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• 
  Off the Shelf or Custom, Clockaudio’s Performance is Seamless

  In the ever-evolving world of professional audio, where precision and innovation intersect, one name resonates as a true pioneer - Clockaudio. For nearly three decades, Clockaudio has mastered the art of crafting microphones that bridge the gap between readily available and customized ingenuity.

  It does not matter if you are capturing a single participant, tracking a presenter moving around a room during a presentation, or fitting out the boardroom with microphones that communicate their own status, Clockaudio’s “off-the-shelf” mics easily handle the “everyday” while maintaining the ability to be tailored to meet challenging client needs.

  Whether on Capitol Hill capturing important world updates, an ape sanctuary recording the antics of primates, throughout all conference and videoconference rooms for an international bank, or used for a critical military application, our mics are designed for maximum performance while remaining integrator centric for ease of installation.

  No matter what the application, we can design a way to accommodate and adapt. So, if you are looking to match a wooden ceiling so that your microphones “disappear,” we can build you a mic that blends in seamlessly, appealing to both your auditory senses and aesthetic sensibilities. If space constraints demand a microphone with a reduced mounting profile, our team can change out the shaft length to fit the designated area for surface installation, providing an effective, efficient installation with top-notch sound quality. Need a microphone exposed to the elements? We can modify the mic’s design to withstand inclement weather conditions by making the microphone more water resistant.

  So why don’t more companies provide true customization? Because customization is hard, that is unless you are built for it. Over the years, we have positioned our team to be responsive, adaptive, and creative. We offer a wide variety of capsules, grilles, knuckle-joints, sensors, mounts, and shafts. With this deep base of components, we can meet even the most unusual or difficult project demands. For most manufacturers, pivoting to provide smaller quantities of custom microphones or components is not easy or even possible. However, Clockaudio is positioned to effectively handle runs of 25 just as easily as runs of 1000+ customized solutions. This is part of what makes us unique and of course, clearly different.

  Clockaudio: The Integrator's Choice
  Clockaudio's ethos reflects a deep-rooted understanding of the professional audio landscape, where versatility and flexibility is key, and the ability to adapt is a competitive advantage. Our commitment to customization is not just a service; it is a philosophy.

  With an array of customization options, we have always been proud to be a trusted partner that helps solve tough audio challenges that consultants and integrators face on demanding projects.

  We live in a world where sound is art and customization is paramount. As you consider your next project, remember that Clockaudio stands ready, not only to deliver exceptional off-the-shelf microphones but also to sculpt bespoke audio solutions that harmonize with your imagination. Give us a call today to discuss your next project

• 
  From boardrooms and classrooms to primate habitats, microphones should not only sound good but be built to withstand any kind of monkey business!

  More often than not, when considering the proper microphone to be used for an installation, the focus is on the sound quality of the microphone. This month, however, we want you to also consider how the microphone might be used, or misused, so that you can also see the importance of focusing on the construction quality of the microphone.

  For one reason or another, either by accident or on purpose, some people can’t help themselves and knowingly, or unwittingly, end up damaging or destroying microphones. Here are just a few examples of what we've seen or heard happened.

  In one case we’ve seen, a manufacturer’s field technician literally walked across the client’s boardroom table to perform maintenance on a projector. While he might have thought he was doing a good job, he accidentally stepped on (and flattened) the grill of a through table boundary microphone. Ouch!

  Then there’s the case of the misused and abused microphones. We had a call from a teacher a few years back who said he was missing all of the grills from his classroom's through table boundary microphones. After some investigation, it turned out that the students were getting creative and making filters out of the grills, and using them as part of, let’s just say, an inventive smoking apparatus for select legal/illegal herbs…

  Then there’s the story of the misplaced pen. Here, people decided to convert the grills of a through table boundary microphone into their own "inkwells". Yes, people actually took a pen and stabbed it into the grill of the microphone and made it a very expensive pen holder. On the brightside, we took this information (and since necessity is the mother of invention), we created a new model, the C012E-RF, or better knows to our internal teams as the “Assault Version” of our through table boundary microphone. This mic was built to be vandal proof. Even the microphone capsule is strategically placed, making it inaccessible if someone tries to destroy it.

  Perhaps one of our favorite stories that talks about the robust manufacturing of our mics, was about the time we provided microphones for the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary (click here for that case study).

  At the Learning Sanctuary we were challenged to build a microphone that the primates would not or could not easily find in their environment and that would be difficult to dismantle or destroy. This project was truly monkey business, but Clockaudio’s omnicondenser microphone, a water-resistant product that was chosen for the project held up well. In fact, our C007-WR microphones were made of Delrin, a very sturdy plastic, so the build quality was excellent for the habitat’s purposes. In addition, because this product was originally designed for surveillance and recording in sensitive areas, it had an extremely low profile, keeping them out of the monkey’s curious eye.

