Let’s face it — it’s frustrating when conference call participants can’t hear each other. Speakers will have to repeat themselves to make sure participants don’t miss out on important information. Or, buzzing and humming sounds or echoes can cancel out speakers altogether.
Prioritize your conference room’s acoustics to address these and similar problems. Get started by looking for a new conference room audio system that consistently delivers outstanding results.
Delco Solutions has a team of AV system installation experts. We put together this checklist to help you set up your conference room with the best acoustics.
Conference Room Acoustic Factors to Consider
Buying conference room equipment and setting it up on your own is unlikely to be enough to get the best acoustic results. Consider your conference room’s acoustics carefully to achieve outstanding results.
Regardless of where attendees sit or stand in your conference room, they should have no trouble hearing what presenters or other participants say. To reach this point, here are acoustic factors to consider:
- The purpose of your conference room and types of meetings you’re hosting (presentations, training sessions, video conferencing, conference calls, etc.)
- The size of your conference room
- How many attendees will join your meetings
- AV equipment that’s compatible with computers, smartphones, and other tech your company already uses
- Accessibility features
- Scalability and the potential to upgrade in the future
- Temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions
If you’re unsure about your conference room needs, an AV solutions company can help. By meeting with the company’s technicians, you can share any concerns or questions about your AV setup for your conference room. From here, these techs can help you get a system that meets your expectations.
Equipment You’ll Need for Great Conference Room Acoustics
The audio equipment you choose determines the effectiveness of your AV system. To get the best results from your conference room audio, here’s the equipment you’ll need.
Microphones
Each type of microphone has its own features and capabilities. Three options to consider include:
- Ceiling mics that you’ll place above participants’ heads
- Lavalier mics that go near speakers’ mouths
- Boundary mics that pick up sound coming from different directions
In a small conference room, it’s best to place a microphone in the middle of a table or between speakers and a video screen. You may only need a single mic in this space, depending on the size.
For a large conference room, a microphone should be roughly an arm’s length away from a speaker. You may need two or more mics or an array microphone system that’ll cover the entire room.
Choose a microphone with a wide frequency. This mic can process a broad range of audio signals. It helps improve voice clarity during conference calls.
Consider mics with built-in noise reduction. For example, some mics have audio processing features that ensure two meeting participants can speak at the same time, without their respective voices being clipped or muffled. As a result, both participants can talk freely without one speaking over the other.
Speakers
Account for the size and capacity of your speakers. That way, you’ll pick up speakers that’ll work well based on the size of your conference room and audience.
In addition, decide between passive and active speakers. Passive speakers require an external amplifier. Active speakers have built-in amplifiers.
Place your speakers at ear level. Keep them away from walls, corners, and furniture to minimize sound reflection. Make sure speakers are away from microphones to protect against feedback and interference.
In a large room, use multiple speakers. This helps create consistent sound levels.
Acoustic Panels
Use acoustic panels to absorb sound and diffuse sound waves and prevent echoing. These can be customized to your space.
Vertical and horizontal acoustic panels are available. Freestanding, ceiling-suspended, and wall-mounted vertical panels help reduce background noise. Horizontal panels directly absorb sound waves and keep them from spreading.
Soundproofing System
A soundproofing system offsets sheetrock and other dense materials to prevent sound from entering your room through cracks and gaps. Soundproofing composite can be mounted and keep vertical noises from interfering with your room’s acoustics.
Soundproof your conference room to avoid sensitive information from leaking into other areas of your workspace. You won’t have to worry about unwanted sounds entering your room, either.
To figure out what soundproofing you need, listen to noise inside and outside your room. This will help you identify the noises you hear and where they’re coming from. Next, you can pick up soundproofing materials to address these noises.
AV Control System
An AV control system offers centralized management of your audiovisual equipment. Pick up an AV control system that gives you the ability to adjust volume levels and switch between audio sources using a single interface.
If you aren’t sure what acoustic equipment you need, consult with an AV solutions company. At this point, the company’s technicians will learn about your business and its desired AV conference room setup. They’ll provide personalized conference room AV recommendations.
Tips to Help You Set Up Your Conference Room Audio
Installing a conference room audio system is difficult. Take advantage of these tips to avoid problems along the way.
Account for Your Speaker and Microphone Placement
Ideally, your speakers should go above, below, or on either side of a screen. If possible, don’t place your speakers in corners.
Experiment with microphone placement. Test your microphone sound before a conference call to make sure every participant can hear one another. This will help you place your microphone in a spot where there’s no unwanted noise. Plus, everyone on a conference call will be able to hear each other clearly.
Choose the Right Equipment
Identify audio equipment that’ll serve you well now and in the future. Factors you’ll want to consider include:
- Your conference room’s layout and size
- The equipment’s ease of use
- Your budget
- How well the equipment works with employees who are connecting from a mobile device or home office
Test the equipment before you buy it. Otherwise, if you invest in low-quality audio equipment, your conference room’s sound quality will suffer.
Partner with a Proven AV Solutions Company
Leave no room for errors as you browse acoustic solutions for your conference room. Work with an AV solutions company that’s received many positive client testimonials. This gives you access to AV technicians who know their stuff. These techs will help you find the right conference room AV solutions and get the most value out of them.
You Don’t Have to Figure Out Conference Room Acoustics on Your Own
Delco Solutions is a full-service AV solutions company based in the Greater Philadelphia area. Our technicians understand the challenges you’ll face as you evaluate your conference room acoustics. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Delco Solutions for a professional conference room AV installation.