Cardiff Metropolitan University renews its audio with Sennheiser

More than 50 classrooms have been renovated with technology Senhheiser, setting a new standard for hybrid education. Installation includes TCC microphones 2, TCC M y SL DW, as well as the MobileConnect two-way WiFi communication solution.

The Cardiff Metropolitan University, Welsh institution with more than 11.000 students at its Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses, has completed a renovation of its educational facilities with the Sennheiser audio technology.

As part of its strategy to improve hybrid education, Sennheiser, brand that distributes in Spain Magnetron, has implemented its state-of-the-art ceiling microphone systems and audio solutions in all learning spaces.

The installation includes the microfonos TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2), TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M) y SpeechLine Digital Wireless (SL DW), as well as the solution of two-way communication via WiFi MobileConnect, transforming more than 50 classrooms with superior audio capture technology for hybrid learning environments.

When Cardiff Metropolitan University began its audiovisual renovation project about five years ago, faced the challenge of updating its obsolete technology to meet current educational needs.

“About six years ago, “An internal analysis revealed the need to update the audiovisual infrastructure of our classrooms”, explains Hollie Carter, audiovisual support coordinator at Cardiff Metropolitan University. “We used old projectors, desktop microphones connected by USB to PC, small webcams on the monitors and Panopto to record the classes”.

After extensive testing with audio solutions from various manufacturers, Sennheiser TCC microphones turned out to be the best option, offering high audio quality with a discreet design and maximum coverage flexibility.

The university has implemented 20 TCC systems 2, featuring patented dynamic beamforming technology that automatically follows the active speaker's voice using 28 capsules of omnidirectional microphone arranged in matrix. These systems offer 360° coverage with automatic speaker tracking and multi-beam technology that allows multiple voices in the room to be captured simultaneously..

For smaller teaching spaces, Cardiff has implemented TCC M microphones, offering similar beamforming capabilities in a more compact design with 16 microphone elements. Both solutions integrate with the university's existing audiovisual infrastructure, including control systems Extron.

TCC microphones feature multi-color LED status indicators that show when they are active (verde) or silenced (rojo), providing teachers with visual confirmation of recording status and, at the same time, GDPR compliant. They are also set to automatically mute when the audiovisual system is turned off, which adds an extra layer of privacy.

“This builds confidence in teachers., as they know they can have confidential conversations when the system is off and that the transmission is live to our MobileConnect system when it is on”, Carter clarifies.

Los ceiling microphones They also offer advanced zone control, which has been especially useful for the university.

“At the School of Administration, the building uses natural ventilation, and sometimes you hear a slight hum when the air conditioning is activated”, Carter continues.. “With CBT 2, Being able to prioritize and exclude areas has been fantastic. We can filter that hum at a high level, focus on the teacher and, even so, give secondary priority to students”.

The TruVoicelift function in CBT 2 and CBT M is another useful feature, as it provides additional amplification of student voices to ensure that all participants are heard clearly in larger spaces.

The implementation also includes 20 SL DW system channels for auditoriums, that operate in the band 1,9 GHz license-free and feature lithium-ion battery technology for reliable operation and simplified management. SL DW system offers automatic frequency management, interference-free transmission and AES encryption 256 bits for secure audio transmission.

Another key element of the installation was the implementation of 30 sistemas MobileConnect, that stream audio directly to users' smartphones through a dedicated app.

When creating more inclusive learning environments and attractive, The university guarantees that all students, both in person and remotely, can participate fully in their training. Better audio quality and accessibility features not only meet diverse learning needs, They also prepare students for the increasingly digital and flexible nature of modern professional environments..

“The university was excited about MobileConnect as it was an innovative solution that did not depend on outdated technology”, says Inesh Patel, Sennheiser Business Development Manager. “Many headphone users no longer have devices with telecoils, so traditional magnetic loop systems were not the ideal solution. Moving to MobileConnect made perfect sense”.

Cardiff Met implemented a unique approach to MobileConnect implementation, using static PIN codes displayed in each classroom for students to access the audio stream in the app. This method, simple but effective, Ensures all students benefit from improved audio without drawing the attention of those who need hearing support.

“We live in a period in which classrooms were being renovated at a very rapid pace., so with MobileConnect, “Being able to move it from room to room with the microphones at the touch of a button was incredible.”, Carter said. “It's also great for users, since they can enter the room, join the stream and that's it, without needing to attract attention”.

The university's small technical team uses the software Control Cockpit de Sennheiser to remotely monitor and manage all campus audio devices, reducing the need for in-person problem solving.

“Control Cockpit has been a revolutionary solution for us. “Nobody wants to spend all day walking around campus trying to solve problems.”, emphasizes Carter. “For us it is very practical to be able to see the status of the microphones remotely, update their firmware and silence or activate them remotely as well”.

According to Adrian Clark, Head of Multimedia Content Development at Cardiff Met, New audio technology has significantly improved the learning experience. “The Sennheiser product that has had the most impact on my work is the TCC ceiling microphone 2. This microphone system has significantly improved audio quality for students, and its greater coverage allows teachers to move freely, which encourages greater participation in class”.

Ed Taylor, Head of Digital Support Services at Cardiff Met, duck: “TCC microphones have dramatically improved audio in meeting and conference rooms, ensuring a better experience for remote participants. MobileConnect also brings great value in terms of accessibility. The products integrate perfectly into our system and remote management is the ideal solution”.

The project had the collaboration of Strive OFF, who played a fundamental role during the implementation. Natalie Barnett, Strive AV Account Manager, highlights the ongoing nature of this collaboration. “This summer we are equipping 22 spaces with Sennheiser products, and it has become a constant collaboration, since we always include Sennheiser products in the list of equipment that Hollie requests”.

The university plans to continue with the implementation, with the aim of equipping all teaching spaces with Sennheiser audio technology in the coming years.