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DECT Wireless Technology…Where does it fit?

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Wireless Frequencies

With the ever-decreasing bandwidth associated with wireless microphone technology in the UHF band, other wireless bands had to be explored. There is the VHF (Very High Frequency) band with a range of between 25 and 300 MHz, with most of this now unlicensed for wireless microphone operation. Then there is the 900 Mhz band. This falls into the 900-928Mhz range and is used frequently, although restricted by internet service providers who have established networks in this range. The UHF band, which operates in the 400 Mhz to 900 Mhz range. UHF has been widely used for various types of wireless microphones as well as other commercial communications. UHF was severely impacted by a FCC ruling that effectively banned any wireless microphones in 698 to 806 MHz portion of the UHF spectrum in 2010. Then in 2020, largely restricted this further to 600 MHz or above.

This portion of the wireless spectrum is now controlled for UHF TV broadcast and commercial use only. Then there is 2.4Ghz, which is allowed to operate within the 2.400 Ghz and 2.483 Ghz only. As you might imagine, this portion is also heavily used by Wi-Fi devices, which can cause unwanted dropouts as well as low component use, typically 4 units or less.

Finally, we come to DECT, which stands for “Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications” and was originally launched in 1993. This operates in the 1880-1900 MHz band with channels available from 1881.792 to 1897.344 MHz with a gap at 1728 MHz. In the United States, the DECT frequency allocation is 1920 to 1930 MHz. This is now commonly referred to as DECT 6.0. This band will not interfere with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technologies and allows for significant channel counts to be used.

Why DECT?

This technology virtually eliminates interference from other wireless devices and connectivity up to 350 feet. In some cases, this system can also use high channel density with up to 96 microphones capacity. The downside is that the system requires it’s own wireless network with access point and repeaters in some cases. There is additional cost for this equipment, but for larger systems, it is offset by the functionality of the system. Also, no other devices use this portion of the wireless spectrum.

The only other disadvantage that must be understood with DECT is the TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access) technology it uses. There is an inherent delay or latency with the system, as each device must connect to a predefined time slot. This delay or latency is typically 18-20ms between the input of a microphone to the output of the access point. This can impact live applications and must be understood as part of any DECT system. For UC usage, it is unlikely that is would ever be noticed as there is already inherent delay for any UC communication.

According to Holger Stolze of Yamaha UC, “The problem of latency can be controlled by where the loudspeakers are placed with respect to the microphones in a voice lift scenario, and therefore DECT devices are not typically recommended for performance use such as singing or other live performance applications.”

church audio solutions

So, with this understanding, DECT has quickly become the most widely used wireless technology for conference applications. Also, in many instances, the manufacturer will assist with applications, access point, and/or repeater location and how the system should be set up for the intended use. Panasonic Professional has a team of engineers who will provide a complete set of instructions, programming notes, and even room diagrams to assure the system functions properly. Petro Shimonishi of Panasonic US tells it this way:

church audio solutions

“Panasonic leverages our 30+ year history of innovation and leadership in DECT wireless technology. These products have been designed with the end-user in mind. The system can even be integrated with our PTZ cameras to allow for voice triggered camera presets for a more seamless conference experience.”

Finally, the other real advantage of DECT over other more prominent wireless microphones like UHF is that it does not require frequency coordination, as it is automatically managed by the number of microphones in a given system. This is unlike UHF, which requires careful and sometimes difficult frequency coordination where multiple channels are used or where adjacent units can bleed into the spectrum, causing unwanted dropouts or interference.

The bottom line here is the DECT wireless has quickly become the gold standard for teleconference and videoconference applications. Excellent sound quality and ease of use keep these products in high demand. When you think of conference applications and need a wireless solution, contact your Exertis Almo representative or visit ExertisAlmo.com. Our Audio Team has all the right tools for your application with products by Shure, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, and Panasonic, just to name a few. We are always ready to assist you with the very best solutions for your project.

References:

John Fuqua
About the Author

John Fuqua | CTS, Dante

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Audio Applications, Amplivox, Audix, Bose, Denon, Marantz, Rane, Shure, Sennheiser, Yamaha UC

Sound System Engineering: an interview with Pat & Brenda Brown

by | Jan 26, 2023 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Tom Kehr, Systems Designer and Trainer at Exertis Almo and host of the “Tech Tips” video series, leads and in-depth discussion with Pat and Brenda Brown of Synergetic Audio Concepts, regarding the Pro AV industry’s “identity crisis” and the importance of Synergetic Audio Concepts in audio-visual training.

