Commercial Sound Masking Systems | Charlotte, NC
- Rob Skuba
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
When Open Offices Stop Feeling Productive
Modern offices don’t usually become difficult to work in because they are loud. More often, it’s the constant background conversations, phone calls, movement, and distractions that slowly wear people down throughout the day. For this project in Charlotte, Automated AV was brought in to improve speech privacy and reduce distractions inside a healthcare office with an open workspace layout.
When office environments stop feeling productive, it is often because conversations and activity begin carrying farther than intended. In a professional medical setting, that becomes more than a comfort issue. Employees need to stay focused throughout the day, and patients need to feel confident that sensitive conversations remain private.
With more than 20 years of experience designing commercial audio and workplace technology systems throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, our team engineered a professionally designed sound masking system using Cambridge and Biamp technology to create more balanced acoustic coverage throughout the office. The goal wasn’t to make the office louder or completely silent; it was to help the workspace feel calmer and more private without changing how employees naturally communicate.
Project Overview
This project involved the design and installation of a commercial sound masking system for a healthcare office located in Charlotte, NC. The office featured a large open workspace where front desk conversations, phone calls, keyboard activity, and day-to-day movement regularly carried throughout the room.
The system was designed around a Cambridge QTX-300 sound masking controller paired with 49 Biamp directional emitters installed throughout the existing ceiling grid. The design also allowed room for future expansion as the facility continues to grow.
Project Details
Property Type: Commercial Healthcare Office
Location: Charlotte, NC 28273
Primary Goal: Improve speech privacy and reduce distractions
Technology: Cambridge QTX-300 + Biamp directional emitters
System Scope: 49 ceiling-mounted emitters
Investment Range: Typically $10,000–$40,000+ depending on layout; this project was under $15k installed.
The Challenge: When Privacy and Focus Start Breaking Down
Open office environments often work well visually, but they can become difficult to manage acoustically. At the Octapharma office, conversations at the front desk and throughout the workspace were carrying farther than intended. Phone calls, keyboard activity, and hallway movement created constant distractions that made it harder for employees to stay focused.
In a healthcare environment, speech privacy becomes especially important. Patients want to feel comfortable discussing personal information without worrying that nearby conversations can be overheard. The challenge wasn’t simply reducing the overall volume; the real goal was creating a more balanced environment where sensitive discussions felt contained without changing the workflow.
When sound masking is done correctly, most employees barely notice the system itself. The office simply feels calmer and easier to work in throughout the day.
The Solution: A Professionally Engineered System
To improve speech privacy and reduce distractions, Automated AV designed a system tailored specifically to the layout and daily function of the workspace. Featured Technology
Cambridge QTX-300 Sound Masking Controller: This unit generates digitally tuned masking sound designed specifically for professional office environments where speech privacy is critical.
Biamp Directional Emitters: A total of 49 emitters were installed in the ceiling grid to distribute sound evenly across the office, avoiding "hot spots" or uneven coverage.
Future Expansion Capability: The system serves the current office while reserving two additional zones for future growth as the facility evolves.
Because the office may continue expanding, the system was designed with additional zones already built into the infrastructure. This allows the client to extend coverage later without replacing the existing controller.
How To Improve Workplace Privacy & Focus
privacy using real-world projects completed by Automated AV in Charlotte. Learn how properly engineered systems help reduce distractions, improve focus, and create calmer office environments without major renovations.
How Sound Masking Improves Speech Privacy
Most people assume the solution to a distracting office is making the space quieter. In large open workspaces, that usually isn’t realistic. Sound masking works differently. Instead of trying to eliminate sound completely, the system introduces a balanced ambient sound designed to reduce how clearly conversations travel. Nearby conversations remain easy to understand, while voices farther away become less distracting and more difficult to make out.
In healthcare offices, this is vital for patient confidence. Sensitive conversations stay more contained to the areas where they are taking place instead of carrying throughout the workspace. When designed correctly, people don’t notice the technology; they simply notice the office feels less distracting over long periods.
Real-World Results: A Calmer Workplace
The impact of this system is felt gradually through the way the office functions each day. After installation, the "sharpness" of background noises was smoothed out, allowing for better focus.
Everyday Improvements
Contained Conversations: Speech stays in the intended area.
Reduced Distraction: Front desk and phone activity are no longer intrusive.
Patient Privacy: Discussions feel more professional and secure.
Balanced Environment: The office feels calm even during busy periods.
Biamp directional emitters were installed throughout the office ceiling grid to create balanced acoustic coverage across the workspace.
Commercial Sound Masking in Charlotte and Surrounding Areas
Automated AV designs and installs these systems for businesses throughout Charlotte, Huntersville, Lake Norman, and Mecklenburg County. Different environments, from open floor plans to waiting areas, create unique acoustic challenges. With more than 20 years of experience, our team provides reliable solutions designed around how people actually use the space.
Modern workplaces and conference rooms depend on more than just lighting and internet. The acoustic environment directly affects focus, comfort, and the overall experience of everyone in the building. If your office feels difficult to focus in, a professionally designed sound masking system can create a more productive environment.
Learn More about Sound masking and our commercial sound services here.
Contact:
Automated Audio Video
(980) 699-0486
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