Unlike some manufacturing operations in which a machine might be turned on at the beginning of a shift and run for 8 hours, a printing press runs as long as it takes to complete each order. The press is then cleaned and prepped to run the next job. As a result, the three eight-color presses are regularly turned on and off during each shift. This presents a challenge for a sound system because while the presses operate, the decibel level reaches above 85 dBspl but when the presses stop, sound levels may resemble those of an office area, 55-65 dBspl.
To meet both requirements, a Bogen Ambient Noise Sensor System (ANS501) automatically sets the sound paging level high for when the press operates and low for when it’s not running. In either case, clear and intelligible pages are assured thanks to the 30- watt Bogen Horn Speakers (SPT30A) mounted in the press area.
In addition to the 30-watt Horn Speakers a variety of others were used throughout the facility, including full-range Drop-In Ceiling Speakers (CSD2X2), Foreground Speakers (FG15W), and 15-watt Horn Speakers (SPT15A).“ The ceiling speakers are used for the client lounge and café, lunchroom, and shipping areas,” according to Graham. “The foreground speakers are installed in the estimating, prepress, and sales areas within the office area.”