Achieve acoustical privacy in open and partitioned office areas by a quality audio masking system. These systems add low-level sound into environments to obscure ambient noise, achieving conversational privacy in designated areas. Sound masking systems may be used in general applications to increase privacy and/or productivity in individual cubical and work areas by “blocking out” surrounding conversation. They are also used in individual office areas, common waiting areas, and professional offices where confidential conversations occur. The equalized masking sound lowers intelligibility and “masks” disruptive outside sounds.