Related Posts

• 
  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.”

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  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

• 
  Mute is not the only function for Clockaudio’s “Buttons”

  Why there are virtually limitless possibilities for this non-verbal cue option.

  In business settings like boardrooms and conference rooms, visual cues are critical in keeping people informed and focused on important matters. It allows for information to be provided in a glance, and for an easier flow of non-verbal communication. In many ways this can reduce confusion, improve efficiencies, increase productivity, and enhance security.

  One visual cue that stands out is the button or touch switch available with many of Clockaudio’s professional microphones. The button, acting as a high/low contact closure, can set in motion an assortment of commands that are only limited by your creativity.

  Anyone that has used one (or many) of Clockaudio’s professional microphones can understand the tremendous benefit of having an integrated button with LED to instantaneously mute the microphone. But aside from giving you the opportunity to keep unwanted noise or that nagging cough out of the zoom meeting you are hosting; did you know that these Clockaudio “mute” buttons can be used for virtually any other logic signal you can imagine?

  

  For example, when connected to the room’s control system, Clockaudio’s TS003 Capacitive Touch Switch can be used to trigger the system to raise and lower blinds on a window - all with the touch of a button. If you want to have an effortless way to drop or recoil a projector screen, the touch switch can signal the control system to do that too.

  Program the room’s controls to be triggered to use the button to turn the lights on or off or configure it to function as a panic button with a color that signals there may be a concern or possible situation in progress.

  With Clockaudio’s RGB LED capability, you have an extra layer of “information” you can provide at the button. By using a system of color codes, you can customize non-verbal commands. In fact, with literally hundreds of color choices, you can easily set different status indicators to mean just about anything.

  Over the years, we have learned from integrators many of the ways that our “buttons” have been used to provide information. Here are just a few examples.

  

  One of the US’s top national, political networks (rhymes with box), integrates the TS003 button in the ceiling to trigger the control system to alert occupants upon entering a space. This status signal enables people within the space to easily recognize whether the room is live – keeping people from talking on air when they should be keeping quiet and that goes for both sides of the aisle!

  For one of our clients with a top-secret facility, as part of the room’s controls, the TS003 buttons were programmed to indicate the level of security clearance for the information that was being discussed within a room. Simply by assigning a distinct color to each clearance level, the button could relay critical info that provide a system of checks and balances. This allows clients to immediately know that only the right people are receiving the necessary information.

  Product Highlight

  About Clockaudio’s TS003 Capacitive Touch Switch
  Providing multiple colors, the TS003 capacitive touch switch provides clear and precise visual operational status.

  With no moving parts, low-profile mounting, and encapsulated electronics, TS003 also provides protection from office contaminants affecting its operation. Comes with modular under desk mount controller. The TS003 is self-calibrating, extremely reliable and provides trouble free use

  Terminated with RJ 45 connector and supplied with a touch switch controller (TS-C1) allows connection via CAT 5E patch cable back to CDT-100 or directly to DSP.
  wwww.clockaudio.com

  

  Sometimes the status indicators, have less to do with function, performance, and security and more to do with convenience. In this capacity, you can have a button trigger just about anything. Your options are endless.

  We have focused much of this blog on Clockaudio’s TS003, but this is not the only “button” that provides options for visual signals and performing simple commands.

  Here is a list of other “buttons” that can be used to signal and indicate the status level of your choosing. As with so many products offered by Clockaudio, your choices are customizable and always “clearly different.”

  Choose from:

  Physical button + Bicolor LED: (Red + Green)

  • S80S-PTT
  • SM80S-PTT / SM80SN-PTT
  • SM80S-X5-PTT / SM80SN-X5-PTT
  • SM80S-RF-PTT / SM80SN-RF-PTT

  Capacitive + RGB LED (Red + Green + Blue)

  • SWP-2-RGB / SWP-2N-RGB
  • CS1S-RF-RGB / CS1SN-RF-RGB
  • CS2S-RF-RGB / CS2SN-RF-RGB
  • CS3S-RF-RGB / CS3SN-RF-RGB
  • CS4S-RF-RGB / CS4SN-RF-RGB
  • CRM200S-RF-RGB / CRM200SN-RF-RGB
  • CRM202S-RF-RGB / CRM202SN-RF-RGB
  • CRM203S-RF-RGB / CRM203SN-RF-RGB

  Membrane Switch + Red LED

  • S133-RF
  • S135-RF
  • S140-RF
  • S155-RF
  • S157-RF
  • C015E-RF
  • C016E-RF

  (Old School) Red (physical) Square Button + LED backlight

  • S120S PTT
  • S120XS PTT
  • S120X5S PTT

  The S80S-PTT - Through Table Microphone Mount with Bi-Color LED indicator and Pre-Wired Latching or PTT Switch.
  

  
  
  
  

  The S133-RF and S135-RF – Desk stand with fully programmable touch pad.

  In conclusion, the importance of visual cues in business settings cannot be overstated. Touch switches like the TS003 and others combined with a room’s control system can allow for easy to see communication, an exchange of non-verbal information, improvements in productivity, and increases in overall efficiency.

