Optimal audio quality requires more than one microphone

  • 12. January 2022

Who hasn't experienced it: poor audio quality makes communication in a video conference difficult. However, successful virtual cooperation requires problem-free communication. Often the user is not aware of the various causes. A good microphone is of course the basis for high audio quality, but other factors are equally important.

Room acoustics of great importance

An important component for optimal audio quality is the room acoustics. The choice of materials and room design influence the acoustics and should be taken into account in the initial planning phase. Negative as well as time- and cost-intensive surprises in the application can thus be avoided. Hard, sterile and minimalist surfaces are in vogue. However, they hardly absorb sound waves and thus cause unwanted audio reflections and echoes. Printed acoustic partitions or classic absorber panels can optimise the audio quality even in existing rooms. Depending on the variant, they blend visually with the furnishings and can also be used as a design element.

Selection and positioning of the technical infrastructure

The selection and positioning of the technical infrastructure also deserve high attention. They ensure very good speech intelligibility and prevent disturbing sound reflections in the room. Today's technology offers acoustic echo cancellation, which is essential for online meetings, through digital audio signal processing. It filters the microphone signal from the loudspeaker signal and thus prevents an acoustic loop. For optimal reproduction quality in the room, the output signal is adapted to the acoustic conditions by means of an equaliser and limiter.

Another important factor is, of course, the microphonics: it converts the spoken word into electrical signals. Optimal positioning and directional characteristics play a fundamental role here. Here, too, digitalisation brings significant advantages: Intelligent, electronically adjustable microphones enable optimal recording of the spoken sound waves and minimise interference noise. This technology also enables flexible integration of the microphones into the room architecture.

Summary

Investing in high-quality audio technology is definitely worthwhile. Not only in terms of cost and time, it also saves you a lot of trouble. We will be happy to advise you on request at your location to discuss the various factors for an optimal audio set-up on site.