ClearOne

ClearOne (NASDAQ:CLRO), a leading global provider of audio and visual communication solutions, is transforming professional AV system design with the launch of its patented Beamforming Microphone Array Ceiling Tile, the BMA CT.

According to ClearOne Chair and CEO Zee Hakimoglu, “The integrated features of the BMA CT can significantly reduce system design complexity, simplify installation, streamline configuration and programming, consume less rack space, and lower cost. It also includes a built in 2x10 Watt power amplifier to conveniently drive loudspeakers.” The BMA CT will be showcased at ISE 2019 from February 5-8 at ClearOne’s Stand #D-130 in Hall 11 at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam.

All of the innovations developed for the BMA CT make the integrator’s job easier and more profitable. The BMA CT dramatically transforms how integrators can approach system design for ceiling tile installations, allowing for multi-array setups that can utilize a single low channel count DSP mixer while maintaining ClearOne’s high level of performance and reliability.  “Thanks to its onboard processing, the BMA CT performs its own acoustic echo cancellation, noise cancellation and beam selection, so per-beam processing isn’t needed and fewer DSP mixer resources are required,” Hakimoglu explained.  She added, “It’s all about the ClearOne architecture!”

Further simplification comes from the array’s built-in power amplifier, which allows each array to drive two 10-Watt, 8-Ohm loudspeakers. The BMA CT also features ClearOne’s proprietary adaptive steering technology (think of it as smart switching). This provides impeccable room coverage while eliminating the need to adjust individual beams.

Integrators can daisy chain ceiling tiles via P-Link (ClearOne’s proprietary peripheral link) for larger conference setups – for simpler wiring and longer distances compared to networked home-run connections. P-Link also allows integrators to daisy chain additional peripherals such as wireless mics, USB Expanders, and GPIO Expanders.  The system supports all of this functionality with zero consumption of analog I/O and signal processing in the DSP mixer leaving those resources available for other needs.

With the ability to daisy chain up to three ceiling tile microphone arrays, with a maximum of 650 feet (200 meters) between each array, a single low channel count CONVERGE® Pro 2 mixer can support multiple rooms with a total cable reach of 1950 feet (600 meters).

ClearOne's Pro Console software greatly simplifies setup, eliminating the need for separate configuration and programming of switches, microphones, audio networks, and DSP mixers. It also uses auto discovery to detect all connected BMA CTs and P-Link peripherals.

“The BMA CT delivers powerful features with powerful benefits. Simply put, the ClearOne architecture just can’t be beat,” says Hakimoglu. The BMA CT is available in three sizes: 24-inch, 600mm and 625mm, to fit common ceiling grid sizes. Featuring a white grille, the tile blends in to a standard ceiling and becomes nearly invisible.

ClearOne’s beamforming microphone array technologies are protected by at least a dozen patents and pending patent applications.

The BMA CT will be shipping later this month to integrators and customers in the United States, and throughout the world shortly after, making it a very attractive option for all types of conferencing audio systems.