Why Distributed Audio is a Must-Have in Your Open Office Plan
Modern office spaces are flexible spaces that encourage inclusivity while respecting individual employees’ needs and preferences. Flexible, modular, and open, with some incorporating biophilic design, these offices are designed to elevate staff’s daily experience while providing spaces that enhance productivity.
However, these workspaces come with some inherent challenges. Open areas, quiet zones, breakout spaces, and technologically advanced video conference rooms require different audio solutions. Open areas, in particular, face challenges with excessive noise and lack of privacy.
And that’s where distributed audio systems come in. These systems reduce noise and clutter by enabling high-performance audio in separate spaces.
Zone Control
These systems let you distribute audio across multiple zones. At times, that may translate to soft instrumental background music throughout the entire space. More often, different areas play different audio depending on their preferences and needs.
At Westco Security & Technology Systems, our AV experts consider acoustics, ambient noise, and room dimensions, working with facility managers to determine optimal audio zones and speaker placement. This placement ensures balanced coverage with no overlap between zones.
Companies that prefer sleek, sophisticated, or minimalist design may opt for in-ceiling speakers that virtually blend in. Other options include pendant and wall-mounted speakers.
Reduced Noise Clutter
Distributed audio systems reduce noise and distractions through sound masking. Subtle, constant background noise, calibrated to match the frequency of human speech, creates sound that’s similar to white or pink noise. With even coverage, it creates a comfortable acoustic environment by making conversations less noticeable, improving privacy, and enabling focus in open office spaces.
Seamless Integration with Office Scheduling & Conferencing Systems
As the hybrid workforce evolved, many businesses turned to advanced video conferencing systems. A distributed audio system integrates with this audiovisual powerhouse, enabling attendees to hear virtual colleagues, clients, and presentations in striking clarity. These systems produce even sound coverage and an immersive experience.
Other audio sources distributed throughout the office may include paging systems and background music. By integrating centralized software, the system automates audio events, such as meeting times and announcements, triggered by room status changes, calendar entries, or the time of day.
This capability enhances operations, whether welcoming staff with early-morning music or by scheduling reminders.
Centralized Control
Distributed audio systems are managed from a single interface, such as touchscreens, smartphones, or a universal remote. From the user-friendly interface, you can select audio sources, adjust volume, and schedule playlists for individual zones or the entire building.
These systems can also be integrated into broader office automation systems. These integrations provide unified, one-touch control of lighting, shades, climate, security, and audio/video systems.
Scalability
These systems can easily scale as your business evolves and grows. Whether adding zones or integrating it with other AV systems, you get long-term reliability and exceptional performance.
At Westco Security & Technology Systems, our experienced integrators and audio professionals design and install customized distributed audio systems unique to every office and company. Properly routed cables ensure a strong signal with no interference, and system calibration optimizes the performance and sound quality.
If you’re ready to experience the power of a distributed audio system, contact Westco Security & Technology Systems.
