Sennheiser explains the advantages of its ceiling microphone with dynamic beamforming technology

A single dynamic microphone beam is all TeamConnect Ceiling 2 you need to capture superior audio in any conference room, with a flexible rather than fixed configuration.

Instead of using multiple fixed beam zones, the audio company Sennheiser relies on a system that uses a dynamic beam that automatically focuses on the speaker and follows his or her voice wherever he or she moves in the room.

In his new report, the company describes how the patented technology it uses in its TeamConnect Ceiling microphone 2 differs from other beamforming solutions, since it offers crystal-clear audio and allows for much more natural conversations.

Beamforming technology, which consists of locating and evaluating sound sources to cancel interference, has revolutionized the microphone sector, since they offer better results than conventional microphones, both in fixed installation and in manual use, and have proven to be a particularly interesting solution for conference and meeting rooms.

Smart microphone arrays have a very low installation cost, invisible wiring, better quality audio for remote participants and offer freedom of movement thanks to its large pickup area.

In this sense, Ceiling microphone arrays employ various types of beamforming technology, while solutions use fixed beamforming with fixed speaker zones. However, Automatic dynamic beamforming technology is an alternative that offers much greater flexibility.

While in fixed training several fixed beams are used, dynamic formations use a single beam that, in a matter of milliseconds, automatically points to the position of the person who is speaking.

Contrary to popular belief, having multiple beams does not increase functionality. Actually, the opposite happens: When analyzing the characteristics of the beams, it is observed that the decisive criterion is the configuration of the beam, that is to say, whether it is flexible or fixed.

Unlike systems that use predefined beamforming zones and directions, dynamic beam provides greater flexibility in daily use. Besides, a dynamic beam system reduces the time required for installation and configuration, since it is not necessary to continually reconfigure.

The Sennheiser report describes the limitations of fixed beamforming that, For example, can make a speaker difficult to hear if they move beyond their preconfigured starting zone, like when you get up to write on a whiteboard. Instead, Flexible beam supports sudden changes in speaker position in the room without having to readjust.

In addition to providing greater freedom of movement during meetings, This flexible, automated approach reduces service calls, since it is not necessary to reconfigure the direction of the microphone pickup areas if the number of attendees or the layout of the room changes.

What is flexible beamforming, dynamic and automatic?

The TeamConnect Ceiling Microphone Array 2 from Sennheiser integrates a patented technology that combines real-time recognition of the person who is speaking and dynamic, automatic beamforming. In practice, to get this, first detects the position of the person speaking and then aligns its peak directivity to that position in real time.

The twenty-eight omnidirectional microphone capsules that make up the TeamConnect Ceiling microphone array 2 record all meeting room audio signals and, after digital signal processing, select the right speaker in real time. So, The system can detect the speaker's position at any time, regardless of whether this person is sitting, standing or moving around the room.

Since each beam directivity alignment is done in a matter of milliseconds, no audio loss occurs, not even during rapid exchanges in lively debates.

“It is essential to understand the difference between beamforming microphones to find a solution that offers the flexibility that every business needs,” explains Jens Werner., portfolio manager en Business Communication-. When comparing the two beamforming technologies, Our report helps those new to the field understand the benefits of automatic, dynamic beamforming over products that are limited to predefined pickup areas.. When talking about bundles, “More is not always better.”.