Covering the various types of SAC educational courses, the history of audio engineering and training, recruiting new talent in the audio industry, and more, the video interview provides important insight into one of the most valuable training resources.

Tom Kehr
About the Author

Tom Kehr  

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer
In-House System Designer and Trainer
Supported Applications: System Design

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Assistive Listening…Have You Heard the Latest?

by | Jan 19, 2023 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Most of us take hearing for granted these days. However, a large portion of the population in the U.S. (about 38% of those aged 12 or older) have some form of hearing loss. This equates to 1 in 8 people with some form of hearing loss. As a sound engineer who has relied on my ears for 30+ years working in the AV industry, I feel we need to take every step possible to assure those around us can hear as clearly as possible. There are more effective assistive listening technologies than ever before available today.

graph assistive listening

In the AV industry, we are in a unique position to promote products that can provide the hearing assistance needed by so many people. The choices range from loop systems to FM, IR, Bluetooth, digital, and Wi-Fi based systems, with the Wi-Fi systems gaining popularity as they allow the user to incorporate their own personal phone without need of an additional device. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) also requires public spaces to provide ALS (Assistive Listening System) to accommodate those who require it.

Not only do we provide audio systems that can amplify all content to an audience, but we also have tools to help those with more acute hearing loss. Intelligibility is one of the leading issues that ALS can help to overcome. Sound systems provide overall sound level increases but to those with hearing loss, the intelligibility of the human voice can still be a problem.

ALS systems can also have other uses. Tour guide systems and Interpretation Systems also use this technology very effectively. Let’s explore the latest technology available and how it can be both a vital addition to any audio system, as well as profit center for the integrator. The most recent addition to ALS is the BYOD solution, such as ListenEVERYWHERE® by Listen Technologies. This system utilizes Wi-Fi technology for use with any user’s personal smart device or a proprietary smart device provided, should a user require it. By using their own device, the ALS can be seamless, flexible, and invisible. This is much more desirable than a solution that forces them to use a receiver for a proprietary system.

According to Sam Nord, VP of Global Channel Sales for Listen Technologies, “Listen Everywhere has broadened the ability of venues to offer assistive listening because it allows users to choose the method in which they want to be accommodated. For example, we’ve seen a huge interest in Wi-Fi based assistive listening technology in the education sector, where so many of the students are already smartphone users, so accessing assistive listening via their Smart device is often a preferred method compared to having to ask for a hardware device and the logistics that sometimes go along with that. Similarly, in the House of Worship market, Wi-Fi based assistive listening allows venues to offer assistive listening to a much larger portion of their congregations than a hardware based system since anyone with a smart device now has access to the system. That said, the availability of Wi-Fi receivers allows those patrons who prefer to use a separate device for assistive listening to be accommodated as well.”

This has addressed some of the hurdles that remain, regarding where ALS systems are required. There is still some confusion about this. The ADA requirements vary from state to state and for different venues as well. Education, performing arts, government, and most public spaces base their system requirements on the number of attendees or a ratio of the total seating capacities. Churches, in many cases, also provide ALS systems as a part of their ministry, even if they are not required. With the more conventional systems, the facility was required to purchase a system with a percentage of receivers that are made available to those who need them. This tends to draw attention to users, and in many cases, causes some to avoid getting the hearing assistance they really need.

“The more the AV industry understands about this technology and provides for their customers rather than just checking a box of being ADA compliant, the more widely ALS will be used,” Nord continues. “With assistive listening, to make sure we are accommodating those who need this important technology, the one thing I always evangelize is being proactive in pushing assistive listening rather than being reactive. If you are specifying speakers, microphones, or other audio technology into a project, there is a high probability that there are folks who will be utilizing that system who would benefit from an assistive listening system, so ensuring there is a system available is the best thing you can do to encourage inclusion.”

The main point here is that ALS should be considered a part of any audio system in a venue when the system is in the design phase, just like loudspeakers, amplifiers, or any other components. As the AV industry fully understands the benefit of the assistive listening systems, this will encourage inclusion for all who attend an event, go to church, and learn in a classroom.

church audio solutions

The next step is easy…Contact Exertis Almo and we can assist with any Assistive Listening Technology you may need for your project or facility. We can provide complete design support and connect you with companies like Listen Technologies to assure you have the best solution for any application. There are many new products on the horizon and 2023 will include some compelling upgrades to offer even further capability for this vital technology.

