Related Posts

• 
  The Fundamentals of Dante

  This month, it’s back to school and we’ve decided to share a refresher on Dante, courtesy of Audinate, to reacquaint you with this amazing protocol and some of the products Clockaudio have that feature Dante.

  So, let’s start with the fundamentals:

  What exactly is Dante?
  Developed by Audinate and supported by most pro audio manufacturers, Dante enables digital audio distribution via standard Ethernet networks and allows audio, control and other data to share the same network. In AV, Dante has become the de facto standard for digital media networking and complete media networking solutions.

  What does it do?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 makes system integration easy and allows even the most challenging networks to be configured quickly and easily.

  What are some of the benefits of Dante?
  There are so many but Dante’s ease of use, interoperability, economic efficiency, sound quality and integration compatibility top the list. Below, Audinate says it best and explains each of these in more detail.

  How Does it Work?
  In a Dante-enabled device, the hardware takes digital audio and ‘packetizes’ it. Basically, it segments the audio and wraps it in IP (Internet Protocol) packets suitable for transmission across an Ethernet network. The packets contain timing information and source and destination network addresses, allowing them to be efficiently routed through the network to the correct destination.

  When a device receives Dante audio packets, it reconstructs them back into a continuous digital audio stream, which is then played out, recorded, or digitally processed, depending on that device’s role in the audio system.

  Hardware Dante devices support exceptionally low latency (on the order of microseconds, rather than milliseconds), and common low-latency applications (for example, real-time monitoring during recording) are easily supported.

  Basically, what you need to know is that Dante is all IP-based and makes use of common IT standards. Each Dante device behaves much like any other network device you would already find on your network.

  What are some of the Clockaudio products that feature Dante?
  CDT-100 - The Clockaudio Dante Transporter is an advanced professional Dante communication product which combines audio and control transport using network-based Dante protocol. By taking advantage of the advanced Dante technology and based on the high performance and pre-configurable hardware platform, this product transfers audio and control signals via widely used Ethernet and can guarantee perfect sound quality.

  

  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, conferencing, court rooms and other venues.

  TIM-1000 TIM
  1000 is a low-profile ceiling microphone with the unique ability to track sound within a room. The microphone is easy to install and uses an intuitive GUI and UDP commands for set up and control. Frequency response 150Hz to 15KHz; powered by 8W PoE+; seamless integration to Dante network and AES 67 devices. The microphone is constructed with UL 2043 rated plastics and Aluminum shell.

  As a timesaving, turn-key, digital solution for AV, Audinate’s Dante continues to expand its reach and versatility to support digital audio and video device interoperability. At Clockaudio, we look forward to finding new ways and new products that will incorporate Dante into more of our brilliant microphone solutions.

  
  

  Note: The Audinate content within this document are taken from Audinate’s document called What is Dante? The Basics. This information appears on the Audinate website.

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• 
  Captivating Presentations: Elevating Your Content with Professional Microphones

  In the dynamic world of content creation and remote communication, the quality of your audio can make or break your message. Whether you're a YouTuber, a Twitch streamer, a Discord community leader, or a professional navigating the virtual realm through platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the right microphone can be your secret weapon. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of desktop-based professional microphones, particularly gooseneck and low-profile options, and why they're essential for creators who demand top-notch audio quality.

  The Power of Desktop Professional Microphones

  1. Maximum Mobility and Flexibility: Desktop microphones offer a level of mobility and flexibility that headset microphones simply can't match. They allow you to position the microphone precisely where you need it without being tethered to your computer. This freedom is invaluable for content creators who need to move around or show visual elements on their screen while speaking or presenting a subject.

  

  2. Voice-Centric Focus: Professional desktop microphones are designed with one primary goal – capturing your voice with unmatched clarity. This specialization ensures that your message is front and center, free from background noise and distractions. With the clarity of your message, the value you provide as an educator or instructor increases exponentially.

  3. Gooseneck Microphones: Gooseneck microphones, which can be bent or modified to your preferred angle, offer the ultimate flexibility. You can position them to capture your voice while staying out of the way of your screen or camera. Clockaudio's gooseneck microphones are a prime example of this versatile design and a popular favorite for environments where multiple speakers will be using the microphone set up. Shown here is Clockaudio’s D-33, dynamic cardioid gooseneck microphone designed for speech purposes in a variety of commercial audio applications. With its rugged all-metal construction, the mic is available fully flexible or with a semi-rigid shaft in satin black (custom colors available).

