Faced with the challenge of creating a multifunctional conferencing space, Jands opted to use Shure’s cutting-edge audio technology. This application guide explores how Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array microphones and Shure’s MXN5W-C Dante-networked ceiling speakers revolutionised the Eric Robinson Memorial Town Hall, providing a seamless and effective voice lift system that enhances communication and versatility.
Named in honour of Eric Robinson, one of Jands’ co-founders, the Town Hall is a testament to his legacy. The space, once the operational hub for Jands Production Services, now includes a museum of Jands’ five-decade history and serves as a versatile venue for tech training, staff meetings, and more, preserving the memory of Eric Robinson and his contributions to the industry.
The Challenge
Jands needed to transform the 18 x 16m Eric Robinson Memorial Town Hall into a high-tech, multipurpose & Hybrid meeting space that could host various events, including tech training and staff meetings inclusive of remote participants. The key requirement was clear communication across the room, accommodating the entire company without the need for yelling from one side to the other. There was also a preference for keeping meetings flowing and not relying on a wireless microphone to be passed from person to person.
This required the integration of a voice lift system, a technology that amplifies a speaker’s voice naturally, ensuring clear communication throughout a large or acoustically challenging space. This presented several challenges:
- Acoustic Environment: The initial reverberation time (RT60) of 2.4 seconds was unsuitable for ceiling microphone arrays according to the AS/NZA 2107:2016 Australian Standard.
- Microphone Discretion: The need for discrete microphones that could provide clear audio capture without being intrusive.
- Speaker Zoning: Ensuring clear and even audio distribution throughout the room with precise control over the ceiling speakers.
“We were tasked with creating a system that allowed our staff to present to a wider audience, both online and locally,” said Samuel Drury, an Applications Engineer at Jands who worked on the project. “The challenge was to implement a voice lift system that provided natural voice amplification across the room,” he concluded.
The Solution
To meet the high expectations for the space, a meticulous selection process was undertaken to ensure both quality and ease of use. The chosen microphones had to cover every section of the room and offer flexibility for various uses. Similarly, the video distribution system was selected to provide users with a seamless experience in presenting material to all screens, including projectors and confidence monitors. Each product was carefully chosen to perform a specific function, ensuring the overall system met the multifunctional needs of the space efficiently.
Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphones
The installation of seven Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array microphones allowed for precise audio capture and distribution within the room. These microphones provide individual control over different zones, ensuring optimal voice lift and clear communication across the space.
Shure MXN5W-C Ceiling Speakers
Twenty-seven Shure MXN5W-C Ceiling Speakers were installed, offering individual control over the Dante network. This setup allowed for specific level adjustments to each speaker, ensuring consistent and clear audio delivery.
Shure ULXD handheld and lapel microphones
The room also provides the option of using a Shure ULXD for those who feel more comfortable using a handheld or lapel-based microphone. These are deployed for more formal presentation-style sound reinforcement applications.
System Design and Integration
Microphone Configuration
The Shure Designer Software was used to position microphone lobes accurately, ensuring optimal coverage. Each lobe sends individual Dante channels to an external Digital Signal Processor (DSP), which manages mixing and processing.
Speaker Zoning
The ceiling speakers were configured to provide individual control over the audio levels in different zones, ensuring clear communication without the need for shouting.
Video Distribution and Automation
The Blustream Video Distribution System facilitates seamless video feeds throughout the room. Run by a Blustream Custom Pro Matrix & HDBaseT Transportation, NEC projectors in controllable lifters, and confidence monitor, making it easy to share screens during a presentation, thanks to having multiple patch points around the room.
For presentations that happen via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, a 1Beyond Camera Tracking system was used, giving the presenters and audience the confidence they would be seen clearly. The system uses Face Tracking Cameras for presenters and PTZ cameras to recall presets based on the active microphone lobe, leveraging the precision of the MXA910 microphones.
Power Management
Furman Power Conditioners and UPS systems ensure uninterrupted power supply, maintaining system reliability, providing clean stable power to all Network Switches, DSP’s and Computers, tied in with the Furman F1500 UPS, meaning no device will drop out in case of a power outage.
The Process and Installation
The installation process involved meticulous planning and coordination. Acoustic adjustments brought the RT60 down to 0.5 seconds, making the space viable for voice lift and audio conferencing. The Shure MXA910 microphones and MXN5W-C ceiling speakers were configured to provide optimal audio coverage and distribution. The DSP managed the mixing, AEC processing, and far-end communication, while the Blustream system facilitated video distribution.
The Outcome
The integration of Shure products in the Eric Robinson Memorial Town Hall transformed the space into a high-tech, versatile environment suitable for various events. The voice lift system, enhanced by advanced audio and video technology, ensures clear communication and a seamless experience for all users. This allowed for conversational style interactions to be experienced within the room and for remote participants creating an inclusive style of meetings.
The system has significantly improved the workflow and efficiency of meetings and training sessions at Jands. The ability to clearly hear speakers from any part of the room without the need for shouting has enhanced the overall experience for participants.
Samuel Drury expressed high satisfaction with the Shure system, stating, “The features packed into the Shure MXA910 and MXN5W-C have had a significant impact on the way we operate. The crux of it was that we could do more live, simultaneously, and for longer. We can also automate the entire room to turn on with the single push of a button, ensuring anyone has the ability to use the space with ease.”
By integrating Shure’s advanced audio technology, Jands has set a new standard for conferencing and training facilities.
