SmartSMS User Manual Soft dB inc.
User Manual p. 91
10.3 Zone Definitions
The following section presents the basic rules that must be followed when designing the
loudspeaker network.
• Every loudspeaker in a zone must be of a similar brand and model to ensure similar
frequency response. Also, every loudspeaker must be installed similarly (surface-mounted
or in the plenum) for the same reason.
• Every loudspeaker in a zone must have a similar acoustic room response.
• Zones should also be divided by room functions. For example, the room of a call center
should not be connected to the same zone as a study room, since the sound masking level
needed in each room may be very different.
When the zones in the building are defined, the designer must estimate the number of
loudspeakers needed in each zone to ensure good sound masking diffusion and homogeneity.
10.4 Loudspeaker Surface Coverage
The masking sound produced by the speakers will be influenced by the configuration of the room
(ceiling height, plenum height, ceiling tiles, absorbent materials). All these parameters will influence
how sound travels within the space and will ultimately influence the area covered by each speaker.
For example, if the plenum space is very low (12 inches instead of a typical 30 inches), the sound
emitted by the speaker will be more focused, thus, covering a smaller area. Speakers will then need
to be installed closer to one another to provide good coverage.
Figure 85: Influence of the plenum height on coverage
Rule of thumb: In the case of typical suspended ceiling tiles with speakers facing up, the distance
between speakers should be approximated as equal to the ceiling height plus the plenum height
plus 4 feet. In any case, 18 feet should be considered the maximum distance between speakers.
To Next Page
Loading...