  

  4. Low-Profile Microphones: Low-profile microphones, like Clockaudio's options, allow you to maintain a comfortable distance of 12" to 18" from the microphone while still achieving exceptional audio pick-up. This not only ensures consistent audio quality but also enhances your on-screen presence.

  Shown at right is the popular C012E-RF, Clockaudio’s Through Table Cardioid Boundary Layer Microphone, also available in nickel.

  Deciding Between the Mics: Condenser vs. Dynamic
  When it comes to desktop microphones, you'll often encounter two main types: condenser and dynamic microphones. Let's break down their pros and cons to help you make an informed choice:

  Condenser Microphone Benefits include:
  - Outstanding Sensitivity: Condenser microphones are highly sensitive and excel at capturing the nuances of your voice.
  
  - Wide Frequency Range: They offer a broad frequency response, resulting in crisp, clear, and detailed audio.
  
  - Ideal for Office and Remote Settings: Condenser mics are perfect for both office environments and remote setups, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio.

  Considerations: Some things to consider when using a condenser microphone include its sensitivity to background noise. Understand that these mics can pick up ambient sounds, so a quiet environment is essential. Another consideration is external power as some condenser mics require phantom power, which might necessitate additional equipment.

  

  Our series of C3 Slimline Condenser Gooseneck, such as the C 3100 shown here are great for use in boardrooms, conferencing and a wide variety of applications requiring unobtrusive and easily detachable gooseneck microphones with consistent sound quality.

  Dynamic Microphones Benefits:
  - Excellent Noise Isolation: Dynamic microphones are less sensitive to background noise, making them ideal for noisy environments.
  
  - Durability: They are robust and can withstand regular use without degradation in performance.
  
  - Low Maintenance: Dynamic mics don't require phantom power or complex setups.

  Considerations: Dynamic mics have limited sensitivity and may not be able to capture the subtleties of your voice as well as condenser microphones. These mics often require you to “eat the mic” in order for the microphone to catch your content clearly. They also have a narrower frequency range and may lack the extended frequency response of condenser mics.

  Elevating Your Communication
  

  Your content and your message deserve the utmost professionalism and reliability. Whether you're delivering sales pitches, conducting webinars, hosting meetings, or creating content for your audience, don't compromise on audio quality.

  Investing in a desktop professional microphone, be it a versatile gooseneck or a low-profile option like those from Clockaudio, can be a game-changer. It's not just about sounding better; it's about commanding attention, fostering trust, and enhancing the impact of your communication.

  Always ready to meet your project requirements, Clockaudio has a number of “kits” that include all of the components you will need to step up your game with a high-quality desktop microphone. One such kit is “The Presenter” shown below.

  

  With audio equipment upgrades your audience will thank you, and your message will shine like never before.

  The right microphone is your bridge to reliable, confidence-inspiring and “clearly different” communication – seize it.

   

   

• 
  Clockaudio & Commercial Integrator on Democratizing Access to High-Quality Audio

  This blog is a transcript and throwback chat with Commercial Integrator’s Editor in Chief, Dan Ferrisi, and Clockaudio’s North American Managing Director, Bob
  Moreau on the importance of enabling remote workers to enjoy simple, versatile audio solutions.

  Delving into trends seen for remote offices since the pandemic, we highlight two of Clockaudio’s USB Solutions – the CUI2 and the CUB-33.

  

  CI: What topline trends are you seeing regarding the drive to bring high-quality audio from boardroom and enterprise environments into the home for remote workers?

  Bob Moreau: Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen a lot of people complain about the lack of good sound and intelligibility. And, as we know, if you have a meeting for 20 minutes or half an hour, if the sound is not up to par, you can get a lot of brain fatigue trying to understand the people at the far side.

  This has been a big focus for us, and that is what we have been trying to address. We have been working on a new platform - a USB platform - to bring some of the solutions that have been proven over the years, which we use in boardrooms, huddle rooms and similar environments, and apply them into smaller office settings and in home applications.

  The genuinely exciting part is, you now have the same flexibility as our Dante platform in terms of microphone options, but in a USB format that can connect directly to your computer.

  CI: Tell me a little bit about the value proposition of the CUI2, which is well suited for workers looking for simplicity and versatility.

