Genitech



SONY Beamforming Microphone MAS-A100

Ref: SONY Beamforming Microphone MAS-A100

The MAS-A100 is a state-of-the-art speech reinforcement* and recording solution. Attaching and positioning lavalier microphones is time-consuming, and handheld microphones restrict movement. However, the Beamforming Microphone is simply affixed to the ceiling, then ready to use – leaving the orator location-free, hassle-free and hands-free to focus on presenting.

*Loud speaker system is required for speech reinforcement

 

Dedicated channels for speech reinforcement and recording

Our comprehensive solution employs audio volume stabilisation and clear audio processing to produce sharp recordings. The MAS-A100 has two channel outputs. The dual output channel enables speech reinforcement and recording simultaneously. The dedicated rec channel records with a wider capture range and optimal intelligibility – perfect for lecture capture.

Simple installation and management

Supporting Dante and PoE, MAS-A100 links with third-party systems via a single cable connection. Auto-calibration streamlines system configuration, and settings can easily be adjusted via the network using free MASM-1 management software. With simple settings, central management and no need to monitor battery use, MAS-A100 is a convenient classroom audio solution.

Volume 10%

Beamforming and Intelligent Feedback Reducer

The integration of beamforming technology and our market-leading Intelligent Feedback Reducer produces clear audio with hands-free speech reinforcement, leaving the presenter hands-free. Sony’s high-performance digital signal processing and unique algorithms extract speech sound while supressing unwanted feedback (howling). 

 A diagram showing how Beamforming Microphone's feedback reducer works. We see how the teacher's voice is captured by the microphone and sent to the loudspeakers. The sound from the loudspeaker goes back to the microphone but is cancelled out, elimintating the feedback

 

Noise reduction

Our Beamforming Microphone incorporates advanced noise reduction technologies to minimise ambient noise. Stationary background noise arising from projectors and air conditioning are automatically detected and reduced to achieve clear sound resulting in better intelligibility and, ultimately, better understanding for listeners.

A diagram detailing how noise reduction works in Beamforming Microphone. Noise from a projector is cancelled out automatically by the microphone, but sound from the teacher's mouth is unaffected. THe students can hear clearly as a result

Automatic gain control

The MAS-A100 has a useful inbuilt volume normalisation feature to maintain stable volume regardless of the distance between the presenter and the microphone, leaving the presenter free to move around the space without the audio quality deteriorating. Automatic gain control adjusts the strength of the signal received to ensure clear and consistent sound for easy listening.

A graph showing a comparison of sound waves from a microphone with Automatic Gain Control and without. On the graph without we see that quiet noises generate a small signal but loud noises generate a bigger signal. With AGC, quiet voices and loud voices generate similar signals, so quiet and loud voices are heard at the same volume. A diagram showing how Automatic Calibration works. Beamforming Microphone sends a test signal to the speakers which is picked up by the microphone. The microphone then adjust its parameters based on this test signal

 

 

Automatic calibration

The Beamforming Microphone optimises the parameters of audio processing for speech reinforcement automatically. The microphone generates a test signal, which is captured by the loud speakers. The system then calculates and configures the parameters for speech reinforcement. This calibration is required only on initial installation, minimising time-consuming set-up and system maintenance.

  1. Generate test signal
  2. Capture test signal from loud speakers
  3. Calculate and configure optimal parameters for speech reinforcement
  4. A diagram showing how Automatic Calibration works. Beamforming Microphone sends a test signal to the speakers which is picked up by the microphone. The microphone then adjust its parameters based on this test signal

Microphone Array System Manager (free download)

Our comprehensive solution includes free Microphone Array System Manager software (MASM-1). The software supports installation and configuration of initial settings, as well as monitoring, operations and firmware management. MASM-1 is a total management solution, enabling users to manage multiple microphones in multiple locations centrally and easily via the local network.

A diagram denoting how the Microphone Array System Manager (MASM-1) supports multiple classrooms. Three classrooms are shown linked to the software

Find out more about MASM-1 >

 

System setup

 A diagram showing a typical Beamforming Microphone setup connected to a Dante audio system. The microphones are connected to a PoE switch which sends the signal to a Dante mixer. The mixers outputs two signals: the recording channel is sent to a lecturer capture recorder. The second signal is sent to an amplifier to the loudspeakers on the main channelA diagram showing a typical Beamforming Microphone setup connected to an analogue audio system. The microphones are connected to a PoE switch and on to a Dante to analogue converter which converts the signal to analogue. The signal is then sent to the mixer which outputs two signals: the recording channel is sent to a lecturer capture recorder. The second signal is sent to an amplifier to the loudspeakers on the main channel

 

Additional features

 

Dante® and PoE compatibility

The MAS-A100 is compatible with third-party Dante mixers, converters and other devices, as well as power over ethernet (PoE). There’s no complicated wiring – a single cable can connect the microphone to the system.

An icon showing a network cable 

Status LED

The microphone has an inbuilt status LED, enabling both instructor and operator to easily recognise the microphone status.

 An icon of the Beamforming Microphone

API

Our Beamforming Microphone can be operated by API, permitting simple external control and customisation as well as linking with existing systems.

An icon of a cog in front of a screen