Paying attention to the latest in microphone innovation 

You need a microphone. A good quality one. Doesn’t matter what you do in life today, you’re going to need to be heard by someone who isn’t right next to you. That’s where this magic technology comes into play. Don’t believe me? Try calling someone on a regular land line (I know, stay with me a sec). How are they going to know what you’re saying? You need a mic. And we’re going to talk about what’s coming in the near future and how it impacts your daily life. 

What the WMAS 

Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) is a technology that allows for multiple channels of audio in a small space. In a small space actually refers to two areas. The first is the physical displacement. You can fit a WMAS system in a single rack unit for dozens of wireless channels. Today you might be able to fit two, maybe four, wireless channels into a single rack space. With WMAS the technology used only takes up a rack unit for over 100 wireless channels. So, yeah, small space.  

According to Joe Ciaudelli from Sennheiser, WMAS is “spectraly efficient. You can fit more wireless mics in a spectrum”. It does this by something called time multiplexing. Ciaudelli explains “Conventional mics use 2OO MGhz. WMAS uses 6 mghz, multichannels the audio channels, then transmits one channel within a very quick timeslot. It pulses so fast that it’s imperceivable”.  

Leveraging a WMAS microphone system also means a small space in the spectrum. The technology only uses a very narrowband of the RF signal. In fact, it uses this band to “multiplex” audio channels and send multiple channels across that frequency. The other magic of WMAS is you can send and receive audio channels. Your sound person can receive the microphone signal and send back a mix to a receiver for monitoring or other uses. Yeah. WMAS means more power in a small space. 

Conferencing Mics 

Without audio there is no video conferencing. Yes, you can still see each other. But how many times per day, week, or month do you say “You’re muted”? Really now. Good audio is the backbone of a video conferencing system. In fact, I’d argue it is the most important part. Think back to even yesterday of how many people participated without video. At least one I’d wager. Now, how many participated without audio?  

There was a time when audio was the worst part of a conferencing systems. The closer you are to a microphone the better the experience. But, no one wanted the mics close to them. Ah, a lovely physics paradox. You could have put a star system on the table, individual goosenecks, or hang mics from the ceiling. None of these were great solutions.  

Along came the ceiling mic arrays. These wonders of technology allow for audio to be captured cleanly and from the ceiling. This solves the problem of seeing the microphones while also providing exceptional audio. The trick is which one and which style do you need. The first generation were designed for larger rooms and were deployed globally. It’s a bit like the Model T Ford. The ceiling arrays were used in various systems.  

“We’re seeing the need for “hands off” types of solutions. No need to charge anything. It feels a lot more of a seamless journey to get audio out of the room. There’s hundreds of microphones in those devices. Those coupled with our DSPs to create those lobes is the more desired experience,” says John Born from Shure. 

Using these new ceiling arrays are a huge step because of directionality. Directionality is the ability to reject or ignore ambient noises and focusing on the wanted audio. Ciaudelli says, “ceiling mics are basically an array of mic elements that are configured and electronically manipulated to give you directionality.” 

Today’s style of ceiling arrays now has options for smaller rooms, incorporated speakers, and DSP (digital signal processing) built-in. The model and options you need are driven by the size of the room and the use cases.  

Future of Microphone 

The two biggest area of advancement in microphone technology are directionality, or pickup areas, and the transmission of wireless. WMAS we discussed above. To recap, there is new tech coming down the road that will allow universities, corporate users, performance spaces, and churches to not fret about what frequency they might be stepping on. The fight over wireless spectrum is a global issue. As governments sell off pieces of the wireless spectrum to cellphone carriers, AV techs are left with a small sliver within to work. WMAS will help fix that.  

Directionality is also taking a huge leap forward. The audio magic that happens in ceiling mics is the biggest jump in mic technology in decades. “What you find in ceiling mics, mic elements that are electronically manipulated to follow sound, you’re going to see a lot more development in that area,” says Ciaudelli. 

There is also a move to do wireless by default. Especially in the performance space. “The trend now we’re seeing further downstream integration in wireless. We’re seeing everything move to wireless out of convenience. How can we provide experience at lower levels, lower channel counts. Control over RF, feedback, etc. Wireless workbench software, giving broader features for really high tiers,” said Born.  

As more and more wireless gets introduced into campuses and spaces, the need to manage hundreds of channels through a single interface will be a necessity. Most IT and AV managers already have multiple systems they are monitoring for uptime. These wireless systems will need to integrate into either a single pane of glass through API or have a simple interface.  

 Grab your Mic, Don’t Drop It 

You need to be heard. It’s important to get your message across the phone, video conferencing, and the world. Get one that works for you and your voice. Bad audio causes fatigue and is the source of miscommunication. Investing in good audio for both you and those on the other end will pay off for everyone involved.