A boundary microphone works by utilizing the principle of pressure zone microphones, where the sound waves reach the diaphragm without any phase interference. Placed on a boundary surface, such as a table or a wall, the microphone captures sound reflections and direct sound, resulting in a more natural and balanced audio pickup in a room.
Common applications for boundary microphones in conference rooms include capturing the voices of multiple speakers during meetings, video conferences, and presentations. Placing boundary microphones on the conference table allows for clear and intelligible audio recordings without the need for individual microphones for each participant.
Before I begin reporting on the many rooms.... If you have not heard by now, this past weekend's Florida International Audio Expo was a resounding success by every measure! Was there an increase in attendance, yes. More gear to see and hear, yes again. A wide array of magical music and not just that 'audiophile-approved' stuff to hear and discover, yes once again! A record amount of press coverage is already making its way online, with print publications surely giving expensive physical paper space within their next edition.
Posted by on 2024-02-19
Audio professionals working in product development, design, manufacturing, and system implementation always meet new challenges as technologies change and evolve. In professional or consumer applications, digital audio signals are being carried using a number of different platforms, technologies, and digital protocols, creating a complexity that no single company in the test and measurement (T&M) field is able to address on its own. Increasingly, T&M companies specific to the audio industry are being forced to focus on one specific angle (e.g., electronics product design, acoustic measurements, production line testing, etc.). On the software front, things look a bit more dynamic, with the availability of solutions that are more or less able to react quickly to new industry demands.
Posted by on 2024-03-16
The multi-award-earning Canadian company Gershman Acoustics favorably distinguished the Florida International Audio Expo 2024 with their new 30th Anniversary Black Swan floorstanding loudspeaker ($90,000). As their top-line reference loudspeaker, you know there's very special technology and advanced engineering within this new design. This wonderful work of audio art is the company's no-holds-barred loudspeaker design and has a very wide frequency response from a room shaking 18 Hz to a smooth 24 kHz. Sensitivity is 88dB/W/m, with driver compliment being a powerful 12" woofer, marvelous 5.25" midrange, and delightful 1" dome tweeter. Joining the party are the Convergent Audio Technology C.A.T. monoblocks ($70,000 per pair), C.A.T. preamplifier ($100,000), plus Wolf Audio music streamer and Aavik Hi-Res Audio DAC.
Posted by on 2024-02-20
In the mid to late 1990s, I heard a pair of Avantgarde Acoustic horn loudspeakers (hornspeaker) for the first time at a local high-end audio showroom. I don’t remember the model of the speakers I was hearing, but I do recall that they were powered by a pair of Single-Ended Triode (SET) monoblock amplifiers. I assumed that these amps were a perfect match for these sensitive speakers. Sadly, I was not impressed with what I heard that day. The speaker's biggest sin was an exaggerated midrange, epitomizing the "cupped hands" sound. Fast-forward to 2024, when I was offered a pair of Avantgarde UNO SDs for review... I was skeptical, fearing I would experience something similar to what I had heard at that local dealer many years ago.
Posted by on 2024-03-05
What are you going to do for Valentine's Day? Take your honey out for dinner? Mail her a card if she's far away? Enjoy a day or a night together if she's near? Or – if you've only seen her from afar and want to open the door to closing that distance – send her (or better yet, bring her) some flowers or a box of chocolates? The dinner will be finished; the card may be treasured, and even tied together in a ribbon with others as a memory, but eventually it'll fade; flowers wilt; and chocolates....
Posted by on 2024-02-10
While boundary microphones are primarily designed for capturing speech in conference settings, they can also be used for recording musical performances. However, their omnidirectional pickup pattern may not provide the same level of detail and clarity as other microphone types specifically designed for music recording.
The advantages of using a boundary microphone in a large meeting space include a wider coverage area, reduced feedback, and improved speech intelligibility. By capturing sound reflections off the boundary surface, boundary microphones can effectively pick up audio from all directions without the need for additional microphones or complex setups.
