Related Posts

• 
  Have It Your Way: Customization Never Scares Us

  When most manufacturers shy away from customization, Clockaudio embraces it, and this month we thought we would share why and how this ability contributes to our long-time success. Every now and then an application will call for a specification of a microphone that is non-existent. This might be a particular place where any standard microphone cannot be mounted to perform adequately, or a specific demand that meets the need for a seemingly extreme solution.

  Clockaudio is always receptive to end-users, consultants, designers, or project managers, that come to us with unusual requests and suggestions. Whether it’s a specific color to match the company colors in a boardroom, a specific length of a gooseneck mic, or even redesigning the physical build of a microphone to fit a tight space or requirement, Clockaudio is ready to step up to the challenge.

  Our ability to answer specific needs with custom products enables us to address our customer’s requirements at a truly granular level. It also lets us add to and extend our line of microphone solutions.

  In essence, every new customized model that we create can become another viable, available solution. Although not always advertised, we are then able to recommend the custom solutions to others when they are faced with a similar need on another project.

  Necessity is truly the mother of invention and some designs that started as custom products, became so much in demand that they are now part of our standard inventory.

  For example, we received a request from one client that needed a table microphone with a robust, durable construction that could withstand the wear and tear of high traffic areas. So, our designers and product development specialists went to work and created the C012E-RF, affectionately known as our “assault version” of the ever-popular C004E-RF.

  Another example where customization for a client evolved into a new line for us, is our distinctive CRM series. From suggestions by end-users, consultants, and designers for a motorized version, we created a dual and tri-element model and a flush-mount that recesses completely into the surface.

  Microphones are being integrated into more environments and applications than ever before. In addition, the evolution of microphone technology and design, along with the changing way in which we interact, has pushed us to create products that are even more versatile and adaptable to different environments.

  At Clockaudio, we believe there is a solution for every application, and we are ready to collaborate to help design the products that meet and exceed the needs for our clients’ and partners’ projects.

  So, if the available 27-inch gooseneck is a little short for your application, we can make them the exact length you need.

  If the ceiling is high and requires more than the available 25’ drop on a C3S suspended microphone, we’ve got you covered and we’ll make the cable longer to fit your application.

  It is important to add that in addition to modifying its physical attributes, the customization of a microphone can also be at an aesthetic level. Here, we can customize finishes and make the microphones either color match the surroundings or blend into the décor.

  Thinking you need a custom color? No problem. Clockaudio uses the unique Nextel finish in Black as a standard finish for many products, but did you know that the Nextel finish palette extends to 31 different colors and shades? What’s more, other finishes such as satin or flat, are available in any of the 1,625 colors on the RAL chart and can be done with a small minimum requirement.

  When it comes to custom finishes, just remember that whatever the purpose, we can color your world. Remember, our attention to your details is just another way that makes Clockaudio, Clearly Different!

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  ISE2020: The Show Must Go On and it Did!

  In early February amid global health concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Clockaudio, and thousands of other manufacturers and show attendees had to make some tough decisions. To show or not to show.

  For each company that was registered to exhibit at ISE2020, this was not a decision to take lightly. Preparing for a show takes a good year and countless resources while products are developed, exhibits are designed, sales teams are prepared, tickets are purchased, hotels rooms reserved. For any one company, making this 11th hour decision to show up or pull out was not an easy task.

  Ultimately for Clockaudio and over 1,200 other exhibitors, the decision was to proceed. It cannot go without saying that the professionalism and care in which ISE General Manager, Mike Blackman and the entire show team handled the days and weeks leading up to the show, were critical in building a sense of confidence in exhibitors and attendees about proceeding with their planned show participation and we are sincerely grateful to them.

  Known for being the “largest AV show in the world” ISE2020 had one last chance to show Amsterdam what it could do and despite attendance being down for the first time in 16-years, the show still brought together over 52,000 people for what turned out to be, another amazing event.

  From the show floor, Clockaudio’s Product Manager, Ravindra Parmar shared some thoughts about the show saying, “This year, we had a larger booth that was located in Hall 1, situated next to our friends at QSC. We were on a well-trafficked aisle and the stand design was spacious. Of course, with regard to the Coronavirus, we put into place some new protocols and guidelines for do’s and don’ts in order to keep our team, and our guests healthy.” When asked about the pre-show set up, Ravi commented, “Due to storm Ciara, there were many flight delays and cancellations. So, some of the people could not make it to the show on time, but our stand builders did and they did a fantastic job.”

