FAQs

To help you get the most out of the Acoustic Comfort service we’ve put together a selection of our most commonly asked questions.

  1. We’ve just had our office refurbished but the acoustics are terrible. Is it too late to do anything?

    Don’t panic! We’re able to offer solutions to either new or existing builds. For buildings currently under development we need to get involved as soon as possible. Within existing buildings a site visit will be required to assess the current acoustic conditions and a survey produced. 50% of our time is spent correcting issues within current spaces.

  2. I know that acoustics are the cause of our problems. Why do I need an acoustic assessment?

    To understand the source and extent of any acoustic issues we will normally carry out a comprehensive and complimentary assessment before any work is undertaken. From the outset, this is tailored to meet individual needs and often involves an initial site visit and written report of acoustic issues, together with relevant solutions. We will always recommend a complete survey by an independent acoustician where necessary.

  3. What is sound masking and how does it work?

    Put simply, sound masking is the addition of an unobtrusive, background sound to reduce distractions. The sound is specifically engineered to cover up speech as well as noise from general office activities. The sound is created by the LogiSon Sound Masking System, typically consisting of a series of loudspeakers installed in a grid-like pattern in the ceiling, with firmware to control their zoning and output. They distribute a sound which raises the ambient (background) sound level in a controlled way to cover noise and unwanted conversations.

  4. What sort of noise will sound masking produce – will it be annoying?

    We are often asked if sound masking can be heard. The answer is that it has to be heard for it to be effective, but the essential characteristic of LogiSon sound masking is that the sound is truly random, containing no identifiable information. That way our brains aren’t able to focus on it and are therefore not distracted by it. The feedback we get from our customers is that it is unobtrusive and staff are totally unaware sound masking has been installed, unless told!

  5. Is it the same as ‘white noise’?

    Sound masking is sometimes erroneously referred to as ‘white noise’. This is an old fashioned term and systems that create ‘white noise’ or ‘pink noise’ are now redundant as sources of sound masking. This is because white and pink noise systems distribute the same signal to large zones of speakers and cannot be finely tuned, making them much less effective at masking and their generated sound more intrusive.

  6. Why use the LogiSon® Sound Masking System? Why not another?

    In our opinion, the LogiSon® Acoustic Network is the most effective sound masking system on the market today. It is manufactured by a global company with a proven international reputation of supplying clients with solutions that meet their needs, whatever size of business. Our technicians are highly experienced in its use and as such we would not be able to guarantee success with any other system.

  7. Will acoustic wall panelling provide sound insulation?

    Acoustic wall panelling is only designed to reduce echo and reverberation in individual rooms and is not a suitable treatment for sound insulation. To prevent sound passing between adjacent rooms either high density sound insulation material or sound masking technology is required. The Acoustic Comfort consultancy service can help with this.

  8. Will acoustic wall panelling prevent sound travelling to neighbouring areas?

    Applying acoustic wall panelling to walls and ceilings will only have a very small effect in terms of preventing sound from travelling into or out of the room to neighbouring areas. The Acoustic Comfort consultancy service can help with these issues.

  9. How much acoustic material do I need?

    The amount of absorption material required will be different for every room and will depend on the size and shape of the room as well as the surfaces of the wall, floor and ceiling. Acoustic Comfort are able to provide you with an accurate estimate through reverberation testing. The amount required will also depend on what the room is used for with adjustments made to suit the purpose.

  10. Will my walls and ceiling be strong enough to support the weight of Reverb acoustic panelling or Vibe acoustic wall art?

    Yes. Both Reverb and Vibe are constructed from lightweight materials which will be easily supported by all walls in a reasonable condition.

  11. Who carries out installation?

    From start to finish, all aspects of the survey, design and installation will be completed by Acoustic Comfort’s dedicated in house team.

  12. Will the installation of acoustic products cause much disruption?

    We recognise the significance of changes to the working environment and the impact that these can have on people who occupy the space. We therefore keep disruption to a minimum and install out of hours where necessary. A keen awareness of the psychology of change has led us to adopt unobtrusive working methods, which ensure that people benefit from the acoustic solution without being disrupted by its installation.

  13. How do I know if I am complying with Building Regulations?

    We can advise you on any technical matters and an acoustic report will be carried out that will demonstrate compliance with the relevant regulations.

  14. I’m an architect, how can my design be made to work acoustically?

    Firstly, you need to get in touch with us to discuss your project. For over ten years, Acoustic Comfort has been assisting designers and architects, helping them find ways to deliver effective acoustic management that doesn’t impact the aesthetic. Small changes at the initial stages can make a big difference to an acoustic landscape and provide cost saving solutions in a new build or fit out.

  15. Will installing acoustic treatments ruin the design aesthetic?

    Some of our acoustic treatments, such as LogiSon sound masking, are designed to be as discrete as possible and will go virtually unnoticed. Others, like Vibe and Reverb, are flexible enough to either blend into an existing scheme or, if used creatively, to enhance a space’s visual appeal using colour, art and graphics. If you want to make an eye-catching statement, acoustic ceiling islands and baffles offer great sculptural opportunities.