Today, there are several different product offerings within the centralized, decentralized, and networked categories.
Some vendors have also utilized a hybrid design, implementing a decentralized architecture in closed rooms (e.g. private offices) and a rcs data centralized architecture in the open plan.
However, the centralized architecture presents significant tuning challenges within the open plan—an area where occupants rely on masking for speech privacy and noise control.
Updating performance standards
there is not much room for error.
An ASTM Subcommittee E33.02 on Speech Privacy (part of ASTM to provide case management services for personal injury Committee E33 on Building and Environmental
Acoustics) is currently working on such a standard: WK47433, Performance Specification of Electronic Sound Masking When Used in Building Spaces.
It is also in the process of updating:
- ASTM E1130, Test Method for Objective Measurement of Speech Privacy in Open-plan Spaces Using Articulation Index;
- ASTM E1374, Guide for Open Office Acoustics and Applicable ASTM Standards;
- ASTM E1573, Test Method for Evaluating calling list Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels; and
- ASTM E2638, Test Method for Objective Measurement of the Speech Privacy Provided by a Closed Room.
