Improve speech privacy without changing how people work. Access Cabling is an authorized Soft dB dealer — we design, install, zone and tune SMS-STR, SMS-STX and SMS-SURF4 speaker systems driven by SmartSMS-NET controllers, for offices, clinics and financial institutions throughout California.
One of the most common misconceptions is that sound masking is simply white noise. It isn't. A commercial sound masking system produces a carefully engineered background sound that blends naturally into the workplace. Rather than making an office louder, it reduces the contrast between conversations and the surrounding environment, making speech less intelligible at a distance.
Employees often notice that the office feels more comfortable, even if they don't consciously notice the sound itself. When properly designed and tuned, sound masking can help improve speech privacy while reducing distractions in open workspaces.
Soft dB builds one of the widest sound masking speaker ranges on the market, so the design can follow your ceiling instead of fighting it — plenum, exposed structure, drywall or raised floor. We specify, install and tune all three families.
An upward-firing speaker that reflects masking sound off the deck, draping the whole room in a smooth, diffuse sound layer. Works suspended in the plenum or hung in an exposed ceiling.
Same acoustic performance and uniformity as the SMS-STR in a footprint roughly 40% smaller and 35% lighter, driven from 25V constant-voltage lines by Soft dB multizone controllers.
A compact flush-mount speaker for drywall or suspended gypsum-board ceilings and offices with limited plenum space, where paging loudness and clarity matter most.
Up-firing plenum speakers deliver the most uniform masking across a space — Soft dB's InterNoise research showed spatial uniformity holds up even when the plenum is obstructed. Down-firing direct field speakers make more sense with drywall or gypsum-board ceilings, or where paging must be loud and clear. Product imagery courtesy of Soft dB.
Today's workplaces are designed for collaboration, but many were never designed for acoustic privacy. Employees working in open offices are constantly exposed to nearby conversations, ringing phones, meetings and other background distractions. Even small interruptions throughout the day can reduce concentration and productivity.
Reduce how easily nearby conversations can be understood from surrounding work areas.
A more consistent acoustic floor means fewer sudden noises pulling attention away from focused work.
The office feels calmer and less fatiguing, even when the space is busy.
Employees can concentrate longer without being interrupted by every nearby conversation.
Protect sensitive conversations at reception counters, teller windows and private offices.
One of the most common post-move complaints — overheard conversations — is directly addressed.
A quieter, more private workplace consistently rates higher in employee experience surveys.
Help meet the privacy expectations of legal, medical, financial and government environments.
Sound masking can be used in many commercial environments where conversations need to remain more private or where reducing distractions improves the workplace experience.
Open office layouts benefit from improved speech privacy between workstations while helping employees stay focused throughout the day.
Medical offices, clinics and healthcare environments often use sound masking to help support patient privacy in waiting rooms, examination areas, administrative offices and reception spaces.
Attorney-client conversations often involve sensitive information. Sound masking can help reduce the distance conversations travel outside offices and conference rooms.
Banks, wealth management firms, insurance agencies and accounting offices frequently install sound masking to improve privacy during financial discussions.
Many government agencies use sound masking in public service counters, administrative offices, interview rooms and conference spaces where confidential conversations occur.
Customer service representatives spend much of the day on the phone. Sound masking helps reduce distractions while making nearby conversations less noticeable.
Conference rooms located next to open workspaces often benefit from sound masking by helping reduce sound transmission into adjacent areas.
No two sound masking systems should be identical. Our process begins with understanding how your employees use the space and identifying areas where speech privacy or workplace distractions are affecting productivity.
We evaluate the office layout, ceiling construction, workstations, conference rooms, collaboration areas and other spaces where sound masking may be beneficial.
Using the floor plan and workspace layout, we design speaker locations and system zones that provide consistent coverage throughout the office.
Our technicians coordinate installation with your project schedule while minimizing disruption to normal business operations.
After installation, the system is adjusted for the specific environment. Proper tuning is one of the most important parts of a successful sound masking installation.
We walk your team through system operation and remain available for future adjustments as your office evolves.
Many customers install sound masking as part of a larger workplace technology project. Because Access Cabling specializes in commercial low-voltage infrastructure, we can coordinate multiple systems under one project.
Planning these systems together often results in a more efficient installation and a cleaner finished project.
Technology projects are rarely just about installing equipment. Successful projects require planning, coordination, communication, documentation and long-term support.
Access Cabling has been designing and installing commercial technology infrastructure throughout California for more than 28 years. Our team regularly works alongside architects, IT departments, facility managers, electrical contractors and general contractors to deliver organized, code-conscious installations built for long-term reliability.
As an Authorized Soft dB Dealer, we provide professionally designed commercial sound masking solutions backed by expert installation, system tuning and ongoing support.
Answers to the questions we hear most often during the first consultation. If yours isn't listed, ask a project manager directly.
Yes. Access Cabling is an authorized Soft dB dealer. We specify, install, zone and tune Soft dB sound masking systems — including SMS-STR, SMS-STX and SMS-SURF4 speakers with SmartSMS-NET controllers — and support them afterward.
Up-firing SMS-STR or low-profile SMS-STX speakers are used in plenum and exposed-ceiling spaces and give the most uniform coverage. Flush-mount SMS-SURF4 direct field speakers suit drywall or gypsum-board ceilings, tight plenums, and spaces where paging clarity matters most.
No. Commercial sound masking uses specially engineered sound designed to improve speech privacy without becoming distracting.
Yes. Many installations are completed during office renovations, tenant improvements, or occupied business operations.
Yes. Speaker selection and installation methods vary depending on the ceiling type and office design.
Most people notice the workplace feels more comfortable rather than noticing the sound itself. Proper tuning is essential.
Sound masking helps reduce how easily conversations can be understood from surrounding work areas. Every office is different, and results depend on the building layout and acoustic conditions.
No. Properly designed systems are intended to improve the workplace environment without interfering with normal conversations or virtual meetings.
Yes. Many projects are scheduled during evenings, weekends, or phased construction to minimize disruption.
A few starting points if you want to dig deeper into how sound masking fits into a broader workplace and technology plan.
Whether you're planning a new office, renovating an existing workspace or looking to reduce distractions in an open office environment, our team can help design a sound masking system that fits your goals and integrates with your existing technology.
28 years, thousands of sites, one accountable contractor. Get a free site survey and an itemized quote in 48 hours.
