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• 
  The Beauty of Collaboration: Unleashing the Power of Partnerships

  In a world driven by innovation and interconnectedness, collaboration has emerged as the key catalyst for progress. When power partners come together, whether it be brands, companies, or individuals, the results can be transformative. In this blog, we explore the beauty of collaboration in various contexts and highlight how it drives innovation, fosters creativity, and shapes the world we live in.

  From combining products and technologies to igniting the potential of great minds, and leveraging communication tools for seamless collaboration, we certainly believe in the power of collaboration.

  I. Power Partnerships: Bringing Brands and Products Together
  Collaboration between brands has the potential to create something truly remarkable. When two or more products are brought together to leverage their unique strengths, the innovative solutions that result can surpass individual capabilities, revolutionize industries, and leave a lasting impact.

  Clockaudio has had the opportunity and continues to power with incredible brands that are known for their commitment to excellence such as Audinate and their de facto standard for digital media networking solutions, Dante.

  With unparalleled audio quality, Dante distributes uncompressed, multi-channel digital media via standard Ethernet networks, with near-zero latency and perfect synchronization. Its intuitive user interface and network management features make system integration easy and allows even the most challenging networks to be configured quickly and easily.

  

  The benefits of the Clockaudio and Audinate’s Dante collaboration include ease of use, interoperability, economic efficiency, sound quality, integration compatibility and features audio solutions such as the CDT-100, C303 and TIM-1000.

  For more on these solutions, read on:

  

  CDT-100- The Clockaudio Dante Transporter - an advanced professional Dante communication product which combines audio and control transport using network-based Dante protocol.

  C 303-D / C 303-D-P- PoE Dante & AES67 Tri element array hanging microphone designed for unobtrusive all-round high-quality pickup necessary in places such as boardrooms, conference rooms, court rooms and other venues.

  

  

  TIM-1000Clockaudio’s low-profile ceiling microphone with the unique ability to track sound within a room.

  For more on the manufacturer partnership, Clockaudio and Audinate / Dante, click here.

  II. Companies Unite: Unleashing the Potential of Collaborative Technology
  The collaboration between companies holds immense power to drive technological advancements. Together, companies can bridge expertise, resources, and visions to create groundbreaking solutions.

  Clockaudio’s collaboration with Sound Control Technologies enables both companies to provide high quality solutions to create a more streamlined system and method of audio control and removes the need for 3rd party controls.

  By sharing knowledge and leveraging collective strengths, companies can overcome challenges and achieve what was once thought impossible, all while streamlining integration and companies such as Sound Control Technologies, truly make a difference in system design for integrators.

  

  Other past collaboration efforts include a three-part power team between Q-SYS, Control Concepts and Clockaudio in creating a new plugin for the TIM-1000, Trackable Intelligent Microphone.

  Concepts and Clockaudio in creatin a new plugin for the TIM-1000, our Trackable Intelligent Microphone.

  The Q-SYS plugin enables the dynamic features of TIM-1000 to be simply and easily controlled through the Q-SYS™ software-based audio, video & control Ecosystem from QSC.

  This plugin is available through the Asset Manager portal within the Q-SYS Designer Software. Facilitation of the control programming and interface for the new plugin was done by control programming and software development experts, Control Concepts. For more on this three-part collaboration, click here.

  

  III. The Magic of Collaborative Minds: From Ideas to Reality
  Collaboration among individuals, fuels creativity and propels great ideas to life. This type of brainstorming explores diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and allows for the cross-pollination of ideas.

  Companies like Clockaudio, that are willing to “listen” foster an environment of shared knowledge, which can further drive progress and innovation, while bringing out the best in people and solutions.

  Clockaudio is always grateful for the input and feedback it receives from consultants, integrators, distributors, representatives, industry colleagues, other audio professionals, and team members inside and outside of the organization.

  Great ideas often come from challenges, and these challenges create the opportunity to build new products. Such was the case with Clockaudio’s Consultant Series of professional audio microphones.