  About the show in general, he shares, “In consideration of COVID-19, ISE placed hand sanitizers around the building and also gave away miniature bottles. Whilst at our booth we also had a lot of hand sanitizers just in case. The traffic was still great and people who came to the show were truly vested in attending, so they were quite interested in spending time in our booth.”

  Ravi goes on, “Of course, there was a remarkable lack of Chinese companies and visitors from China. This is not to say that there wasn’t any, but their numbers were appreciably down. There were some European vendors that also pulled out of the show at the last moment due to the virus, but overall the show had a good level of exhibitors and traffic.” He adds that there was a good-natured approach to greeting each other and says, “Some of the visitors offered up “fist-bumps”, “elbow-bumps” or even “Namaste greetings”. It was all taken in the stride and no offense taken.”

  As for the activity at the Clockaudio booth, Ravi shares that the first day of the show was a real banner day for the team with a lot of activity. He says, “The first three days were quite busy with great leads coming in. We even felt that we had more leads in 2020 than in 2019 and we were pleased to see people from Europe, the far east, Africa, India, America, Saudi Kuwait and the UAE.

  Proving the decision to have the show go on, the team report’s that ISE2020 was a success from Clockaudio’s perspective despite the effects of Covid-19. Ravi adds, “There were some really good success stories shared and some incredible photos of Clockaudio product installs. We’re looking forward to capturing that information and sharing it with the rest of our team around the world.”

  Next year, ISE2020 moves to Barcelona, and Clockaudio is looking forward to the new venue. Join us in Spain in 2021 or on the road later this year at Infocomm2020 in Las Vegas, NV.

  For now, stay informed, stay healthy, and a big thank you to Amsterdam, ISE and all who attended!

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  Ceiling Solutions are Looking Up with TIM 1000

  When it comes to AV functionality and microphone design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For some, a well-dressed conference table with a microphone neatly installed at each seat complete with its own mute button and status LED is nirvana. For others, seeing anything on the table presents an eyesore and impacts the room’s design.

  For those looking for a more minimalistic aesthetic and a fully usable table surface, an ideal solution is putting the microphones overhead in the ceiling. But note, we are not talking about hanging microphones. More and more, today’s high-end designs call for microphones that are virtually “invisible” with capabilities to fully retract in order to maintain an unobstructed ceiling plane.

  Now, it is one thing for a ceiling microphone to “disappear” into the ceiling. It is quite another for it to really perform when it does so. To do this properly, the microphone needs to capture sound from the person speaking at relatively the same level at different distances within the room.

  Some microphone companies do this by setting up different pattern lobes and tweaking them in order to provide an acceptable level of performance and intelligibility. However, this process can be time-consuming and restricts participants to speaking from one location…their seats.

  At Clockaudio, we do things a bit differently or rather TIM does things differently. Our Tracking Intelligent Microphone (TIM-1000) comes as one unit and installs in minutes. It can be either flush mounted on the ceiling or hang on a pole mount. TIM is all about simplicity, so either way you do it, installation is streamlined, quick and easy.

  What’s more, unlike most ceiling microphones, TIM will set itself up upon connecting to a PoE enabled network cable without any additional commands given to it. Set it and TIM knows what to do, so there is less chance for user error. As another benefit, with TIM’s ease of installation, you can expect to see labor savings in both time and money across the board.

  As your most important meeting “participant”, TIM will scan the room to find any steady state noise and will attenuate it, making the room quieter. As soon as someone speaks, TIM zeroes in on the person speaking and effortlessly tracks them wherever they move within the space to maintain a consistent volume level. Even when someone else starts speaking, TIM can ‘follow’ any other source of speech anywhere in the room as they move around, constantly adjusting their output level for a more even level at the far end.

  At the core of TIM, is Clockaudio’s exclusive APT (Adaptive Proximity Tracking) that continuously adjusts the level of the different participants at different distances from the array, and outputs the same level for each talker.

  Speaking of output, TIM has one single output, so no need for multiple AEC channels, TIM only needs one. Imagine, one microphone for the whole room, no set-up or adjustments needed. With TIM you can enjoy the convenience of standing or sitting anywhere you want without the need to lean into a microphone to speak, and still have the confidence that you will be heard as loud and as clear as anyone else in the room.

