ClearOne launches a new Beamforming Microphone Array to support tabletop and wall applications and, in doing so, joining a giant list of ProAV manufacturers using the term "game-changer" in their announcements. Game-changer has been an industry buzz-term for a while now in tech and is used as a way to hype a new product the manufacturer believes is something that everyone will want to know about and need. Much like "state-of-the-art" and "best-in-class," game-changer means nothing specifically.
So, you be the judge, is their new Beamforming Microphone Array a game-changer?
Here's what ClearOne says about the product:
"While others are trying to catch up, we are well ahead, creating new solutions for our value-added distributors, integrators and resellers to offer more options in servicing their customers," said Zee Hakimoglu, chief executive officer and chairman of ClearOne. "The Beamforming Microphone Array is truly a game-changer for the Pro AV industry — as the only professional microphone array of its kind. It now has the flexibility to be used in wall mode for video conferencing, tabletop mode for conference rooms, and ceiling mount for applications as critical as operating rooms."
According to ClearOne, the Beamforming Microphone Array is the ProAV industry's first professional-grade microphone array with beamforming and adaptive steering technology and ClearOne's next-generation Acoustic Echo Cancellation. Twenty-four microphone elements steer pickup patterns towards participants, rejecting unwanted noise and reflections, offering what ClearOne says is unmatched performance. The array interfaces with ClearOne CONVERGE Pro products and supports Power-over-Ethernet.
With simple firmware and software upgrades, scheduled for release in June, users can expand the array's capabilities from ceiling mode to include tabletop and wall modes. Separate ceiling and wall-mount kits provide further flexibility for optimum installation.
Specific features include:
- Beamforming & adaptive steering technology
- Next-generation Acoustic Echo Cancellation
- 24 microphone elements
- Mono and stereo modes for diverse applications
- Flexible mounting for ceiling
- Works with CONVERGE Pro products: 880, 840T, 880T, 880TA
