key considerations in selecting AV systems for the conference rooms at the new UWCA facility. To identify the right AV solution, Goodwin again relied heavily on the due diligence and expertise of the ICT contractor. As they did with PoE lighting, the ICT contractor implemented advanced AV systems in their own office with emerging beamforming microphones that use intelligent acoustic technology and noise cancellation to lock to a signal source and enable superior audio quality, even when a speaker is moving throughout the space.