Frequently Asked Questions

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I've heard that the best sound is a digital sound; does your system have a digital sound?

Yes, Lencore's sound is created DIGITALLY and is generated with a CMOS programmed micro-controller integrated circuit to ensure quality. However, it is important to realize that all sound, regardless of whether or not it is created digitally, must eventually be converted to analog in order to be distributed through a speaker system. Some manufacturers muddy that fact, but we make a policy of being clear and direct with our clients at all times.

What is the most important thing I should look for in a sound masking system?

This is a great question. There are two most important qualities a sound masking system has: first, the sound masking system must provide speech privacy that meets ASTM standards for speech privacy. Second, the sound masking system must be comfortable to listen to. In short, the sound masking system must provide speech privacy and at the same time must not be intrusive. Ask for a demonstration — hearing a system is everything. After all, what you will be consuming on a daily basis is the sound you will hear, nothing more and nothing less. Read more in How to Evaluate Sound Masking Systems: Buy Sound, Not Looks!

What kind of adjustment features and technology should I look for in my sound masking system's control features?

There is a lot of banter in the industry about the technology that you need to control and adjust the masking system. But the beauty of a properly tuned system, once installed, is that it shouldn't need to be changed or adjusted unless there are significant changes within the space. Don't pay for technology that you shouldn't need or don't want. The best sound masking systems will offer you instant access as well as central control features.

What is a "networked" system?

Networked systems are designed to make your sound masking adjustments remotely over long distances. However, this is problematic long term. If you are having a problem with the masking level outside of an executive's office, you will most likely want to rectify that situation immediately. Relying on an outside source to make adequate adjustments (using proprietary software) when the main system control may be hundreds of miles away may cause problems. You need immediate control of the situation, and you can't get that with a networked system.

Do you recommend "networked" systems?

Lencore strongly suggests that buyers don't get tied into using a proprietary networked system because this obligates them to be tied to one vendor for the life of that system, regardless of the vendor's service capabilities. And unfortunately as we all know too well, networks do go down. Don't be caught with a non-functioning or malfunctioning masking system when you need it most. There are advantages to having some building systems networked, but sound masking is not one of them. In addition, most networked systems are point-to-point networks, meaning that should any one point in the network fail — typically a primary speaker — every speaker from that point and beyond will not be able to receive messages for controlling the rest of the sound masking system. Now you're faced with troubleshooting a network with many, many nodes.

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