  This flexibility makes TIM the perfect solution for huddle rooms where the room layout may be unpredictable or may need to change to accommodate attendees. Working seamlessly whether you’ve got a traditional table and chair set up, a room with a low coffee table and four lounge chairs or a few bean bags on the floor, TIM adapts to today’s changing and evolving environment.

  Clockaudio’s TIM is “clearly different” and an entirely new breed of ceiling microphone that be installed “out of sight” while holding performance and flexibility in as high regard as “invisible” design. Truly, microphone ceiling solutions are looking up with TIM!

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  It's a Colorful World

  In the last decade, we've seen major changes in the interaction between technology and its users. Touch panels, motion sensors and automation have made their way into just about every type of environment. Today, more than ever before, the focus is on enhancing the user experience, in an effort to create more streamlined, productive, and pleasing work environments.

  One of the most popular experiences in today's technology is the use of color to indicate a variety of status levels, warnings or other notifications on everyday devices and interfaces. Take for example, the dashboard in your car. The changing colors are used to signal you and quickly make you aware of certain information such as your tire pressure, your gas gauge or another mechanical issue that might need attention. These colors are meant to alert you, versus the other colors that might be used to simply illuminate the information on the dashboard.

  This colorful, easy-to-identify method of signaling information, has now entered our boardrooms and conference spaces, making A/V system operations uncomplicated and tremendously intuitive.

  We are now seeing control panels with different color GUI pages for accessing and monitoring different parts of systems. For example, we often see that:

  • the blue page is for video/display control
  • the red page is for video-conferencing
  • the green is for shades and lighting, etc.

  At a boardroom table, a board member or other professional, may want a third color option on their mute button to notify them of an incoming call. They might also want a different color to let an active participant know that the video conference camera is zoomed in on them so that they are aware (and not looking down at their notes instead of the camera).

  These are just a few examples that show how with the right application and proper programming, the use of color coded statuses can truly improve the customer’s user experience.

  At Clockaudio, we are committed to engineering products that make the best use of technology and that are scalable for the future. It's just another aspect of our corporate culture and our products that makes us Clearly Different!

  Download a pdf of this blog

• 
  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.

   

   

• 
  Some New Year’s Resolutions for 2020

  Every January we have a perfect reason to set new goals for the year ahead and take stock in what we’ve accomplished and what we plan to do. Personally, many of us take the New Year to pledge to eat better, exercise more, and take that vacation we’ve been meaning to. In business, these goals may be more focused on aligning our efforts and our energies to strengthen existing relationships, create new business opportunities and develop greater brand awareness.

  So, this month, we would like to share some of our resolutions with you!

  1.More Training Tools – With so many exciting things to talk about with the roll out of TIM-1000 and updates to a number of our other products), the New Year will bring about new videos, installation information, and case studies to demonstrate the simplicity, or rather “timplicity” of our Trackable Intelligent Microphone solution. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel and the technical specification information on the website for TIM to check out the latest tools and resources we have. 2.Growing Our Communication Channels – Like we’ve done in the past, we will continue our monthly newsletters, articles and timely press releases to keep you informed about products, projects, helpful tips and where to find us on the road. We will continue to share this kind of information on our social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and this year we will be enhancing our LinkedIn presence, so be sure to connect with us! Reciprocity is key! Remember, if you’ve got some news to share, be sure to mention and tag us @Clockaudio, so we can comment and repost to help share and support the information you care about most.

  DID YOU KNOW… According to The American Society of Training and Development, 65% of people are more likely to meet a goal after committing to another person? So, business owners, write down your goals and be sure to tell at least one other person what you want to do and when you want to do it by and improve your chances of successfully achieving your goals!

  3.Continuing to Keep Our Ears Open - Many times the best ideas for new products and updates to existing products comes from the AV professionals we are lucky enough to call our colleagues, clients and friends. Indeed, we are always grateful for the feedback we get from reps, distributors, installers and consultants that work with our products. We plan to continue to leave our ears open to the ideas that you share with us at the shows, on-line and during our calls and various meetings over the course of the year. And of course, if you have anything you want to share, you can always reach us at info@clockaudio.com.

  * * *

  At Clockaudio, we are truly excited about the year 2020 and we know it will be synonymous with having crystal clear clarity about the positive impact our microphone solutions literally, bring to the table (and the ceiling above). We look forward to sharing 12 months of new updates, videos, interesting articles, products, case studies, show news and other information that will keep you in the know, as you go, all throughout the year.

  Download a pdf of this blog