  Moreau: The CUI2 is a little bit of a hybrid. Instead of coming out with one USB-type microphone for home, we wanted to give the user more flexibility. Because every home / remote office environment is different, just like every office is different.

  

  

  Our motto has always been that we do not want to limit the possibilities. With the CUI2, you can use any type of condenser microphone from Clockaudio.

  You can use any type of control device from Clockaudio with the RGB rings and the switch. And you can really customize, to your environment and your needs.

  That is the beauty of it. It is integrator-centric and for people working remotely who want something a little bit more sophisticated, they can do that with a lot of options.

  CI: Now, the CUB-33 is even simpler, suiting people who do not want an install that is going to be more involved. Tell us about that.

  Moreau: Not everybody is going to want to drill a hole in their new table or want to do modifications to an existing table they have purchased. Some people are looking for more of a plug-and-play type of a product.

  The CUB-33 is using the same type of interface as the CUI2.

  The only difference is that it has a permanent microphone on it, with a semi-rigid gooseneck and a C3 cardioid capsule, which is one of our signature capsules. And the beauty of this package is that it also can give you a lot of visual cues.

  For instance, you have a view-meter that can be activated on the screen that allows you to see if you are overloading. Obviously, you do not hear yourself when you are communicating with somebody on the far side, but they hear if you are distorting, so, you now have visual cues to help you.

  The other thing is the display is rather large, enabling you to see if your mic is on or if you are muted.

  It also gives you flexibility if you want to have your microphone, for example, to function as a push-to-mute. You are in control. Just push to mute the microphone if you must cough or something like that, or, you can have it latching.

  The cool thing is that it mutes locally within the unit. So, you are sure that if the display shows you are muted, the mic is off. You have full privacy. The other remarkable thing about this unit is that it is one USB cable. You connect it to your laptop or computer of choice, and you are up and running. It is as simple as that.

  

  

  CI: What is the timeline of availability for these products?

  Moreau: The CUI2 is presently in stock and available. The CUB-33 launched at ISE in Barcelona in 2021 and became available about two weeks after that.

• 
  Crisis brings out the “Remote Warrior”

  Many of us are familiar with the concept of the “road warrior” made popular in 1982 by Mel Gibson in his Mad Max 2 movie. Corporate America was quick to catch on and coined the same phrase to identify someone who traveled extensively, conducting business on the road. Indeed, frequent flyers, and Sky Club members have certainly logged significant miles in pursuit of closing the deal or introducing a new product. However, in today’s challenging times, we see a new version of the warrior emerging. Enter the age of the “Remote Warrior”.

  In the past, managing life as a Road Warrior might have meant preparing travel and hotel arrangements, packing a bag, your laptop, chargers and compiling whatever documents or equipment you needed for your meeting. Adding in some travel size tissues, a box of Air-borne, and any other travel essentials you were ready to go…but, times have certainly changed.

  remote warrior -
  An individual who shelters in place with a laptop, microphone and webcam extensively for business, conducting meetings and day-to-day business on-line in a near endless stream of remote access, VPN’s, conference calls and videoconferencing, with occasional interruption by significant others, hungry kids, or random acts of affection from the household pet.

  In the current Covid-19 climate and for the foreseeable future, that arsenal of supplies will simply not be enough to survive much less thrive in the business world. And while so many are still primarily “sheltering in place”, we all must begin to consider what will be the “new normal” going forward.

  Perhaps the Road Warrior of the past will evolve to become the “Remote Warrior” where instead of packing a travel bag, professionals will become tech wizards of their remote workplaces. Here, home offices, and converted dining rooms will be outfitted with communication tools like web-cams, microphones, and other presentation equipment that can foster a more professional “home set up” from which to conduct endless Zoom meetings, staff meetings and other video-conferences.

  Going forward, the real “Remote Warriors” would be the professionals with the most tech gadgets and the best AV equipment. To meet this demand, we, as manufacturers, need to pivot and to see how the “new normal” will dictate new uses for existing products or help us channel our energies into developing new products that fit the changing needs.

  If we have found anything in the last several weeks, it is that working remotely can not only be convenient, it can virtually keep your company in business. Embracing a digital workspace not only gives professionals and companies a workable alternative for face-toface meetings, it reduces non-essential travel related costs, improves productivity, and reduces the carbon footprint as commuting and travel usage plummets.