  Whether it's for meetings, presentations, or any other business function, Clockaudio’s “buttons” can provide invaluable tools that ensure everyone is on the same page.

• 
  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.

• 
  Clockaudio Makes Its Mark in the Blogosphere

  In choosing a name for our blog we wanted something that was relevant and would resonate with the growing number of millennials (as well as baby boomers) that work with our products and our team every day. But be advised, at no time do we mean to drop an actual microphone…our product’s go through extensive quality control for durability already so let’s just put the focus on our superior audio quality and ingenuity. On that note, just for fun, here is a little history of the “mic drop” for you to enjoy.

  The expression “drop the mic” or “mic drop” is a gesture of intentionally dropping one’s microphone at the end of a performance or speech to signal triumph. Sort of a version of “it doesn’t get better than this” and for all of us that understand the extensive attention to design, detail and craftsmanship that goes into every Clockaudio product – this expression captures our core commitment to quality and customer support.

  Yes, it can be a bit of a boastful phrase, but when it comes to the performance of our products, we’re good with that.

  One of the most famous mic drops includes former United States President Barack Obama’s infamous 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner – you can enjoy that here: https://youtu.be/rAlwM9K3LJ4.

  Long rooted in the music industry, the mic-drop dates back to the early 1980’s and typically was used by rappers at the end of their show, indicating that no other performance could ‘stand-up’ to theirs. Some may argue that comedians have been ‘dropping the mic’ longer than rappers, but never-the-less, the reasoning is the same. The gesture is symbolic of a performer rocking the house.

  So, this year, we look forward to bringing you our insight and thoughts in a less formal way through the introduction of our blog. We know we have the chops to stand behind our products and we pledge to bring you quality content and to continue to deliver products and solutions that are as we say at Clockaudio…clearly different.

  With that, we only have three words to say: Drop the mic!

  Download a pdf of this blog

  
  
  

  "Photo by Gavin Whitner"

• 
  The Name of the Game - Adaptability

  As a manufacturer in the AV and technology industries if you are not adaptable, you will not survive. It is as plain and simple as that. Adaptability is the name of the game and the greater your ability to accommodate change, the greater your chances of thriving in the marketplace.

  In our opinion, we think that adaptability may very well be the most indicative quality of success. To this end, we found an article by Jeff Boss that was published by Forbes a few years ago. In it, he lists the top 14 qualities that adaptable people share and for this month’s blog, we’ve chimed in on 6 of these qualities to show you how Clockaudio embraces adaptability.

  1. Adaptable people experiment and are open to change. For over 25 years Clockaudio has embraced the changes in the industry and technology and finding new ways to provide the market with products that maintain a high level of sound quality. Whether building a bridge to take us from analog to digital or embracing a changing marketplace that predicted AV/IT integration, we remain “audio scientists” that are eager to experiment and challenge the status quo. Read more about our quarter of a century of excellence here.

  2. Adaptable people see opportunity where others see failure. When an integrator called us to help with the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary which was experiencing an excessive degree of mic vandalization within the habitat, we took a lesson from the failure of some other manufacturer’s mics, to create a product that was virtually “vandal-proof”. Check out the monkey we got off this client’s back in this case study.

  3. Adaptable people are resourceful. Finding new solutions by collaborating with other great companies like Audinate, has enabled us to streamline our products for easy integration. Consider the resourcefulness we demonstrated in designing the Clockaudio Dante Transporter. This transporter takes advantage of the advanced Dante technology and based on a high performance and pre-configurable hardware platform, transfers audio and control signals via widely used Ethernet to guarantee perfect sound quality. You can read more about that here and here.

  4. Adaptable people don’t claim fame or the limelight, they keep on moving to the next challenge. We don’t normally like to brag, but to sing our own praises for a moment, did you know that we were the first manufacturer to bring to market a microphone that directly addressed a growing concern in boardrooms and conference rooms around the world? This challenge led us to come up with a design for microphones with RF immunity and we’ve never looked back! If you want to read more about that you can check out this blog!

  5. Adaptable people (and companies) believe that curiosity leads to growth, and they constantly ask, “How can this be better?” To tackle this point, we’ve got one question for you... Have you met TIM?

  In designing TIM-1000 our Trackable Intelligent Microphone, we knew that picking up sound from the ceiling was a long- time challenge for clients, consultants and integrators. So, in Clockaudio fashion, we wanted to improve the ceiling microphone array experience and make it, not only sound better, but also make it easier and more streamlined to set-up. You can see how adaptable our “friend” TIM is, in this product feature, 40-Seconds To Go!

  6. Adaptable people know what they stand for and are rooted in their personal value, brand and what is important. For Clockaudio, THAT would be all about sound quality. Since the company started, we have always been fiercely protective of the integrity of our products and the sound quality that they deliver. To learn more about what else we have held in the highest regard for the last 25 years check out this press release.

  * * *

  Since we can agree that adaptability is a common trait among great people and great companies, let’s all strive to stay this way to face future challenges and opportunities in the best ways we can!

  #ClockaudioClearlyDifferent

  Download a pdf of this blog