References:
American Journal of Public Health
Sam Nord, VP of Global Channel Sales for Listen Technologies
John Fuqua

About the Author

John Fuqua | CTS, Dante

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Audio Applications, Amplivox, Audix, Bose, Denon, Marantz, Rane, Shure, Sennheiser, Yamaha UC

How to Leverage Live Product Demos to Grow Your Business

by | Dec 27, 2022 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

When it comes to audio technology, hearing is believing. And in the age of hybrid learning and collaboration, audio quality is essential in creating a fair experience for both remote and in-person participants.

Although audio-conferencing technology is often considered complicated and costly, Nureva has developed groundbreaking solutions that deliver simplicity and value with top-notch quality. To better connect resellers with the capabilities of their audio systems prior to purchasing, Nureva experts host free product demos for resellers interested in their products – broadcast live, every day.

By hosting live product demos on a frequent and accessible schedule, Nureva ensures that viewers experience a first-hand look at their innovative audio solutions. Along with in-person demos, these remote sessions are a great first step in allowing attendees to understand Nureva’s technology in action, as they serve as a simple and effective introduction to a product.

sound targeting

During a 15-minute live product demo, Nureva experts provide resellers with an interactive, first-hand listen of the revolutionary patented Microphone Mist™ technology in a real space with glass walls and HVAC. Additionally, the demos allow listeners to hear the microphone pickup everywhere in the space and give examples of how specific organizations can benefit from their solutions. And with no pressure to purchase, resellers are encouraged to ask questions during the demonstration to determine if they would like to request additional details and information.

In fact, scheduling and attending a virtual demo from Nureva couldn’t be simpler. By visiting Nureva’s website, prospective attendees can choose from a variety of time slots on a preferred date. In fact, Nureva provides dealers with the option to mirror the official demo calendar on their own websites to encourage more widespread education about Nureva technology – a great value-added service!

So, how valuable are these live product demos? While audio quality is subjective and greatly depends on a specific listener’s goals, Nureva experts focus their demonstrations on more concrete product details, like auto-calibration and quick installation. And since Nureva’s patented Microphone Mist™ technology works in conjunction with other products, these demos serve as an excellent opportunity to show how Nureva pairs with additional communication devices, like projectors and cameras.

Although it’s too soon to track the success rate of in-person demos, Nureva’s virtual demos have a 1 out of 2 close rate, which shows the undeniable importance of live educational opportunities for prospective dealers and resellers.

For those looking to book a demo with Nureva, simply click here to pick a date.

Have any questions?

Feel free to reach out to me – HERE.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

Audio Product Diversity…Are You Prepared?

by | Dec 21, 2022 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

History of supply chain issues

As most who work in the current Professional and Commercial AV industry know, maintaining an inventory of audio products has become a daily exercise. The supply chain and chip issues continue to shape what products we have access to and how audio systems are implemented in many cases. Most manufacturers of products, such as wireless microphones, digital signal processors (DSP), and amplifiers are still experiencing lengthy product delays.

Tom Keefe groom's men

To understand more, we must look back to some of the factors which led to this shortage. Covid-19 severely slowed production of either components or finished goods from Asia, and especially China, starting in 2019. This was exacerbated by a devastating fire at the AKM chip factory in Japan in 2020. This plant produced a large amount of the computer chips and DACs (digital audio converters) used in professional audio equipment. This slowed the production of audio components to a crawl. Another aspect was the “just in time” strategy that was employed over several years to provide products as they were needed, but no large inventory was stockpiled. This worked well if there were no delays in the supply chain, but when all these issues were coupled with shipping delays due to Covid throughout the world, the perfect storm was created in the global supply chain.

Demand has outpaced supply, and at this point, we will continue to see constraints of these products through 2023, according to the AV market watchers. Asia Pacific and the United States are the largest regions of growth, and the demand for wireless audio devices has continued to advance. With a large majority of the work force now working from home, either fully or partially, we are all using mobile devices, laptops, and other technology more than ever.

direct view LED panels

Many audio systems also use Dante network technology, developed by Audinate, to provide network interfaces that allow remote control and programming, as well as the transfer of audio signals. Most professional audio manufacturers have Dante capability embedded in their products for audio network compatibility. When you think of the growth of conference products, video bars, wireless microphone technology, and mobile devices, all of these use computer chips and require this technology to operate.

