How to Setup Audio for Conferencing

A Guide to Impeccable Audio for Conference Rooms

Remember the days when conference calls were a technological hassle? Thankfully there is no longer a need to struggle with the connection, video, or audio for conferencing. With the right equipment, any enterprise or organization can achieve a pleasant and seamless conference experience for every meeting. In this guide, we focus on audio for conference rooms. We explain the equipment needed, how to set up the audio, and the best practices to set your enterprise up for success.

What audio tech do you need for conferencing?

Regarding audio for conferencing, the most critical tech are quality speaker mounts, speakers, and microphones. 

Speaker Mounts

Speakers must be placed in the right location to achieve the best audio quality that is clear and natural. The easiest and most effective solution is to mount a speaker to your display mount. This allows the sound to distribute optimally throughout the space and integrate seamlessly with the visual aspects of the conference. For a universal soundbar mount that attaches to the bottom display VESA mounting holes, consider our PACSBM Universal Soundbar Mount. This mount is adjustable, and it projects quality sounds that everyone can hear. Designed for convenience, this mount can attach to most display mounts and many sound bars. If you are using one of our Fusion® Series mounts like a cart, stand, ceiling, or wall mount, consider this FCA8XX Speaker Adapters Series. It features an expandable and universal design that accommodates most speaker brands without adding depth to the installation. 

Sound Bar

Sound bars are a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing solution to help boost audio clarity in conference rooms. They are designed for easy mounting and quality projection throughout a commercial space. Consider this EasyTalk Sound Bar by Vaddio that offers high-fidelity voice support. It can be positioned above or below a display or sit freestanding on a desk. 

Microphones

Conferencing audio requires quality microphones placed in just the suitable locations. Poorly placed microphones can lead to distortion and annoying feedback from nearby sources. A ceiling microphone is an excellent solution if you need superior coverage throughout a room and consistent clarity for every participant. This CeilingMIC Microphone by Vaddio is a next-generation echo-canceling ceiling microphone pod that can pickup sounds from every angle. The design allows for custom ceiling drop cable length and easy installation for any conference room. On the other hand, if you need a versatile microphone that you can quickly move between conference rooms, consider a tabletop device. This TableMIC Microphone by Vaddio offers touch control and is engineered to reduce distracting noises and table vibrations. 

How to Setup Audio for Conference Room

Audio for conferencing is a more complex solution. To create a successful conferencing experience, you must connect the audio solutions to your displays with functional and professional mounts. 

If you are looking for a flexible conference room setup, consider our Voyager Mobile Cart. It is a compact mobile display solution that supports versatile conferencing applications. The cart has unique speaker mounts that connect seamlessly to the frame. Built-in cable management, small device storage, and the slim footprint ensure attendees can move freely around the cart, and the cart can move quickly from room to room. A tabletop mount is ideal if a flexible, moveable conference room configuration. 

If you want to organize your conference room around a wall-mounted display, consider our Fusion® Series mounts. Available in tilt and fixed designs, you can choose a mount with the degree of adjustability your installation requires. Plus, all of the mounts are compatible with the speakers listed above. 

If you need to organize your conference room around a display on a stand, consider the Fusion® Manual Height Adjustable Stretch Portrait Stand. It incorporates round edges and sleek features to give a softer, professional look while supporting displays in portrait orientation. For both the wall and stand configurations, consider installing a ceiling microphone to capture speakers' voices throughout the space. 

Best Practices for Conferencing Audio

1. Consider the Functionality  

There are many different ways to configure conferring audio, and at the end of the day, it is essential that the solution works well for your unique enterprise. Take the time to carefully and thoroughly assess the functionality requirements of your audio conferencing setup. For example, if you need something mobile, focus on acquiring equipment that can travel easily and work well in multiple environments.

2. Consider the Accessibility 

Accessibility is a top priority of conferring audio setups. Ensure that everyone can hear and be heard. To optimize opportunities for participation and engagement, choose the suitable microphones and speakers for your space, and place the equipment in the proper location.

3. Consider the Longevity

A conference room setup is not a temporary solution. Take the time and allocate resources to acquire quality equipment that creates a seamless audio experience for in-person and remote participants.

For more inspiration, check out our guide Video Conferencing for Mobility & Flexibility. 

For more conferencing solutions and a comprehensive selection of innovative AV products and service solutions, visit Chief today.