Lencore GOLD A1U User manual

GOLD™
DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND
OPERATION GUIDELINES
(Model A1U)

table of contents
INTRODUCTION
Diagram
Wiring
Connections
Configuring the System
Flow Diagram
System Zoning
Speaker Layout
Installation
IR Wall Controls
Tuning and Balancing
Changing the IP Address
Operating the System from the Front Panel
1
2
4
4
6
7
8
9
12
20
23
33
34

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK- DO NOT OPEN THE UNIT.
THERE ARE NO SERVICABLE COMPONENTS INSIDE.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold
with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain
or moisture and do not expose to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus
14)

Lencore Gold™ Sound Masking System Planning and Layout Guideline
Lencore provides layout and wiring diagrams at no cost – we encourage you to contact us
with your project information at www.lencore.com/Request-a-Quote, [email protected] or
516-682-9292.
The following pages include design, installation and operation guidelines utilized to reach the best possible
performance from the Lencore sound masking system. The goal of a sound masking system is to provide
speech privacy by raising the ambient background noise with a comfortable sound that is uniform throughout
the space.
The Gold All-Inclusive Unit also provides for one music input source - such as an iPod, or other device (not
included), through an RCA jack. Music can be zoned separately from the sound masking.
Gold
Lencore’s Gold unit is an out of the box, stand-alone system incorporating amplifiers, equalizers, zone
modification and total control in one unit. The Gold unit is a 1RU rack mount unit that offers two Operating
Platforms (OPs) and a head-end in one unit. The system maintains the easy to use full one third octave
band equalizer that can be adjusted to either individual zones or all zones and provides exceptional fine-
tuning capabilities. Groupings of sound sources and channels let you customize an almost limitless number
of zones (up to 255) for masking and music, while maintaining the advantages of complete networked
operation and control.
The creation, modification, addition and deletion of zones for sound masking and music can be easily
controlled using the included Lencore System Manager or through the on-board buttons. No proprietary
software needs to be installed on the client’s side, eliminating security and migration issues. The Lencore
Gold unit is an open platform system. In addition, volume and equalizer settings for sound masking and
music can be programmed through System Manager offering tremendous adjustment and control
capabilities with unprecedented flexibility.
1

Sound Masking Speakers
The Gold system utilizes either 4" direct-fired or 6" in-plenum speakers. Direct-fired speakers are either mounted in the
ceiling (Gold Direct Fired Tangent) or attached to the ceiling / deck (Gold Decorative Pendant) and face downward for
direct, unimpeded delivery of the sound. Gold in-plenum speakers are mounted above the ceiling, in the plenum space
between the ceiling and the deck above; they fill the plenum with sound which then filters down through the ceiling into
the space below. Because of the difference in the way that the sound is dispersed there are different design and layout
guidelines based on which speaker system is being used. All speakers are powered through the headend device via Cat5e
RJ45 cables.
Headend
The Gold 1 RU rack mounted or stand-alone (rubber feet included in box) headend contains all of the controls and
processors for generating the sound masking. It also has one RCA audio input for adding background music which is
controlled independently of the sound masking. This headend control is simple to install and easy to maintain either directly
on the unit itself or through the graphic user interface named System Manager.
Gold Direct Fired Tangent Gold In-Plenum Universal
Gold Decorative Pendant
2

Rear Panel
1. Audio Level LEDs
The Audio Level LEDs indicate the audio
input level as low, good, or clipped.
2. LED Indicators
The LED indicators display various
conditions and functions such as network
activity and relay status. See “Using the
System” for detailed information.
3. Buttons
The switches are used to make a number of
adjustments to the system without using a
computer.
4. LCD display
The LCD displays various diagnostic
messages and configuration information
about the system.
5. GND
For external auxiliary equipment.
6. OP1 speaker connectors
Speaker connectors for OP1 channels A, B,
C, and D using RJ45 connectors.
7. IR Inputs
Connect the IR input to a Lencore’s IR
device using an RJ45 cable for OP1 and OP2.
8. OP2 speaker connectors
Speaker connectors for OP2 channels A, B,
C, and D using RJ45 connectors.
9. RCA Audio Input
Connect a line level audio source using an
RCA cable.
10. AUX connector
Connector for external equipment.
11. Ethernet
Connect an Ethernet cable to access the
Protocessor.
12. Power Input
Power cord connector (IEC 60320).
100-240VAC.
Front Panel
12 3 4
5678910 11 12
3

