Exhibitor Spotlight | NTi Audio: Solving the "Open-Plan Paradox" with Precision Acoustic A
Exhibitor Spotlight | NTi Audio: Solving the "Open-Plan Paradox" with Precision Acoustic Analysis
As companies strive for efficiency in the new year, the Open Plan Office remains a standard for collaboration. However, an invisible "efficiency killer" often lurks within these vibrant spaces: uncontrolled noise.
We are proud to confirm that NTi Audio, a leading global manufacturer of test and measurement instruments for acoustics, audio, and vibration, will return to CAAF 2026. This year, they bring a targeted solution to crack the code of open-office acoustics, balancing collaboration with concentration.
The Challenge: The "Double-Edged Sword" of Open Offices
While open offices reduce costs and break down barriers, they often lead to a loss of acoustic control.
Distraction: Overhearing a colleague's weekend plans or a phone call is the #1 enemy of focus.
Privacy Risks: Sensitive discussions (HR, Legal, Finance) are at risk of being unintentionally overheard.
Health Impact: Chronic noise anxiety leads to increased stress and turnover.
Counter-Intuitive Fact: In an open office, higher speech clarity = lower productivity.
High STI (Speech Transmission Index): Speech is clear -> Attention is diverted -> Focus is broken.
Low STI: Speech is muffled -> Background noise blends in -> Focus is maintained.
Research shows that intelligible speech can increase error rates by 4% to 41%.
The Solution: Quantifying Comfort with ISO 3382-3
Subjectively calling an office "noisy" is not enough. NTi Audio introduces a scientific approach based on GB/T 36075.3 and ISO 3382-3 standards, moving beyond simple reverberation time to measure what truly matters:
| Parameter | Symbol | Definition & Ideal Target |
| Distraction Distance | $r_D$ | Distance at which speech becomes unintelligible (STI < 0.5). Target: $le 5$m. (Shorter is better). |
| Privacy Distance | $r_P$ | Distance at which speech is effectively private (STI < 0.2). Crucial for data security. |
| Spatial Decay Rate | $D_{2,S}$ | How fast sound decays over distance. Target: $ge 7$dB. (Faster decay is better). |
| A-Weighted SPL | $L_{p,A,S,4m}$ | Speech level at 4 meters from the source. Target: $le 48$dB. |
NTi Audio's Toolkit: The Professional "Health Check"
To help enterprises build compliant and productive environments, NTi Audio presents a complete test ecosystem:
1. Hardware: Precision Capture
XL3 Acoustic Analyzer: A Type 1 Sound Level Meter that precisely measures octave spectra. It supports STIPA measurement based on the latest IEC 60268-16:2020 standard, ensuring data consistency and legal validity.
DS3 Dodecahedron Speaker: A powerful omnidirectional sound source that perfectly simulates human speech characteristics in all directions, ensuring realistic test conditions.
2. Software: Data-Driven Decisions
Post-Processing Tools: Automatically calculate key indicators like STI, $r_D$, and $r_P$, comparing them against standard values to generate actionable reports.
From Diagnosis to Optimization
With precise data from NTi Audio, acoustic consultants can implement targeted improvements:
✅ Absorption: Add acoustic ceilings/carpets to lower reverberation.
✅ Blocking: Install partitions to physically cut the "Distraction Distance."
✅ Masking: Introduce sound masking systems to increase speech privacy.
✅ Zoning: Scientifically separate high-communication zones from deep-work areas.
Visit Us at CAAF 2026
A comfortable acoustic environment is key to employee satisfaction and efficiency.
NTi Audio invites you to explore the science of silence.