Contactless, hands-free ceiling beamforming microphone with speech reinforcement capability
The MAS-A100 is a state-of-the-art speech reinforcement* and recording solution. Attaching and positioning lavalier microphones is time-consuming, and handheld microphones restrict movement. However, the Beamforming Microphone is simply affixed to the ceiling, then ready to use – leaving the orator location-free, hassle-free and hands-free to focus on presenting. And what’s more, operation is totally contactless, reducing risk of infection for users.
*Loud speaker system is required for speech reinforcement
A graphic showing a teacher delivering a lecturer to a socially-distanced classroom of students. His hands are free as the Beamforming Microphone is amplifying his voice through loudspeakers mounted to the wall so that all the students can hear him clearly.
Dedicated channels for speech reinforcement and recording
Our comprehensive solution employs audio volume stabilisation and clear audio processing to produce sharp recordings.
The MAS-A100 has two channel outputs. The main channel provides speech reinforcement in a classroom environment, while the dedicated rec channel records with a wider capture range and optimal intelligibility – perfect for lecture capture and remote learning*.
The dual output channel enables true hybrid learning by providing speech reinforcement in the classroom, and recording for remote learning simultaneously, to create a true hybrid learning solution.
*Lecture capture system required
**Pre-testing recommended for remote learning applications.
A lecturer speaking to a classroom of students. He is standing in front of a screen displaying a powerpoint presentation. Two Beamforming Microphones are mounted to the ceiling. The students appear interested and engaged
Simple installation and management
Supporting Dante and PoE, MAS-A100 links with third-party systems via a single cable connection. Auto-calibration streamlines system configuration, and settings can easily be adjusted via the network using free MASM-1 management software. Permanent ceiling installation ensures hands-free and contactless operation. And with simple settings, central management and no need to monitor battery use, MAS-A100 is a convenient classroom audio solution.
Beamforming and Intelligent Feedback Reducer
The integration of beamforming technology and our market-leading Intelligent Feedback Reducer produces clear audio with hands-free speech reinforcement, leaving the presenter hands-free. Sony’s high-performance digital signal processing and unique algorithms extract speech sound while supressing unwanted feedback (howling).
A diagram showing how Beamforming Microphone's feedback reducer works. We see how the teacher's voice is captured by the microphone and sent to the loudspeakers. The sound from the loudspeaker goes back to the microphone but is cancelled out, elimintating the feedback
A diagram showing how Beamforming Microphone's noise reduction feature works. We see how only the teacher's voice is captured by the microphone and sent to the loudspeakers, but not the noise of the air conditioning or the sounds from the teacher's laptop. The speaker is smart enough to filter out this ambient noise.
Noise reduction
Our Ceiling Microphone incorporates advanced noise reduction technologies to minimise ambient noise. Stationary background noise arising from projectors and air conditioning are automatically detected and reduced to achieve clear sound resulting in better intelligibility and, ultimately, better understanding for listeners.
In addition to this, the Ambient Noise Filter* feature automatically detects and filters out intermittent and distracting sounds, such as the typing of a keyboard, click of a mouse or the turning of pages. (Version 1.1)
*The Ambient Noise Filter feature is scheduled to be available in March 2021
Automatic gain control
The MAS-A100 has a useful inbuilt volume normalisation feature to maintain stable volume regardless of the distance between the presenter and the microphone, leaving the presenter free to move around the space without the audio quality deteriorating. Automatic gain control adjusts the strength of the signal received to ensure clear and consistent sound for easy listening.
A diagram showing how Automatic Calibration works. Beamforming Microphone sends a test signal to the speakers which is picked up by the microphone. The microphone then adjust its parameters based on this test signal
Automatic calibration
The Beamforming Microphone optimises the parameters of audio processing for speech reinforcement automatically. The microphone generates a test signal, which is captured by the loud speakers. The system then calculates and configures the parameters for speech reinforcement. This calibration is required only on initial installation, minimising time-consuming set-up and system maintenance.