Understanding the importance of supply chain diversity

Today, one of the most critical aspects of commercial and professional audio equipment distribution is diversification. As a distributor, Exertis Almo is on the front lines of this ongoing battle to provide our customers with these products while the industry rebounds from the storm. Our team of Product Managers, Buyers, and Business Development Managers constantly monitor the supply chain of our vendors to assure we can supply the products that are needed for business today.

This is where product diversity plays a major role in the value-added proposition that we, as a distributor, provide to the integrator or dealer. As we close out 2022 and move into 2023, distributors work closely with audio manufacturers so we can provide products for all the applications our sales team’s customers engage in. Some manufacturers have avoided this by changing their technology and delivering products as soon as they become available. In many cases, project completion schedules dictate alternative products being procured to meet a deadline.

This is very evident with products such as wireless microphones, amplifiers, signal processing, and control systems. Exertis Almo continuously monitors our vendors supply chain, inventory, and delivery schedules to assure we have solutions for those instances when the specific audio product may not be available for a significant time. By working hand-in-hand with our customers, manufacturers, and our product management team, we can pivot quickly to find a solution for most applications.
This approach is proving invaluable to our customers. The diversity of audio products runs throughout our organization, from simple product orders to our services division. When an integrator calls on us to provide design and installation for a given project, we take the same approach of finding the best available solutions while understanding the time sensitivity involved.

What can Integrators do to help offset this problem?

Order equipment as early as possible for a given project

Be flexible in your design as you may have to pivot should a particular component have extended delays beyond the completion date of the project

Work hand-in-hand with your supplier or distributor to assure products are allocated and available in your completion time-frame

Remember that product diversity is critical when completing projects

Tom Keefe groom's men

As the AV industry continues to navigate through this “storm,” all aspects of supply chain, manufacturing, and product diversity are being analyzed. From the diversity of chip manufacturers building new factories to launching new technologies, the future of the industry looks bright. The distribution of Commercial and Professional audio products will continue to be based on our relationships with manufacturers, our customers, and maintaining diversity both in our practices, as well as the products we provide, to assure the best results for every application.

So, when we say, “that product is constrained, but we will see what is available,” know that our team is making every effort to fulfill the customer’s needs and see that projects are completed and function with the highest degree of integrity. Product diversity is driving the AV market and will continue to be a common concern as we move through the medium to long-term future. While there are no silver bullets, the issues detailed here are front-of-mind and being addressed seriously, country by country. This is not a sprint, but a marathon that will make us stronger in the end. Let Exertis Almo be the resource you can depend on for your AV product needs!

Ref: https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/the-supply-chain-explained-and-demystified-part-2/

Ref: https://www.avnetwork.com/features/professional-audio-manufacturers-struggle-with-supply-chain-slowdowns

John Fuqua

About the Author

John Fuqua | CTS, Dante

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Audio Applications, Amplivox, Audix, Bose, Denon, Marantz, Rane, Shure, Sennheiser, Yamaha UC

The Dreaded Gymacafatorium: 3 Keys to successful multi-use audio design

by | Dec 6, 2022 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

What is a Gyma-cafa-torium?

The “multipurpose space.” It’s the room that’s intended for everything but does not do any one thing well, and it’s the bane of audio system designers around the globe.

Your client has come to you asking for a sound reinforcement system in one of these “gymacafatoriums.” But first, let’s start with an etymology lesson:

auditorium

💡 auditorium (n.):

“part of a public building where people gather to hear speeches, etc.,” 1727, from Latin auditorium “a lecture-room,” literally “place where something is heard,” in Medieval Latin, especially “a reception room in a monastery,” noun use of neuter of auditorius (adj.) “of or for hearing,” from auditus, past participle of audire “to hear.”

From this lengthy definition, it seems that being able to hear is pretty important.

Normally, we think of an auditorium as some sort of rectangular box with fixed seating and a stage or platform at one end, but if it’s a “place where something is heard,” the infamous gymacafatorium is really an auditorium, regardless of the sign placed above the entrance.

If people need to be able to communicate in a space, doesn’t that really make every space an auditorium, by definition? If you can’t hear the audio content, you’re not communicating.