Boundary microphones are typically omnidirectional in terms of capturing sound, meaning they pick up audio from all directions equally. This makes them ideal for capturing sound in a room with multiple speakers or participants, as they can effectively capture sound reflections and direct sound without the need for precise microphone positioning.
The design of a boundary microphone helps reduce unwanted noise and reverberation in a room by minimizing phase interference and capturing sound reflections off the boundary surface. By placing the microphone close to the sound source, boundary microphones can pick up direct sound while minimizing background noise and reverberation, resulting in clearer audio recordings.
When choosing a boundary microphone for a specific audio recording or amplification need, key factors to consider include the microphone's pickup pattern (omnidirectional or directional), frequency response, sensitivity, and size. Additionally, factors such as the room acoustics, the distance between the microphone and the sound source, and the intended use of the microphone (speech, music, etc.) should also be taken into account to ensure optimal audio quality and performance.
When looking for wireless microphone systems for commercial use, it is important to consider key features such as frequency range, signal stability, interference resistance, and battery life. A wide frequency range allows for flexibility in choosing channels to avoid interference, while signal stability ensures a clear and consistent audio transmission. Interference resistance is crucial in crowded environments where multiple wireless devices may be in use. Additionally, a long battery life is essential for uninterrupted use during long events or presentations. Other important features to consider include microphone sensitivity, range, and ease of setup and operation. By carefully evaluating these key features, businesses can select a wireless microphone system that meets their specific needs and ensures high-quality audio performance in commercial settings.
Sound reinforcement software plays a crucial role in enhancing audio management in commercial setups by providing advanced tools for controlling and optimizing sound quality. This software allows users to adjust parameters such as equalization, compression, and delay to ensure optimal audio performance. Additionally, sound reinforcement software enables remote monitoring and control of audio systems, allowing for real-time adjustments and troubleshooting. By utilizing features like automatic feedback suppression and room tuning, users can achieve a more balanced and consistent sound output. Overall, sound reinforcement software streamlines audio management processes in commercial environments, leading to improved sound quality and customer satisfaction.
When selecting audio networking switches for commercial installations, several features should be considered to ensure optimal performance. Factors to take into account include the number of ports available, the data transfer speed, the power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, the Quality of Service (QoS) support, the network management options, the compatibility with different audio protocols such as Dante or AVB, the reliability and durability of the switch, the ease of installation and configuration, and the overall cost-effectiveness. It is also important to consider the scalability of the switch to accommodate future expansion needs and the level of security features to protect the network from potential threats. By carefully evaluating these features, businesses can select the most suitable audio networking switch for their specific commercial installation requirements.
Boundary microphones offer numerous benefits in commercial applications. These microphones are designed to be placed on a surface, such as a table or wall, allowing them to pick up sound evenly from all directions. This omnidirectional pickup pattern makes boundary microphones ideal for capturing group discussions, meetings, conferences, and presentations in large rooms or open spaces. Additionally, boundary microphones are discreet and unobtrusive, blending seamlessly into the environment without cluttering the space. Their low-profile design also helps prevent feedback and unwanted noise, ensuring clear and crisp audio recordings. Overall, the use of boundary microphones in commercial settings can enhance communication, collaboration, and overall audio quality.
DSP-based loudspeaker management systems offer numerous advantages in commercial applications. These systems provide precise control over audio signals, allowing for advanced signal processing, equalization, and crossover functions. By utilizing digital signal processing technology, these systems can optimize sound quality, improve system efficiency, and enhance overall audio performance. Additionally, DSP-based loudspeaker management systems offer flexibility in system configuration, allowing for easy integration with various audio sources and equipment. These systems also provide remote monitoring and control capabilities, making them ideal for large-scale commercial installations where centralized control is essential. Overall, the advanced features and capabilities of DSP-based loudspeaker management systems make them a valuable asset in commercial audio applications.