The number of sound masking generators the system uses determines whether it will be affected by phasing (i.e. variations in the masking volume due to the canceling and reinforcement of sound waves as they meet between loudspeakers). It also dictates the number of equalization adjustment zones the system offers.

Ask how many sound masking generators the system uses and whether these are centrally located or integrated into each component installed in the ceiling.

If the sound masking generators are centrally located, the system must be designed with interlaced speakers so adjacent speakers are not connected to the same sound generator. This type of design reduces phasing, but it also involves more centralized components and additional wiring. The concern does not apply to sound masking systems featuring integrated, decentralized technology.