Wiring
Power and Network connections:
1. Plug the unit into a standard 115VAC power outlet. The system will be usable in approximately
two minutes. The AUX LED will flash while the system is booting-up and be solid when the
system is ready.
2. Connect a network cable to the unit’s Ethernet input to access the Protocessor. The Protocessor
is the network server. The Protocessor is pre-loaded with Lencore’s System Manager. System
Manager allows adjustment to the system’s characteristics.
Note: The network cable must be a standard Ethernet cable not power over Ethernet (POE).
Ground connection:
1. For future use in expandable interface solutions.
ETHERNET
GND
(AUDIO COM)
4

IR connections:
1. Connect an IR unit to the IR port.
IR1 for OP1 speakers.
IR2 for OP2 speakers.
Speaker connections:
1. Connect the external speakers to the appropriate channel using cat 5 RJ45 cables.
IR 1
IR 2
CH 1A CH 1B
CH 1C CH 1D
5

Auxiliary Connection
Connect an external device’s fault input to Aux “Fault Out” Relay R1 - NC and C. Relay R1 is energized
(closed) when no fault exists and de-energized (open) when a fault is active.
Input 1A and 1B are for future use.
Input 2A and 2B are for future use.
Configuring the System
The system must be configured before the music function is used. The switches can be used to
configure and adjust the system for many functions. System Manager must be used to create any
zones or to make more detailed adjustments such as equalizer settings. See below for switches usage
and System Manager operations.
Front Panel Switches:
The switches allow the user to make a number of adjustments to the system without using a computer,
although, a computer and System Manager are still required for full control of all functions. A selection
can be made by continually pressing and releasing the switch.
NC
C
NO
N.C.
R1
N.C.
INPUT 1 A INPUT 1 B INPUT 2 A INPUT 2 B
OUT
FAULT
FUNC OPT SEL
6

Flow Diagram
Cabling Types and Distances
The advantage to Gold sound masking over other systems is the use of UTP four pair / category type cabling with EIA/TIA
568B standard termination. Recommended CMP type cabling (plenum rated cable), is NOT supplied as part of the
system. Contact your local supplier for cable.
Home run cabling (typically supplied and cut to length in the field by the installer) is a “Signal Cable” found between the
Gold headend OP Channel and the first speaker on that channel. There are eight (8) channels on the Gold headend and
up to eight (8) speakers per channel (for a total of 64 speakers).
Interconnect cables are utilized by both types of speakers. Connect the Output jack of a previous speaker to the Input
jack of the next speaker in a daisy chain fashion.
Cable Cabling Type Speaker
Signal Cable
West Penn 254245
Belden 1501A or Equivalent
Category 5, 5e, 6 / 4-Pair (8
Conductor) 24 AWG Solid CMP
300 ft from headend to last
speaker
Back View
*Diagram above is for wiring purposes only and is not an exact representation of the actual unit
Gold utilizes both direct fired (Gold Direct Fired Tangent and Gold Decorative Pendant) and indirect firing (Gold Universal In-Plenum) speakers.
Based on the space and the layout, each channel can accommodate up to 8 speakers per channel. Speakers on each channel are daisy-chained
together.
1 to 8 Speakers per Channel
7

System Zoning
Note: Lencore provides design layout at no cost. Speaker placement, zones and channel assignments are all
complimentary as part of the Lencore design process. Contact Lencore today at 516-682.9292.
Zoning is determined by the function of the space being served by sound masking as well as ceiling height. For example,
separate zones are used for open offices, private offices, and corridors due to their requirement for differing sound masking
volumes.
Another decision point for the number of zones required are areas requiring other audio sources (i.e. background music).
The audio input features an audio adjustment on each zone allowing an audio source to be tailored to any “specific” or
“combination” of zones.
In cases where variation in ceiling heights of greater than 6” occur, multiple zones are required within the same functional
space to meet the goal of a consistent sound masking signal being delivered to occupants. For example, a single open
office with speakers placed in acoustic ceiling tile at a height of 9’8” and drywall soffit at 9’ will require each area be served
by separate zones. This separation allows adjustment of sound masking levels at the listener location based on speaker
distance.
As a rule, sound masking zones should begin and end at the physical boundaries whenever possible. This means that
coverage of a space should extend from wall to wall eliminating areas where occupants can exit and enter sound masking
within the same space. Failure to follow this guideline will often lead to occupant complaints due to the audible shift from
“masked” to “non-masked” environment.
8

