How to Choose the Best Noise Cancelling Intercom System for Loud Environments

In almost any application where verbal communication is vital, delivering clear intelligible speech in noisy areas can be a challenge. From busy truck scales, factory floors and warehouse floors to loading docks and vehicle areas, large compressors, diesel engines and other environmental noise can render a typical intercom system practically useless. A well-designed noise cancelling intercom addresses all of these problems, providing intelligible and reliable communications even in the worst noise conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Noise Cancelling Intercoms

Why don't standard intercoms work well in high-noise environments?

Standard intercoms lack advanced signal processing. Without features like active noise cancellation, they amplify background noise (such as engines, compressors, and fans) along with the speaker's voice, making speech unintelligible. Simply increasing the volume causes audio distortion, echo, and feedback screeching.

What intercom should I use for an application where large, noisy trucks need to communicate?

We have a kit that we specifically recommend for that application. Our truck scale intercom has all the necessary features to give clear communication between the inside scale house and the driver. Our ZT1017 is the perfect solution for this.

Can I open a gate or door with a noise-cancelling intercom?

Yes, our noise cancelling intercoms have multiple inputs and outputs. We can program one of them to activate by pressing the 6 key on a telephone keypad. That output connects to your electric door strike or automatic gate opener.

Do you have a noise-cancelling intercom that works on a VoIP network?

Yes, our noise cancelling intercom is a SIP-compatible intercom that can be programmed to operate on your network, provided your network accepts SIP-compatible phones.

Do you have a wireless noise-cancelling intercom?

If your installation site is only moderately noisy, the AT1001 could work. For truly noisy locations, we recommend starting with the ZT1032. It's a VoIP intercom, so it can use standard wireless networking equipment. See this article for more information on converting a CAT5 connection to wireless.

Do you have a noise-cancelling intercom with video and audio?

Yes, our ZT1031 has all the same features as our audio-only intercoms, but with video.

My indoor environment is also noisy — do you have a noise-cancelling device for inside too?

Yes, the ZT1062 base station intercom has the same noise-cancelling features as our outdoor intercoms.

The following describes in more detail what to look for when choosing a noise cancelling intercom system and how the right technology will provide high-quality communications in loud applications.

The Problem

Most noisy areas, whether outdoors or inside a building, present common challenges to good communication:

1. High background noise: Engines running, large compressors, ventilation fans and heavy machinery can easily overpower speech. Standard intercoms, without some sort of noise reduction or filtering, leave the person speaking struggling to be understood.
2. Echo or feedback: Many intercoms are full duplex, meaning both users can speak and listen at the same time. However, if they push the volume too high, without active echo or feedback cancellation, the intercom will begin to screech or echo the other speaker.
3. Distance: Users may not be able to get very close to the microphone for their voice to be heard clearly. Obstructions like truck mirrors or intercom placement make getting close difficult.
4. Varying noise levels: In some areas the level of background noise will change significantly depending on what else is happening in the immediate vicinity. This can lead to a fixed-volume intercom blasting one user, while being too quiet for someone else.

Truck scales are an obvious example of all these problems. Truck drivers typically sit inside their cabs with engines running while scale operators inside buildings must communicate clearly despite the roar of diesel engines and other background noise. But the same issues are found on loading docks, in manufacturing facilities, on warehouse floors, in airports and at shipping yards.

Essential Technologies

Make sure your intercom system is designed with the right technology to work around these conditions. A key element is that it must use advanced signal processing techniques, in addition to high quality hardware. Look for systems with these features:

Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC)

Echo cancellation is a feature that cancels out feedback when both parties are speaking at the same time. Advanced AEC technology continuously measures and eliminates the delayed acoustic echo signal caused by the intercom's loudspeaker output being picked up by the microphone. With AEC both parties can speak at once, enabling full duplex (true two-way) natural communication without having to press a button or wait for the other side to stop talking.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

ANC helps eliminate the steady background noise of engines, fans and machinery hum. It filters out lower-frequency continuous noise, making speech much more clear and intelligible. ANC is critical for the user on the “quiet” end of the intercom, who otherwise would hear only background noise and few of the words.

Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

AGC automatically adjusts the microphone gain based on the distance of the speaker. For example, if a driver doesn’t drive all the way up to the intercom, or a scale operator steps back from their position, AGC keeps their voice from getting too soft or losing intelligibility. It also keeps static and other noise from being amplified.

Amplifier Power

Sufficient amplifier power is required for loud environments, so at least a 10 watt amplifier is a good start. For outdoor or high-noise areas, additional horn speakers can be used to amplify the sound further and cover greater distances.

Hands-Free/Sensor Activation

Scalable and Flexible System

Choose an intercom system that allows multiple outside and inside units, selective calling, and local or wireless options. Being able to deploy multiple intercoms and have them work together as a system gives the greatest flexibility. Wireless units are often best for areas where wiring might be difficult or impossible due to concrete, metal structures or long distances. In these applications, a reliable wireless system with high-gain antennas will keep the signal strength up even with obstructions.

Wired or Wireless?

It depends on the environment and installation conditions:

1. Wired systems are the preferred choice for permanent installations, where conduit already exists or distance is short. Wired systems have stable, interference-free connections.
2. Wireless intercoms are the better option where it’s not practical to run wire due to the presence of concrete, metal structures or long distances. Look for a proven, reliable wireless system that uses high-gain antennas or signal repeaters to overcome obstructions and deliver strong reception.

Quality Matters

Noise cancelling intercoms rely on both advanced signal processing, and quality components to do their job. You can’t just crank up the volume and hope that the person on the other end will understand what you are saying. Low-cost intercoms often lack the processing power and quality components to effectively implement features like AEC and ANC. Cheap intercoms are loud, but frequently produce distorted or unintelligible results.

Choose an intercom that’s designed for the task and invest in a high-quality unit with proven performance. For best results and true professional grade clarity even in the most challenging environments, that’s the only way to go.

The Best Noise Cancelling Intercom for Loud Areas

Selecting the best noise cancelling intercom system means ensuring natural two-way communications even in the noisiest areas. When evaluating products, look for systems that feature Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Active Noise Cancellation, automatic gain control, and sufficient amplifier power. A truck driver on a scale, a technician working on a manufacturing floor, a mechanic at a shop or a worker on a loading dock all need the assurance that their message will be heard clearly and confidently.