  These are just a few of the many stories we’ve heard over the years. We hope that it helps you to see the value in understanding the “climate” you are working in and the “inhabitants” that will be interfacing with your equipment.

  In understanding both of these variables, you will be able to better identify and choose the right microphone for any given application. Since vandalism of your equipment can occur almost anywhere, even in the most prestigious companies, classrooms, courtrooms and habitats, it is wise to make the investment into better built microphones.

  As for Clockaudio, you will not find sturdier, more rugged microphones than ours. So, if you’re thinking of saving money by installing less-quality microphones with the idea that your visitors, students or boardroom users are angels, think again! We suggest you go for the more durable, robust Clockaudio option and save money in the long-run! Your results will most definitely be...Clearly Different!

  That’s a wrap for the month of May!
  #ClockaudioOut

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  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.

• 
  Maintaining Audio Quality in a Hybrid Work Model

  Around the world, the pandemic created an entirely new way to conduct business that allowed for remote work and flexible schedules. But before the pandemic, working from home was not as common. In fact, before the pandemic only about 6% of the working population worked primarily from home and about 75% of workers had never worked from home.

  When the pandemic occurred in 2020 businesses were forced to get creative and implement work from home and hybrid work strategies to keep everyone safe and ensure business continuity.

  By May 2020, over a third of employed workers (approximately 48.7 million people) worked from home; the majority working in office-based business and professional occupations. Within the management and professional occupations, 57% of workers worked from home.

  Interestingly, remote work was more common for women (40%) versus men (30%) (but this was not attributed to childcare responsibilities). Regardless, both men and women suddenly became aware of the need to set up a home office. With this new workforce operating from virtually everywhere BUT the office, companies had to find a way to ensure that remote workers could communicate effectively and clearly with management and collaborate with coworkers despite being dispersed over a larger geographic area.

  Maintaining professional communication relied heavily on collaboration tools such as video conferencing, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, and these platforms relied even more on sound and audio quality to keep conversations clearly understood.

  This created a tremendous need for professional, flexible, and customizable audio tools that could deliver – such as Clockaudio’s remote USB microphone solutions – the CUI-2 and the CUB-33.

  Hybrid Work is Here to Stay

  Post pandemic companies continue to embrace ideas like the partial work week, flex schedules, hoteling, and remote working. For most, the concerns over productivity that were initially raised, have been put to rest, and many businesses now enjoy operating equally effectively from home or the office.

  About 29% of work in the US has been able to be done remotely with zero productivity loss.

  When polled, employees who experienced the mandated “work from home period” during the pandemic actually favored a hybrid schedule over full-time remote work.
  Studies show that 83% of employees are in favor of a hybrid work schedule where they can work from home at least one day a week. Only about 32% favor a full-time remote schedule.

  Lessons Learned

  Lessons learned from the pandemic were that a hybrid work schedule could offer employees flexibility in scheduling and assist with prioritizing the ever-elusive work/life balance. As most companies know, a healthy and productive workforce leads to a better bottom line. Armed with this knowledge, many businesses have continued to allow employees the flexibility of working in and out of the office.

  For employers maintaining a hybrid schedule means they can still have face to face time with employees for important meetings but can trust that productivity and workflow will still be accomplished on remote workdays. Currently a hybrid work model is used by 63% of high growth companies with no sign of reverting back.

  The Importance of Technology for A Hybrid Work Force

  One concern business owners still have about hybrid work is the consistency of the technology their employees are using to work remotely.

  Integrated audio tools on platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, desktops, and cell phones have their limitations when used to speak with co-workers, clients, and vendors.

  This is one reason why the C-Suite sees the importance of creating standards for audio quality for employees in and out of their offices. Creating a technology standard for home office set ups is one way employers can ensure that no matter who you talk to in their organization, and no matter where they are working from, you will have a quality audio experience.

  Commercial-grade microphones, such as the aforementioned CUI-2 and CUB-33 provide the convenience of a USB microphone with stellar performance and sound while reducing any chance of brain fatigue or miscommunication.

  Clockaudio’s USB Tabletop Mic, the CUB-33 is an excellent choice for companies in need of remote videoconferencing.

  The CUB-33 microphone is designed for professionals working from home or at the office, as well as for streamers, gamers, and podcasters.

  

  This tabletop microphone comes with the popular C3 series Gooseneck and a capacitive touch screen with an integrated VU meter. This distinctive feature will display the microphone levels to indicate if the mic is clipping or if the microphone levels are too low. The mute button can also be configured as push to mute or latch.

  Bottom heavy for added stability, the CUB-33 is robust, and easy to set up. Forward thinking, it was built to have ‘’mute-sync’’ compatibility with the Zoom meeting app. Using technology that is both easy to install and operate is key for work from office setups.