Generate test signal
Capture test signal from loud speakers
Calculate and configure optimal parameters for speech reinforcement
Hear the difference for yourself
Microphone Array System Manager (free download)
Our comprehensive solution includes free Microphone Array System Manager software (MASM-1). The software supports installation and configuration of initial settings, as well as monitoring, operations and firmware management. MASM-1 is a total management solution, enabling users to manage multiple microphones in multiple locations centrally and easily via the local network.
A diagram denoting how the Microphone Array System Manager (MASM-1) supports multiple classrooms. Three classrooms are shown linked to the software
A diagram showing the calculator for Beamforming Microphone
System setup
Whether you’re integrating into a Dante audio system or an existing analogue system, Beamforming Ceiling Microphone provides simple integration with minimal fuss. You can also calculate how many microphones you need to deliver seamless lectures with our online configurator tool, which calculates the dimensions of your room to provide the optimum setup.
A diagram showing a typical Beamforming Microphone setup connected to a Dante audio system. The microphones are connected to a PoE switch which sends the signal to a Dante mixer. The mixers outputs two signals: the recording channel is sent to a lecturer capture recorder. The second signal is sent to an amplifier to the loudspeakers on the main channel
A diagram showing a typical Beamforming Microphone setup connected to an analogue audio system. The microphones are connected to a PoE switch and on to a Dante to analogue converter which converts the signal to analogue. The signal is then sent to the mixer which outputs two signals: the recording channel is sent to a lecturer capture recorder. The second signal is sent to an amplifier to the loudspeakers on the main channel
Bass Boost
Enhance audio quality for clear and easy listening with adjustable levels of bass boost. (Version 1.1)
Scheduled to be available in March 2021
Dante®and PoE compatibility
The MAS-A100 is compatible with third-party Dante mixers, converters and other devices, as well as power over ethernet (PoE). There’s no complicated wiring – a single cable can connect the microphone to the system.
Status LED
The microphone has an inbuilt status LED, enabling both instructor and operator to easily recognise the microphone status.
API
Our Beamforming Ceiling Microphone can be operated by API, permitting simple external control and customisation as well as linking with existing systems.
Specifications
Networking
- Cable requirements: Cat5e UTP or higher
Audio
- Frequency response: 100-10,000 Hz *
- Sensitivity: 0dBFS/Pa at 1kHz*
- Maximum SPL: 94dBSPL
- Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (A-weighted, 1kHz, 1Pa) *
- Latency: Under 24ms (Not including Dante latency)
- Self noise: 19dBSPL (A-weighted) *
- Dynamic range: 75dB *
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Dante digital output:
- Channel count: 2 channels (Main, Rec) with Dante
- Sampling rate: 48 kHz
- Bit depth: 24
- Audio interface: Dante, AES67
Digital Signal Processing
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Audio technologies:
- Beamforming
- Feedback reducer
- Automatic gain control
- Noise reduction
- Noise gate
- Automatic calibration with test signal
- Equaliser
- API for external control system
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Performance:
- Maximum noise reduction: 24dB
- Maximum feedback reduction: 32dB
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Configuration:
- Mic gain (output volume): -60dB ~ +12dB
- Capture range: Narrow / standard / wide
- Feedback reduction: Low / middle / high
- Noise reduction: Low / middle / high
- Noise gate: Off / low / middle / high
- Equaliser: Fixed 5-band, ±12dB (1dB Step)
General
- Connector type: RJ45
- Power requirements: Power over Ethernet (PoE), Class 0
- Power consumption: 13W, maximum 9W@25°C, typical
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Weight:
- Approx. 1kg (2lb 3.2oz) (main unit only)
- Approx. 1.3kg (2lb 14oz) (with ceiling bracket)
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Dimensions:
- : Approx. 240 mm (9 1/2 inch)
- Height: Approx. 50 mm (2 inch)
- Control browser (MAS-A100): Google Chrome
- Operating temperature range: 0-40°C
- Operating humidity: 20% to 80% (no condensation allowed)
- Storage temperature: -20 ° to +60 ° (-4 °F to 140 °F)
- Storage humidity: 20% to 80% (no condensation allowed)
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Supplied accessories:
- Ceiling bracket (1)
- Safety regulations (3)
- Template (1)