  For example, Clockaudio’s Consultant Boundary Series with inbuilt electronic touch sensitive switch was developed to minimize the number of microphones on the conference table while maintaining high performance and ease of installation. Check out the CS-S-Series RGBfor more on this product innovation that was inspired by one of our industry colleagues.

  

  IV. Communication Tools for Seamless Collaboration
  Effective collaboration requires robust communication tools that bridge geographical distances and enable real-time interaction. Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, video and teleconferencing all require a microphone interface.

  Particularly during the pandemic, but on-going in our post-Covid corporate culture shift, high standards for audio quality whether in a remote, in-office or hybrid work arrangement are paramount.

  Our collaboration with Zoom enabled our line of USB and “remote warrior” solutions to really shine and ensure that audio, when muted, never leaves the microphone. For more on this collaboration, click here.

  

  With our Zoom partnership, the integration enables products like our Clockaudio CUB-33 tabletop microphone to mute the mic from the touch screen on the microphone base or from the Zoom platform itself.

  

  Conclusion: Collaborate to Transform the World
  The power of collaboration is truly awe-inspiring. When power partners unite, remarkable things happen. By bringing brands together, combining technology, unleashing the potential of great minds, and leveraging innovative communication tools, collaboration streamlines progress and paves the way for transformative change.

  As we embrace collaboration in all its forms, we have the opportunity to shape a world
  that is more interconnected, innovative, and harmonious. Together, let us empower others to harness the power of collaboration and make a lasting impact in all our respective fields.

• 
  Nothing Cookie Cutter About This

  In a world that has been as unpredictable as we have seen in the last four months, we all realize the importance of flexibility. Whether that means flexibility in how we live our lives, how we educate our children, how we interact in public, or how we conduct business on-site and remotely.

  What has become very obvious, is the need for solutions that can fit our lives in and out of quarantine. The suggestion that perhaps there will be a need to shelter in place again in the future, should Covid-19 have a second wave in the Fall, makes every business owner realize that a robust “Plan B” has to be in place and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

  
  

  
  

  As part of your business strategy and “Plan B”, ensuring that your home is set up, ready to go and functioning as professionally as it can be is key to putting your best foot forward, even in difficult times. As a “remote warrior” your home office set up should minimize distractions and include proper lighting and quality audio / video equipment.

  As more and more companies embrace working remotely as part of their post-Coronavirus corporate culture, the phenomenon of “listener fatigue” (usually reserved for avid music listeners and construction workers) may just be on the rise. However, in considering the unique circumstances our fellow-professionals are facing around the world, we feel it may be fair to redefine this as “Zoombie fatigue”.

  
  

  Just think of the sheer number of video-conferencers and “Zoombies” around the world as they participate in a variety of daily meetings with participants that have an even wider array of audio and sound equipment and you’ll soon realize that the individual participant’s video and sound quality can certainly contribute to an effective or a plain awful meeting.

  Having the right tools, let me rephrase that, having the right prosumer tools, that are easy to customize and integrate into your home office will go a long way in making sure that even when your meeting has to be conducted remotely, the message and the content are clear.

  
  

  
  

  “Zoombie fatigue” Also known as remote-working-audio-video-itus is a phenomenon that occurs after prolonged exposure to too many “zoom-like” meetings with inferior or poor quality equipment such as microphones.

  
  

  Symptoms include tiredness, irritability, distractedness and rushing-to-end-the-meeting-sooner-than-it-should-end-ness.

  Common groups at risk of becoming victim to this phenomenon include professionals directed to shelter in place and work remotely for a long period of time unexpectedly.

  
  

  When it comes to audio, these tools should include a microphone that offers you elevated audio quality for an improved user and listener experience. This happens when you have professional commercial grade equipment, and when you can control the distance between you and your microphone. This enables you to minimize “room” noise, echo and reverb. For ease of integration, having the ability to connect any microphone of your choice via USB makes the elevation of your audio experience that much easier and incredibly customized to fit your unique needs.

  At Clockaudio, we never believe in “cookie-cutter” solutions. We see the value in building products that can be an essential part of your technology eco-system and that can be individually suited for your purposes. Whether that be for your corner office or your remote office, we’ve got you covered in a “clearly different” way.

