Sound Masking vs White Noise: What’s the Difference?
In acoustic design, the terms sound masking and white noise are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. While both involve the use of background sound to manage noise, they differ significantly in their purpose, design, and effectiveness.
At Acoustics by Design, we partner with clients to deliver tailored acoustic solutions that enhance workplace performance. When designing sound masking systems our goal is to reduce distractions, improve speech privacy, and create a more productive atmosphere - something white noise simply cannot achieve. In this article, we explain why.
What is White Noise?
“White noise is a signal that has a 3dB increase in power per Octave often described as a “hissy” sound or like static from a detuned radio or television. Because it has more high frequency white noise can be harsh and fatiguing over time.” Explains Colin Rawlings MIoA, of Acoustics by Design.
While white noise is sometimes associated with masking unwanted sounds, it is not suitable for workplace or commercial environments. Here’s why:
It’s not optimised for speech privacy and may fail to effectively mask conversations.
The sound can be intrusive or irritating, especially over long periods of time.
It often clashes with the ambient acoustics of a space, reducing comfort and effectiveness.
Colin concludes:
“White noise has even been used to create stress during interrogations - certainly not something you’d want your staff to listen to for eight hours a day.”
What Is Sound Masking?
Sound masking is a more refined and engineered approach. It involves generating a background sound - similar to the sound of airflow - that is specifically tuned to match the frequencies of human speech (typically 80 – 10kHz). The goal is to make speech less intelligible, thereby reducing distractions and enhancing privacy.
Unlike white noise, sound masking is recommended for office and commercial environments for the following reasons:
The system is purpose-built to mask speech and enhance acoustic comfort within the environment.
Sound Masking is customised and calibrated to suit the specific acoustics of a space.
It’s subtle, blending into the environment without drawing attention.
Sound masking systems are typically installed in office ceilings or integrated into building infrastructure. They emit a consistent, unobtrusive sound that raises the ambient noise floor just enough to make conversations less distracting.
Commercial sound masking is not white noise. It is an engineered sound, often random in nature and tuned to the Beranek spectrum, with predominantly low frequencies. This carefully designed sound reduces the intelligibility of speech, improving privacy and reducing distractions without causing fatigue.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | White Noise | Sound Masking |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | Broadband spectrum with a lot of high frequency | Tuned to speech frequencies |
| Sound Quality | Harsh, static-like | Smooth, airflow-like |
| Purpose | Noise creation | Speech privacy and distraction reduction |
| Customisation | One-size-fits-all | Calibrated to space and use |
| User Experience | Can be fatiguing | Designed for long-term comfort |
Why Sound Masking is Better for Offices
In open-plan offices, the goal isn’t just to block noise, it’s to manage it intelligently.
1. Improved Speech Privacy
Sound masking is specifically designed to reduce the intelligibility of speech. This is critical in settings where confidential conversations occur, such as HR departments.
2. Enhanced Productivity
Research published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that multi-voice masking, a form of sound masking that’s a more natural and less intrusive alternative to broadband noise (like white noise), significantly improved performance in tasks like writing and memory recall. This highlights how purposefully engineered sound masking can support better task efficiency in office environments.
3. Better Acoustic Integration
Sound masking systems are tailored to the acoustics of each space. Factors like ceiling height, materials, and layout are considered during installation, ensuring optimal performance.
4. Compliance and Confidentiality
In sectors governed by privacy regulations such as GDPR or financial conducts authority (FCA), sound masking supports compliance by preventing sensitive information from being overheard.
Common Misconceptions of Sound Masking and White Noise
It’s easy to assume that any background noise will do the job, but using white noise in place of sound masking can lead to poor results. Here are a few myths debunked:
“Sound masking is just fancy white noise.”
Not true. Sound masking is engineered - it uses randomised, non-repeating sound to avoid patterns that cause stress. It’s a scientifically designed solution that considers human hearing, speech patterns, and spatial acoustics.
“I can use a sound machine instead.”
Consumer sound machines are not suitable for professional environments. They don’t offer the power, coverage, consistency, or tuning required for effective speech privacy.
“I can play music in the office through speakers”
Music introduces practical and cultural challenges. Tastes vary widely, and what’s enjoyable for one person can be distracting for another. Even background TV or radio can become repetitive and irritating for staff who hear it all day.
For a deeper dive into acoustic principles, check out our Understanding Acoustics page.
How Acoustics by Design Can Help
At Acoustics by Design, we specialise in designing and installing sound masking systems that are tailored to your environment and goals. Whether you’re planning a new office or upgrading an existing space, we’re here to help you make informed acoustic decisions.
To learn more, visit our Sound Masking page or contact us for a consultation.