

Insights for Sound Contractors and AV Integrators

In your role as sound contractor, you are the expert. You make recommendations and integrate technology components. Your customers rely on you to be up-to-date with the newest systems. Qt Quiet technology™ distributed audio systems are about to make your job easier!
What is Sound Masking and Who Needs It?
Sound masking is the addition of an unobtrusive airflow-like background sound to a workspace. Similar to “white noise” this sound will cover or “mask” conversations in adjacent spaces. Applications exist in virtually every workspace. Learn more
Technology that’s A Generation Ahead™
After decades of doing sound masking “the old way” with paint can-like speakers installed in the plenum, Cambridge Sound Management’s engineers developed a simpler and more effective method of delivering sound masking to a workspace. This innovative approach uses miniature, ceiling mounted emitters within a workspace – allowing for a more uniform sound that requires no post-installation tuning.
Direct field speakers are easier to install and require significantly less power than in-plenum alternatives. Qt Quiet technology™ is the only GreenSpec®-approved sound masking system, contributing to LEED points for a building project.
Direct Field: A Simpler Solution for
Your Product Portfolio
Qt Quiet technology™ is a direct field system, like most audio systems, but unlike traditional sound masking systems. No longer must you rely on paint can or bucket-like speakers suspended from the ceiling deck!
These emitters are installed in ceiling tile and use industry-standard CAT‐3 cables with RJ‐45 connectors and jacks to receive power and sound from a control module housed in a data closet. No in-ceiling power sources are required. A single small, industrial-strength control module powers up to 180,000 square feet of space.
This system is straightforward to specify, install and manage. In open areas, emitters are typically installed on a 10’ x 10’ grid, with each emitter providing coverage for approximately 100 square feet. In private offices of less than 150 square feet, two emitters are recommended.
Sound Masking, Paging and Music: A 3-in-1 System
Qt Quiet technology™ systems distribute all three functions in a single system. Once the direct field speakers are installed, any audio signal may be distributed to the workspace. An unlimited number of zones may be created for pinpointed control.
Intuitive Software Configuration
The system may be controlled via a front‐panel interface, or via an intuitive software interface accessible from a network browser. Software ships pre‐installed. Only a network connection is required for use. The user can manage multiple zones and multiple control modules from any desktop browser.

Qt Quiet technology™ vs. The Others
You have several alternatives for commercial sound masking systems, but the Qt Quiet technology™ system is the simplest, hands down. Cambridge Sound Management offers the superior choice for your customer’s facility.
Direct-Field Systems (Ours)
The ceiling-mounted emitters disperse a pre-programmed spectrum and require no tuning (although tuning options exist if requested by an acoustical consultant). These systems are simple and inexpensive to install, and prevent overflow of sound into unintended spaces. Direct field systems result in a quieter, far less complicated system that requires very little power. Paging and music require a direct field approach. This technology is the newest evolution in sound masking for the workplace.
In-Plenum Systems (Theirs)
Plenum-based systems use large, paint can-like loudspeakers suspended above the ceiling tile. Sound projects upward and bounces off the ceiling deck, filtering through the ceiling tiles into the workspace below. These speakers require a complex tuning process – and the resulting sound field is often still uneven with “hot” spots. Noise easily spills into unintended spaces. Paging and music sounds inferior if done above the ceiling tile. These systems consume a great deal of power while providing a lower quality result.
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Designed and built by acoustical experts with decades of experience, Qt Quiet technology™ systems share these features:
| • | Direct field emitters create uniform sound within the entire workspace | |||
| • | Pre-programmed sound is unobtrusive and requires no tuning | |||
| • | Simple installation uses standard CAT-3 cables and RJ-45 connectors | |||
| • | Flexible system design adapts to virtually all workspace types | |||
| • | Paging and music features are integrated for a 3-in-1 system | |||
| • | Low powered controls require significantly less power than competing systems | |||
| • | Networked software allows for remote system control and configuration | |||
Cambridge Sound Management is a spin-off of two world-renowned companies: acoustical consulting firm Acentech, and technology innovator BBN Technologies (formerly Bolt, Beranek and Newman).
- Download What is Qt Quiet technology? White Paper
- Download Unique features of Qt Quiet technology White Paper
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