Large Space / Open Office Speaker Spacing
Speakers are typically placed in or above a ceiling in a consistent square / rectangular grid pattern with the ultimate goal of
providing uniform sound coverage throughout a space. In cases where an open ceiling or partial ceiling exists, optional
brackets allow for constant height attachment to wood, structural steel, and flush mounting in solid surfaces such as drywall
and wood panels. Speaker spacing is based on ceiling / mounting height.
Lencore speakers have the same minimum and maximum spacing requirements from acoustic boundaries such as walls or
columns. If a device is too close or too far away from a boundary, a change in sound level may be discernible by occupants
and should be avoided.
In the case where an in-ceiling conflict occurs (i.e., a light fixture, exit sign, sprinkler head), it is permissible to move a speaker
up to 2’ in any direction to avoid the conflict. However, ensure that the most consistent spacing possible is achieved to keep
variations to a minimum.
Open Area Direct Fired Speaker Spacing Requirements
Speaker
Mounting
Gold Tangent
Spacing, “D”
Minimum
Distance to
Maximum
Distance from
Maximum
Movement
(Ceiling)
Height*
Gold Tangent
Spacing, “D”
(ft) 2x2 ACT,
Open, or Solid
Surface Ceiling
(ft) 2x4 ACT
Ceilings
Wall /
Obstacle
Wall /
Obstacle
Distance to
Avoid a
Conflict
<8’ to 9’ 8’ x 8’ 8’ x 8’ 2’ 4’ Up to 2’ in any
Direction
9’ to 10’ 10’ x 10’ 10’ x 8’ 2’ 5’ Up to 2’ in any
Direction
10’ to 11’ 10’ x 10’ 10’ x 8’ 2’ 5’ Up to 2’ in any
Direction
11’ to 12’ 12’ x 12’ 12’ x 12’ 2’ 6’ Up to 2’ in any
Direction
12’ to 14’ 12’ x 12’ 12’ x 12’ 2’ 6’ Up to 2’ in any
Direction
14’+ Call Lencore Call Lencore 2’ 7’ Up to 2’ in any
Direction
Open Area indirect Fired Speaker Spacing Requirements
(Ceiling) Height (Plenum) Height Gold In-Plenum
Speaker Spacing
MaximumMinimum Distance
From Wall/Obstacle Movement
8' - 12' 3 - 5' 15' 2' Up to 2' in any Direction
*If using Gold Decorative Pendant Speakers the height references the height that the speaker face rests at
9

In many cases it will be necessary to adjust the last row or last several rows of speakers to compensate for room dimensions.
In these cases, it is important to lessen the distance between speakers to maintain adequate coverage rather than increasing
it. In 2x2 ceiling tile this can be done by moving the speaker by one tile (-2’) as shown in the example below.
Due to aesthetic concerns it is often desirable to keep the speaker location centered in the ceiling tile. The above example
shows a 10’ x 8’ grid in use in 2’x4’ ceiling tiles to accomplish this goal. This approach may be used in cases where ceiling
height would allow for 10’x10’ spacing but the aesthetic impact is objectionable.
Enclosed Rooms / Private Offices Speaker Spacing
Enclosed offices and most smaller enclosed spaces require a minimum of two speakers per space to prevent listeners
within the space from focusing on a single speaker location. The number of speakers for such spaces can easily be
determined utilizing the table below:
Number of Speakers in a Small Enclosed Area
10

Telephone Rooms / Exam Rooms / Mother’s Rooms Speaker Spacing
It is permissible to install a single speaker in very small spaces to gain privacy where the duration of occupancy is limited and
specific installation conditions can be met. Such spaces include dedicated “Telephone rooms” in office environments or
“Exam Rooms” in a clinic environment. A single speaker is an acceptable means of coverage if the following statements are
true:
Acceptable Use of a Single Speaker for Coverage
In cases where the time duration of exposure, the room size is exceeded in reference to ceiling height, or the speaker
location is offset due to ceiling conflicts, refer to Table 3 above for multiple speaker placement.
Hallways / Corridor Area
Speaker spacing in hallways and corridors should adhere to the same spacing standards as used for larger open offices with
the distance between speakers being based on speaker mounting / ceiling heights. Minimum and maximum distances from
walls and other obstructions should also be maintained as outlined for open space sound masking deployment.
(See Table 2.)
It is preferred that hallway / corridor areas be treated as a separate sound masking zone to allow for independent level
adjustment in most applications. This is especially important when adjoining areas of lower sound masking levels such as
private offices. An exception can occur however when open office spaces are connected to a hallway or corridor as follows:
Ceiling Height Maximum Room Size Sound Masking Exposure
Duration
8’ to 9’ < 64 square feet Less than 1 Hour
9’ to 11’ < 100 square feet Less than 1 Hour
11’ to 14’ < 144 square feet Less than 1 Hour
Above 14’ Call Lencore Less than 1 Hour
1. When larger (width) hallways extend from an open office area it is permissible to continue the open office
zone into the hallway with no level adjustment. This may occur when hallway width is greater than the
speaker spacing used for the open office.
2. In cases where hallway width is less than the speaker spacing used in the open office, a separate zone should
always be used.
1. Occupancy is typically less than 1 hour per visit
2. The area of room is less than or equal to the room size below based on ceiling heights.
3. A dedicated zone is used for similar use single speaker rooms allowing for adequate adjustment.
11

