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ClearOne Ships New Ceiling Tile Beamforming Mic Array

ClearOne today announced that it has begun global shipments of its recently debuted and patented Beamforming Microphone Array Ceiling Tile (BMA CT) to systems integrators.

The BMA CT is designed so that multi-array setups can utilize a single, low-channel count DSP mixer, including acoustic echo cancellation, noise cancellation and beam selection. 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).

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 is used for 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 is available in three sizes: 24-inch, 600 millimeters and 625 millimeters to fit common ceiling grid sizes. Here are all the specs.

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