  Embracing the new reality and normalcy of working hybrid or remotely, companies and employees also understand that their technology needs to evolve and stay flexible.

  With Clockaudio’s CUI-2, you can now maintain the highest degree of sound integrity while configuring your own microphone solution, customized to specifically suit your needs and your work environment, wherever that may be.

  Choose your microphone, choose your application, and plug and play into the CUI-2 for sound quality that is guaranteed to be "clearly different". With the CUI-2 USB Stereo Mic Preamp Interface, there is nearly endless microphone configurability, perfect for any home office setup.

  

  In Closing

  When planned properly and used as part of an overall strategy, the hybrid work model can contribute to more positive corporate culture, organizational improvements, and an increase in company productivity. Worker benefits include greater satisfaction, collaboration and improved mental health.

  To be successful, companies must ensure their workflow and work process remains consistent despite where an employee works from. Implementing standards for home offices and for technical equipment, including audio equipment such as microphones, can go a long way in providing reliable communication and business continuity.

  Today, professionals everywhere trust Clockaudio for quality audio microphone solutions for video conferencing and other hybrid work demands.

  
  
• 
  Plug and Play All Day with Streamlined Solutions: It is summer, and the integration is easy!

  With long, lazy weekends and people on vacation, the summer can mean a reduced staff, but the work remains. This is why having great plug-and-play products and remote solutions can make every integrator's life a bit easier.

  Our technical team is always ready to jump in to assist. Whether we are helping identify the best mic for your design or building a custom solution, our team has the expertise, insight, and creativity to meet your client’s unique demands. This summer, focus on products that can help you simplify your next installation (and make more time to enjoy the season with the people you love).

  

  Easy as 1, 2, 3: The CUT-4 Logic Interface is a game changer for seamless integration.
  Designed to streamline installation and configuration, the CUT-4 Logic Interface represents the newest innovation from Clockaudio, designed with the integrator in mind. Engineered specifically to work in harmony with Clockaudio's LED buttons, including the popular RGB-TS Touch Switches, the CUT-4 opens a world of possibilities for control and customization. Gain the ability to connect to a DSP or control system over a network while empowering users to effortlessly manage their audio environment with precision and ease. Learn more here.

  Looking for a USB Tabletop Mic that is ready to set up and go? Enter the CUB-33.
  The CUB-33 tabletop microphone comes with the popular C3 series Gooseneck and a capacitive touchscreen with an integrated VU meter. This distinctive feature will display the microphone levels to indicate if the mic is clipping or if the levels are too low. The mute button can also be configured as push-to-mute or latch.

  Privacy is crucial, particularly in corporate environments. Therefore, the mute is local, meaning that when muted, you can be certain that the audio will never leave the microphone. This mic is great for professionals working from home, at the office, or for today’s streamers, gamers, and podcasters. Bottom-heavy for added stability, the CUB-33 is robust and easy to set up. It is driverless and compatible with Windows and MacOS, and is “mute-sync” compatible with the Zoom meeting app. With the right adapters (sold separately), it even works with iPadOS and iOS. Like all Clockaudio products, the CUB-33 is “Clearly Different,” and it shows. Learn more here.

  

  Clockaudio’s Dante Transporter: The CDT-100 Mark III
  When August starts to wind down, it is more important than ever to maximize every moment left of summer. With end-of-season vacations, it becomes critically important to do more with less. That is why we are highlighting a number of our plug-and-play products. These solutions will enable you to streamline installation, reduce troubleshooting time, and achieve the same sound quality and performance that you need everywhere you travel, work, and go.

  Clockaudio’s Dante Transporter is an advanced professional Dante communication product that combines audio and control transport using a 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 is able to guarantee perfect sound quality.

  

  Applications: This product has a variety of uses, including but not limited to boardrooms, conference rooms, video conference rooms, and any place else where multiple table microphones and control devices are connected back to the AV equipment cabinet.

  The CUI-2: Customization Capabilities and Applications Are Virtually Endless

  The CUI-2 USB Stereo Microphone Preamp Interface has quickly become a favorite for companies and individuals looking for a speedy solution to microphone installation in an office, home office, or remote setup.

  

  Delivering high-quality audio for meetings, conference rooms, and other communication applications, the CUI-2 offers near-endless choices of microphones, allowing for limitless customization. Check out the YouTube video for more inspiration and applications for the CUI-2.

  

  Summing It Up:
  We remain invested in your success. If you have a microphone challenge and need additional support, our team of technical engineers is standing by to provide you with the insight and creativity to make your next install your best one. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and remember, we are here for technical and sales questions and for live demonstrations via our remote demo room to showcase the tremendous sound quality of our Clockaudio solutions. Contact us today to sign up for a demo or discuss your next project!

• 
  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.