  Videoconferencing is not new. Perhaps previously underutilized by your average employee, but certainly not a new technology The fact that Zoom (a company) has now become a verb “Can we zoom?” and “Sorry I was zooming” is indicating that our world has finally accepted that future success depends heavily on a productive remote work force. Looking at this further, this work force will need better, smarter tools, and those with the audio and visual quality to provide an experience that feels as good as “being there”.

  As our companies continue to run, without the need to sit in offices, serious considerations for corporate real estate will also need to be made. Social distancing protocols and a general unwillingness to touch surfaces will create the need for more voice-activated and hands-free access to buildings, offices, elevators and the equipment we use in our offices every day. Working in shifts, reducing floor densities and incorporating more rigorous sanitizing efforts are just a few of the changes we may see. Expect surges in remote working software, video conferencing technologies, and auxiliary devices such as mics, lighting and cameras, as we all strive to build the best remote versions of our work selves.

  What begs more consideration? What will be the tools these Remote Warriors need most? Will they be different from person to person and from industry to industry? Have we really considered what various sectors will need when it comes to the legal system, education, streaming, customer service, manufacturing, healthcare and more? These are great questions that need to be asked and technologists, visionaries, business owners and their remote teams need to answer to help guide the future as we all “get back to business”.

  For the Remote Warrior and the companies they work for, expect that at least some of the working patterns that have been established due to the pandemic will create a new set of rules for future business models and enormous opportunities for those that are ready for the challenge.

  At Clockaudio, we welcome your thoughts on what YOU think is most needed for remote office environments. What are the pain points? What technologies and standards should help drive the future of the remote workplace? Send your comments to info@clockaudio.com. We look forward to your feedback. Let’s tag the conversation #remotewarrior.

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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!

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• 
  Joel Osteen, Microphones & HOW to Bring the House Down

  In AV, and for many of our microphone applications, a popular market channel for us is House of Worship. When you think of a HOW, I bet you are probably not thinking about the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, right? But in this age of mobile churches and pop up locations, nearly any venue can become a center for spiritual awakening.

  So, recently I had a chance to go to the “Night of Hope” at the Barclays Center and see none other than Joel Osteen, the charismatic, sometimes loved, sometimes not, ever-smiling American preacher and televangelist. Now I’ve been to the Barclays Center before for several different types of events from hockey games to a Bruno Mars concert, but on this night, what surprised me was how the staging for this monumental event was so minimal.

  Nothing was over-done, not the backdrop, and not the sound system. Of course, there were the much-needed jumbotron images of Joel and his crew (since I was seated in the nose bleeds), but there was also a humble simplicity to the AV technology they utilized (although the flashing lights from the sound board could have lit up a small city).

  Promptly at 7:30PM Joel stepped out after one musical introductory number, greeted the crowd and started the evening. He had a lavalier microphone, neatly centered below his chin, on his chest between the lapels of his suit. His voice was loud and clear, and he moved with ease despite having the lavalier attached to him. Simplicity and a lot of practice.

  In addition to the spoken sermon being delivered by Joel, the evening had an on-going musical element where Joel’s son and daughter were joined by other musicians on stage. For these numbers, each musician “manned” his own microphone and mic stand, and then carried them back and forth from the front to the back of the stage for each song.

  Visually, the jumbotrons helped me to make out the facial expressions of Joel and his preaching crew, and several times over the evening I caught myself hyper-focused on watching the “jumbotron” version of Joel and not the real deal. He just seemed so small there on the stage, but his voice was still powerful and crystal clear. Sound quality capture at its finest

  Honestly, what I really like about Joel is that his first love was working behind the scenes as the AV techno-geek that ran the television production for his father’s ministry. Joel understood that in order for the words to be understood, they had to first be captured in just the right light, caught at just the right video angle, and heard at just the right sound. Under his AV skills and guidance, the television ministry flourished.

  When his dad passed away suddenly, the world looked to Joel to step out from behind the scenes and take up the proverbial microphone. And so, he did. He stepped away from his father’s traditional pulpit pounding, gooseneck mic and stepped onto the world stage in his own style…with his lavalier.

  The HOW environment has been changing and evolving more than ever in recent years. With expanded venues, portable services, video-walls and more and more complex AV systems, today’s integrators must be prepared for a holy host of challenges. One thing’s for sure, with Clockaudio by their side, they will certainly hear the calling for something that is “clearly different.”

  A Guest Blog by Jodi Jacobs, Crystal Vision Marketing & Marketing Maven for Clockaudio N.A.

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