Case Study: Williams College Achieves Quieter Library Acoustics with Biamp Sound Masking

Williams College - Customer Case Study

Williams College in Williamstown, MA faced an acoustics challenge in its Schow Science Library, where two 6,000 sq. ft. atria with 40-foot ceilings, skylights, and highly reflective surfaces created excessive reverberation and noise distraction. Although the space was visually stunning, students and staff struggled to focus because whispers and other small sounds carried throughout the library.

Biamp implemented its QtPro Direct Field Sound Masking solution, using Qt 600 and inconspicuous Qt Emitters mounted high on the atrium walls. The system added a controlled background sound to reduce speech distraction while preserving the library’s aesthetics, and the result was a noticeably quieter study environment with complaints about acoustics ceasing.

Williams College

Bob Jarvis

Williams College