3 Keys to Auditorium Audio Design

There are three components when making an auditorium function as a place where something is heard:

These are the physical and acoustical properties of the space. This involves the size, shape, and the absorptive, reflective, and transmissive properties of the floor, walls, ceiling, and any other materials in the space. Think of absorption, reflection, and transmission as a triangle. The sum of the degrees of a triangle always equals 180, and it is the same principle with sound energy in a space. If it’s not absorbed, it’s reflected. What’s not absorbed or reflected is transmitted into an adjoining space.

The shape of the space is also a consideration. Avoid domes and curved walls, as these will focus sound energy in undesirable ways.

If the space also functions as a gym, it’s typically a bigger room with a high ceiling. Normally, it will have hardwood floors, painted CMU (concrete masonry units or “cinder block”), and some sort of steel ceiling. The result is little in the way of energy absorption, thus providing for lots of reflective energy.  Even if they have wall pads, they aren’t of much help for absorption.

If it’s just a cafatorium, your ceilings may be 10 feet or so. These rooms typically have tile floors, painted CMU or gypsum walls, perhaps large windows, hopefully with acoustical drop tiles. Even with acoustically absorptive drop tiles, that’s absorption on only one of the six sides of the box, so these are typically noisy spaces as well. The low ceiling may limit you to using ceiling loudspeakers.

As the late John Murray still reminds us with Don Davis before him, “the only thing you can EQ is the loudspeaker.”  In other words, the electronic adjustments performed during the equalization process can only affect the response of the loudspeaker.  Once the sound leaves the loudspeaker, it’s out in the wild.  The room itself, the room acoustics, will imprint its signature on the sound before it arrives to the listener.  You can’t do anything about what happens to the sound between the loudspeaker and the listener unless you change the acoustical characteristics of the space.

Engaging a qualified acoustician at the beginning of any project of significance can help you design great sounding spaces. Many years ago, there were some commercials related to car maintenance that used the line, “Pay me now or pay me later.”  It’s also true of the acoustician.  The trouble here is that hiring the acoustician after everything has been built usually comes after a number of equipment upgrades that were intended to “fix the sound.”  Additionally, implementing acoustic treatments after building completion tends to be a whole lot more expensive.  Including the acoustician as part of the initial building design team can be a very economical decision.

All too often in the gymacafatorium, the HVAC system is way too noisy.  After all, it was designed to be a gym, right?  Reducing background noise levels to acceptable limits can be costly if the HVAC system requires a major refit or replacement to something that’s acceptable.  There are easy ways to measure the current background noise levels for an initial assessment.

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, has a chapter in their reference works entitled Sound & Vibration.  It’s a great little chapter and includes Design Guidelines for HVAC-Related Background Sound in Rooms, and it provides RC (Room Criterion) numbers for various types of spaces.  If these guidelines were followed, a lot of spaces would be much more pleasing.

If you’re working in schools, a recommended resource is the ANSI/ASA S12.60 American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools.  While I might prefer using RC or NC (Noise Criterion) numbers, it uses dB SPL.

hvac background noise

Loudspeaker selection and placement are critical here.  The methods range from modeling to well-educated estimates to some Homer employing a LAR (Looks About Right) approach.  Skilled sound practitioners typically have a pretty good handle on what works in a space, and they know it is not a one-size-fits-all world.

In a perfect world, large spaces should be modeled using various loudspeakers to see what make, model, and location directs the sound energy only where it’s needed and keeping it off of all unnecessary surfaces.  The outcome of modeling is that “this” particular loudspeaker(s) needs to be in “this location” and aimed in “this” direction.  Modeling is a prediction which leads to a more assured outcome.

If ceiling loudspeakers are the choice, various manufacturers have simple calculation programs that allow you to enter the space’s dimensions, loudspeaker model, tap wattage, and overlap pattern desired. The result is the number of loudspeakers, loudspeaker spacings, dB SPL level at the listener position, and even the total power amplifier wattage required for the space.

JBL ceiling mounted loudspeakers

Prioritize the Process and Get Support

Acoustics, background noise, and the loudspeakers. Note that I left the loudspeakers until last. All too often the thought process is all backwards, when number one priority should be getting the room right.

Regardless of where you are in the process as an integrator and working with your client, we have the support staff necessary that can assist with the best approach to meet your client’s needs.

Contact us today.

Tom Kehr

About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

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