  
  

  For more on Clockaudio’s USB integrated microphone options, contact us today.

• 
  Be heard from the boardroom to the home office and everywhere in between.

  When business shifts to a remote format, ensuring that your communications are clear will go a long way in keeping your business up and running. Whether you are a day-trader, yoga instructor, podcaster, gamer, or a business professional trying to conduct business as usual, in unusual times, having proper audio quality when working remotely is critical.

  We all know that poor audio quality can cause brain fatigue, and the “zoombies” that have emerged since COVID-19 can attest to the negative impact inferior microphones can have on the ability to communicate effectively. Perhaps even more important than video quality, the audio during a conference call or videoconference session is a deal breaker as most people may not need to “see” you when you’re speaking, but they certainly need to “hear” you.

  From the corner office to the home office, microphone needs and applications can vary greatly and will depend upon a few factors such as the environment (the room’s acoustics need to be considered for echo, reverb, inconsistent sound levels, etc.), the way the meeting is being conducted, and the way that the room is being used (is it singular focused or a multi-use, multi-purpose space?).

  So, when it comes to microphone design, how can one manufacturer meet the specific requirements for so many different types of occupations and professional applications at one time? Easy. They think clearly differently.

  Meet the CUI-2, Clockaudio’s USB Interface and the conduit to making all Clockaudio microphone solutions (and great audio quality) accessible to the remote work force regardless of their work style and professional needs. With the CUI-2, you can now maintain the highest degree of sound integrity while configuring a customized microphone solution, uniquely designed to suit you and your work environment.

  So whether you are a gamer killing it in your live stream from your bedroom, a training professional conducting courses on-line with your team from your home office, or a teacher getting students excited about history from your kitchen table, we’ve got just the microphone solution for you.

  Easy to install with LED Brightness Control and RBG Color Selection for mute and unmute, this compact, plug and play, tamper resistant device can be mounted under a desk or table with two simple screws.

  
  
  

  We know for certain that COVID-19 has changed the way that we live and work. As part of your “remote office” plan make sure you are considering the sound quality of your conference and videoconference calls, podcasts, and streams. Having the right prosumer tools will help keep you, your meeting and your business on track.

  For more on the product, visit https://clockaudio.com/products/pre-amps/cui-2 and as always, if you have any questions, contact our customer service and technical support team.

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  How to Conduct “Business as Usual” during the Unusual

  Let’s face it, with all that is going on, conducting “business as usual” seems to be impossible, but is it?
  The coronavirus has handed the world and the world of business a curveball. In many instances, individuals and companies are choosing or mandating remote working and changing in-person meetings and conferences to conference calls, video-chats, or video-conference calls.

  For our fellow professionals in ProAV, we believe that this challenging time, is our time to shine. Afterall, weren’t we made for this? Distance learning, telecommunications, unified communications, audio and videoconferencing…these are the technologies that we’ve been sharing and integrating for clients around the world for years. Now, with the added impetus of the recent health crisis, the very systems we’ve put in place, are about to be put to the test.

  In addition, companies that perhaps to date have NOT invested in remote work and communication technologies are waking up to realize, that for business continuity, these technologies are a necessity not a luxury. For many forward-thinking companies, COVID-19 has them taking advantage of their existing VPN’s, secure portals, remote access, mobile devices, and cloud-based applications. For other companies, they are just realizing they have some catching up to do.

  As part of the audio-visual industry, many of our businesses revolve around the integration of smart, audio and video technologies. We are in the business of building collaborative spaces and sharing information in a variety of ways. Our collective experience designing, building and integrating all these technologies will go a long way to assist clients and businesses around the world get up and running even when they are operating remotely. The technologies that AV professionals bring to life will let business owners conduct much of their day to day business simply by utilizing the equipment and tools that they already have & that will allow them to be seen and heard, virtually, anywhere they need to be.

  For our part at Clockaudio, we are kicking TIM-1000 demonstrations into high gear. These remote sessions can be done by audio or video conference and can take clients through the features and benefits of our Trackable Intelligent Microphone solution.

