Q t 1 0 0 I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N S G U I D E
3
Qt 100 INTRODUCTION
This manual covers system installation, masking level setting and
system maintenance. This introduction section discusses guidelines to
ensure effective sound masking coverage. The
Qt 100 Configuration
App Manual
, shipped with our Bluetooth dongle, describes how the
Qt 100 system can be configured using our companion iPad app.
The Qt 100 control module supports one zone of sound masking with
2 cable runs. Each run supports up to 60 emitters. The maximum
coverage area for the Qt 100 is 12,000 square feet (1,115 m
2
). The
module features one audio input for distribution of audio from
paging controllers or background music players.
It is important that the masking volume be set correctly to achieve
the full effectiveness of the Qt 100 system. If volume levels are set
too low, speech privacy will be reduced and workplace distractions
will become more apparent. If volume levels are set too high, the
masking sound could become a source of distraction. The higher the
setting that can be used comfortably, the better the acoustic privacy.
For a given open office design, including ceiling height, ceiling
material and workstation panel height, we can define the masking
volume required to achieve “normal acoustic privacy,” (i.e., normal
voices are unintelligible yet audible). In an open office environment,
the target background sound level is in the 45–48 dBA range, as
measured 3 feet (0.9 m) above floor level.
Similarly, for private offices, based on wall panel design and ceiling
construction, we can define masking volumes required to achieve
“confidential privacy,” (i.e., normal voices not audible). Most private
offices have a target background sound level in the 38–42 dBA range.
Setting the masking volumes can be approached in one of three
ways:
Best:
The Qt 100 has a companion iPad app that takes acoustic
measurements and relays the results to the control module via
Bluetooth to set the appropriate masking sound level. See
Qt 100
Configuration App Manual
.
Good:
If a sound level meter is available, it is recommended that the
control module’s masking volume be adjusted up or down to achieve
the following readings on the meter:
Sound Level Meter Readings
Private Office Zones
38-42 dBA, averaged spatially within the office
Open Area Zones
45-48 dBA, measured 3 feet (0.9 m) above floor level