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEADEND UNIT
RACK MOUNTED
The Gold unit is designed to be installed in a standard 19” rack.
Use four of the appropriate screws designed for the rack to mount the unit.
IMPORTANT: A 1RU of empty space is required immediately above the Gold unit for heat
dissipation. Failure to leave a 1RU of empty space above the unit can result in the unit overheating
and eventual failure.
Rubber feet are available to place the unit on a shelf or desk if a rack is not available. Contact
Lencore for more information at 516-682-9292 or [email protected].
WALL MOUNTED
1. Unscrew bracket from headend unit.
2. Reorient bracket to have the lower 4 holes on the bracket align with the upper 4 holes on
the headend as shown on the diagram.
3. Fasten bracket to headend using supplied screws.
4. Secure bracket with fasteners (not included) to the wall as shown on the diagram.
PWR
SPL
CPU
GEN
RL1
AUX
FTR1
FTR2
FUNC OPT SEL
A1U
FLT
ERR
RUN
TX
RX
N1
AUDIO LEVEL
LOW
CLIP
GOOD
12

1. Cut a 4.5” hole in the drywall or acoustical ceiling tile
2. Install the Cat 5e cable with standard RJ45 connector into the speaker
3. While lifting both torsion springs into a vertical position, slide the speaker into the hole until
the grill is flush with the drywall or acoustical ceiling tile; the torsion springs should hold the
speaker firmly in place
1. For first speaker connection to OP: Connect the audio cable– 8 conductor CAT5 from OP
channel (either A, B, C, or D) to INPUT of speaker.
2. For speaker to speaker connection: Connect audio cable– 8 conductor from OUTPUT of
previous speaker to INPUT of next. Follow the same series connections to add up to 8
speakers per channel. The last speaker in any channel will have only one cable going to
its INPUT only. There will be no cable connected to the output.
Note: If a *tile bridge is being installed: After hole is cut in the tile, lay tile bridge across the
suspension grid. Push the torsion springs back on speaker and put speaker through both ceiling
tile and tile bridge before releasing springs to hold speaker in place in tile bridge.
*A load-bearing T-bar support designed to sustain the weight of a direct fired Tangent speaker in
suspended ceiling construction. Use of the Tile Bridge improves environmental safety and
eliminates unsightly sag in 2’-by-2’ and 2’-by-4’ acoustic ceiling tiles.
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR GOLD DIRECT FIRED TANGENT SPEAKERS
For additional support, please see our speaker installation videos on the Lencore
website at: www.lencore.com
Please comply with all applicable building codes for installation. Lencore does not take
responsibility for installation of speakers, wiring or equipment.
13

INSTALLATION DIAGRAMS
Top
Bottom
Side
14

CL
For additional Technical Support call: 516-682-9292
INSTALLATION DIAGRAMS
*Tile Bridge (TB4) Not Shown
15

1. Refer to the sound masking layout (drawing)
provided to locate the appropriate speaker
installation position.
2. Secure speaker mounting plate to ceiling octagon
box
3. Install the Cat5e cable with standard RJ45 connector into
the speaker and out through the two large holes in the
mounting plate.
4. Secure gem box to mounting plate with two 8-32
x 1/2" screws.
1. For first speaker connection to OP: Connect the
audio cable– 8 conductor CAT5 from OP channel to
INPUT of speaker.
2. For speaker to speaker connection: Connect audio
cable– 8 conductor from OUTPUT of previous
speaker to INPUT of next. Follow the same series
connections to add up to 8 speakers per channel. The
last speaker in any channel will have only one cable
going to its INPUT only. There will be no cable connected
to the output.
wiring
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR GOLD DECORATIVE PENDANT SPEAKERS
For additional support, please see our speaker installation videos on the Lencore
website at: www.lencore.com
16

Gold Decorative Pendant Speaker
installation diagram
4" x 1.5"
17