  When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade. COVID-19 is certainly creating a number of difficulties, but it doesn’t have to stop your business in its track. This too shall pass, and when it does, the business seeds that you sow now, will be in the pipeline for your future.

  So, remember, our Demonstration Room is open! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to try our interactive, virtual demonstration, so that we can keep the conversation going on upcoming projects and specific challenges your clients are facing in AV design. Demonstrations can be done in as little as 15 minutes or can take as long as you like to ensure that we answer all your questions, whether about TIM-1000 or any of our other innovative solutions.

  When you can’t meet in person, videoconferencing is the next best thing to being there. It is a great tool to gauge body language, facial expressions and the genuine level of interest in a product or solution. In addition, providing product demonstrations in this way can also minimize the need for travel, cut down on travel expenses and reduce our carbon footprint.

  At Clockaudio, we want to do whatever we can to be clearly different and in doing so, help you conduct business as usual, during this most unusual time.

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• 
  The Quarter Century Mark of Excellence and a 25th Anniversary for Clockaudio

  This year marks Clockaudio’s 25th anniversary since its founding by Jim Hallington, Managing Director for Clockaudio Ltd. in 1994.

  Clockaudio’s dedication to the industry has been clear from the start, when Jim Hallington first opened the company with his wife Tina. Jim states, “When Tina and I started Clockaudio 25 years ago, we never envisioned it becoming such a success. Manufacturing always comes with challenges, but we have a great team that always comes up with a solution. It is an exciting and interesting business, and every day we look forward to facing the challenges and enjoying the successes!”

  Robert Moreau, Clockaudio’s North American Managing Director shares some thoughts about the company’s vision. “Since we started, we have always been fiercely protective of the integrity of our products and the sound quality that they deliver. As we begin the next chapter of growth, we plan to stay true to these philosophies while embracing evolving technologies and a changing workforce.”

  In speaking about the change in the industry over the last two and a half decades, Moreau cites a few catalysts. “Since the company started in the early 90’s, we’ve seen a tremendous change in the location and positioning of the microphones from being a central focus on the tables, to being able to retract into the ceiling and virtually disappear.” He notes that these changes came about from the need to provide adaptability for multi-purpose rooms, as well as out of a desire to enhance the design aesthetic and provide cleaner sight lines that did not require cutting holes in expensive conference tables.

  For many manufacturers, product changes have directly been impacted by the consultants, architects and designers of corporate meeting spaces. The evolution of the conference room from the traditional boardroom to videoconference rooms and huddle spaces, have changed the office footprint, its functionality, and how people collaborate and work. Regarding product changes, Moreau explains, “We were first best known for our gooseneck microphones, and then we revolutionized the industry by designing our microphones to be RF-immune to cell phones. We were the first manufacturer to do this world-wide and to this day, I believe we’re still the best at it.”

  Next came the Clockaudio CS Series also known as the Consultant Series. Here, the company worked with leading consultants to design products that specifically met the sound quality, performance and design criteria that clients were demanding. Some of Clockaudio’s other most popular products include its Retracta Series (low profile microphones that can virtually disappear below a table surface), the C303W-RF (a tri-element microphone that offers excellent intelligibility and great front to back rejection), the CDT100MKII (Clockaudio’s Dante Transporter), and the RGB Series products (control switches with unlimited color combinations for room status identification).

  Moreau goes on to also speak about other factors that have changed the industry, such as the convergence of AV with IT. “This convergence has made us look at our entire family of products and how we can continue to evolve. For example, when we came out with the CDT-100 we thought how could we take this product into the future and fulfill the needs of our clients for years to come? That is when we came out with the CDT-100-MKII, which is completely compatible with Dante, AES67, and is also RGB ready. We have always been great advocates of using platforms that keep our products current and relevant. The CDT100-MKII is certainly a great example, which makes all our microphones Dante and AES67 compatible, not just a few models.”

