Lever Faberge in the Pink with BIAMP.
West Sussex based pro audio distributor, beyerdynamic, has recently supplied an integrated noise-masking system to Lever Faberge’s facility in Kingston Upon Thames.

The system, installed in conjunction with main contractors, Balfour Beatty, counteracts potential stress inducing levels of noise pollution by which, since the 1970's and the arrival of the "open plan office", has become a contentious issue across facilities around the world. Environments such as these are notorious for being very busy, noisy and often impossible for staff to concentrate, let alone hold a confidential conversation and noise masking has been found to be an effective way of “cheating” the human ear by changing its sensitivity.

US manufacturer BIAMP systems, distributed exclusively in the UK by beyerdynamic, developed the NMP200 Noise Masking Processor system to create a user equalised pink-noise mask signal. The pink noise, when fed through strategically placed speakers positioned above the suspended ceiling increases the perceived background ambient noise and increasing the noise threshold of the personnel working within the coverage of the system. This helps the problem of speech privacy and noise pollution in contemporary office and closed public space environments and is a perfect application of a psycho-acoustic solution to provide a safe and workable solution to a common environmental problem. It was specified by Lever Faberge’s, Technical Engineering Manager, Brian Maskell to form the hub of this cutting-edge system design.

The systems design for Lever Faberge was based on this principal. Working closely with Electrical Sub-Contractors, Harline Ltd, beyerdynamic supplied a BIAMP NMP200 noise masking processor, which was connected to a BIAMP DA28R splitter to achieve multiple zoned outputs and gain control via the multi-channel amplifier. The system controlled seven pink noise zones and utilised a custom built beyerdynamic zoning microphone unit. Ceiling speakers from DB Technologies Systems were installed above the false ceiling 3-4 metres apart for maximum effect.

Brian Maskell explained: " We’re delighted with this system. It was not only highly cost effective, but has significantly improved the quality of working conditions at our Kingston Upon Thames facility. Staff have commented that stress levels have been dramatically reduced and that they feel more in control of their working day. It is not intrusive in any way and proves how advanced technology can be used to such positive effect.

A recent study by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) investigated the related acoustical comfort in large office spaces and has further proved a real need for concern in such working environments. A staggering 64% of employees interviewed believed that there was not enough privacy at work whilst another 81% felt that they would be more productive if the environment were quieter.