phillip sultan

At Audimute, people frequently ask us if there is any way to provide open office noise reduction, and the answer is yes! Take the question from one of our customers below as an example:

Q: I work in a space that has several offices in which people are always talking on the phone and to students in person, causing a lot of open office noise. If doors are open or people are talking in the halls, sound just bounces off all of the parallel walls. There are very few sound absorbing things are in this area. What can we do to keep the noise down other than get a few plants and a few pillows on the couch?

A: Too much noise pollution can be distracting and increase stress levels. Introducing sound masking materials can soften open office noise, create a productive environment, and give individuals more cubicle privacy.

The simplest open office noise reduction solution would be acoustic panels. Acoustic panels placed around your office will help to reduce the reflection of sound off of the wall, in turn lowering the sound pressure levels in the room and stopping loud echoes and reverberations. In other words, these will help to make your space quieter and less chaotic sounding.

The general rule of thumb for an office space is to have 10-20% of your treatable wall surface treated with panels. You also want to have panels placed in areas that are going to be most beneficial, such as close to office doors and around desks. When installing these panels, try to place them about 3-6' off the floor – this is where most of the sound is both generated and heard so it will make the biggest impact on the sound.

For large scale applications such as this, we offer acoustic panel starter kits for both standard and large room sizes and deluxe package options. These bulk kits make purchasing a range of sizes easier and more affordable.

Audimute Acoustic Panels are designed for commercial and residential spaces. Acoustic Art Panels are available in standard and custom color prints, fabrics, and sizes that look great in any application. Call an Audimute Acoustic Specialist today at (866) 505-MUTE to discuss the best acoustic approach for your space.

Got a question for an Acoustic Specialist? Ask us anything!

Audimute is so often asked about products that stop barking sounds from transferring rooms (and we’ve got some advice for it here), but it’s important to remember that many dogs are actually scaredy cats when it comes to loud noises. With Halloween just around the corner, keep in mind that loud, constant interruptions, like trick-or-treaters, can be very upsetting and stressful for pets.

Here are Five Halloween pet tips to help you and your canine have a smooth, comfortable holiday:

1. Take him on a walk before trick-or-treating begins. Think of this walk as an acoustic panel – it takes most of your dog’s energy before he can bounce around the house. 
 

2. All but the most social pets should be kept in a separate room – either with or without a view of the front door, depending on their noise anxiety. Some dogs may need to see the cause of the noise, while others prefer to hide. 

 3. If your dog is comfortable in a crate or other enclosed area, drape an acoustic sheet over top to create a quiet space away from all the action. Set his food and water bowls within reach, and give him his favorite toy to sleep with. If a soundproofing blanket is not available, try a towel or sheet, and play familiar noises like music or TV.

4. If your dog is not comfortable in small space, place him in a quiet room away from the front door with his toys, food, and water, a half hour before trick-or-treating begins. If a room is not available, think about where your dog hides during thunderstorms or fireworks, and set them up there. Drape an acoustic sheet over the doorway, or play soft music to drown out noise coming from the front of the house.

5. The common behavioral symptoms associated with dog noise anxiety include: panting, pacing and circling, digging or jumping in an attempt to escape, whining, hiding, and trembling. Keep these Halloween pet tips and signs in mind during thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud events, to alleviate the stress they cause on your four-legged friends.

 
We know you love your pets – we love ours, too! Remember that dogs and cats have sensitive ears and hear things that we don’t, making home acoustics important year round. If you feel your space is too loud for your pet’s comfort, consider adding some custom image panels to the mix. Not only will they break up hard surfaces and improve acoustics, they’re great high-quality prints of your favorite images…like, say, a pet picture!