  Clockaudio understands that today there is a need to identify the tools and devices that will continue to mainstream collaboration. Says Moreau, “We belong to a high-tech industry that brings together old school and new school - the Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, the Millennials and within a few years, Gen Z. We need to challenge ourselves to meet their divergent needs so that the products we make today will continue to be of value going forward.”

  For anyone, 25 years is a significant accomplishment, but in a day and age where companies go into and out of business so frequently, there has to be a key to “staying power” and market relevance. When asked about this, Moreau shared, “We always try to listen to the end users and adapt to their needs. From day one they have always driven the company and that remains true now and for the future.”

  Clockaudio often works with their dealers and end users to further their education on microphone technologies and to get feedback and insight into the products that they need. Says Moreau, “We don’t sell direct, but we do partner with our dealers, integrators and representatives to help end users best understand their options.” One of the ways that the company does this is by conducting live demonstrations so that clients can hear firsthand how Clockaudio microphones sound on the far end, and better understand the differences between polar patterns.

  Moreau adds, “The entire sales cycle has been supported by an incredible team of representatives, dealers and distributors. All of which have seen how the company embraces new technologies, creates new products, enhances existing ones, and provides a customer service and technical support team that is always available.” When asked about one of the greatest highlights of the last 25 years Moreau says it is hard to pick just one. “I guess all the great people and companies we have worked with over the last 25 years would be one of the greatest highlights. From Space Agencies, Fortune 500, International Banks, Energy, Governments, and trend setting companies like Apple, to name a few.”

  Clockaudio’s longevity is not about any one thing, as Moreau concludes, “I think it has been based on innovation, being good listeners, being able to adapt to an ever-changing market and world, and in our ability to create custom products. On top of all of that, we have a desire to stay true to ourselves and to continue to surround ourselves with great people. These are a few of the elements that have contributed to our success and will continue to pave the way to the future.”

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• 
  Amsterdam Pulls Out All the Stops for Another ISE

  Recently touching down and back from his trip to Amsterdam, we spoke with Simon LeDuc, Clockaudio Product & Technology Manager about his experience “booth-side” at ISE 2019.

  What do you feel makes the ISE show different than some of the other shows in the AV industry?
  I’d have to say that the size of the show, truly sets it apart. ISE is HUGE and the show is spread across 15 pavilions making walking the show an Olympic event. In recent years, they even added a fourth day to the show since people just could not make it through the 186,000 square feet of exhibit halls and tents in just three days.

  How well is the show attended?
  At ISE, every square inch of the place is jam packed with attendees and exhibitors. In fact, they reported record attendance yet again this year with over 80,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors. As far as the trade show world goes, this European show definitely brings out the crowds.

  What do you find fascinating at the ISE show?
  As an Anglophone/Francophone, it is humbling to be a minority at ISE. As you walk around the floor, and as people come by the booth, you can hear every language on the planet being spoken around you. It’s like the UN of tradeshows. Also, this show has a lot of class! In fact, the majority of people dress up in suits, and you hardly see anyone wearing polos. It seems that manufacturers and attendees alike, like to put their best foot forward in Amsterdam. Another thing that seems to be happening more and more that I find interesting is that companies are using ISE as the launching platform for new products, and it is exciting to be part of that too!

  What else makes the show special for you as a manufacturer?
  I’d have to say that it is in the kind of meetings we have. The people that come by our booth have planned to meet with us, however long it takes to discuss their projects. They want to get the maximum detail and see what our products can do for their projects and applications.

  What was the highpoint for you (personally) at the show?
  I’d have to say that the quality meetings we had with other manufacturers. There is a true collaborative spirit in Amsterdam, and we had a number of meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas with other manufacturers at the show, and I’m excited to see where we take them in the coming months.

  Will your time at ISE this year change your approach to InfoComm in any way and if so, how?
  Yes, it will: I think now with ISE behind us, we will take that experience and continue to focus more on some of our peer-to-peer relationships. In addition, the setup of the ISE booth has inspired some new changes to our InfoComm booth, and we are looking forward to gearing up for this next event. So, get ready! It’s going to be a great show in Orlando this year and you will NOT want to miss us in June!

  Download a pdf of this blog