Audio technology from Sennheiser has transformed more than 50 teaching spaces for hybrid teaching at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK.
As part of the university's strategic initiative to enhance hybrid learning capabilities, Sennheiser has implemented its cutting-edge ceiling microphone systems and audio systems throughout the institution's learning spaces.
The installation includes TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2), TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M), and SpeechLine Digital Wireless (SL DW) microphones, as well as the WiFi-based bi-directional communication product MobileConnect, transforming over 50 teaching spaces with audio capture technology for hybrid learning environments.
When Cardiff Metropolitan University began its AV refresh project approximately five years ago, the institution faced the challenge of upgrading outdated technology to meet modern educational demands. The pandemic accelerated this need, transforming the project from simple lecture capture upgrades to advanced hybrid learning systems.
"Around six years ago, an internal review highlighted the need to upgrade our current teaching room AV infrastructure,” explains Hollie Carter, AV Support Coordinator at Cardiff Met. “They were all old projectors. We were using microphones on the desk that were plugged in via USB to the PC, little webcams on the monitors, and Panopto to record all our lessons.”
After extensive testing of audio products from different manufacturers, the University implemented 20 TCC 2s, which feature patented dynamic beamforming technology that automatically follows the active speaker's voice through 28 omnidirectional microphone capsules arranged in a matrix array. These systems provide 360° coverage with automatic speaker tracking and multiple beam technology that can simultaneously capture multiple voices in the room.
For smaller teaching spaces, Cardiff Met has deployed the newer TCC M microphones, which offer similar beamforming capabilities in a more compact design with 16 microphone elements. Both systems integrate with the university's existing AV infrastructure, including Extron control systems.
The project was facilitated by Strive AV, who played a crucial role during the implementation.