A
conference room can say a lot about a company. Are they open and innovative, ready to develop the next big thing? Or are they stale and behind the times?
This perception not only affects currently employees, but can also leave an impression on prospective hires, guests, other branches and business partners.
This is why investing in new
conference room systems is so important. Today's conference room systems offer such high-quality audio and video that it’s almost to a point of feeling like you’re in the same room. Not only do they make a great impression, but they improve communication, which can have a major impact on your bottom line.
In this guide, we've offered a top-level overview of installed
conference room audio systems for small businesses and IT beginners. We'll show how an all-in-one system can transform virtually any space into a fully functional conference room, and we'll share the features that set the best systems apart from the competition.
What Are Installed Conference Room Audio Systems?
If you're just getting started in the business world, think of an installed
conference room system as a unified communication and collaboration tool. Typically, the best conference room systems include a set of wireless microphones, speakers, a DSP (digital signal processing) unit, and a system that amplifies and connects everything. They may also include a mixer, a control panel for quick adjustments and of course, the associated cables needed.
Conference room AV systems allow you to host in-person meetings with dedicated microphones for each participant, so that everyone's voice is heard. They also work flawlessly with web-based communication tools like Skype for Business and Zoom, so you can host virtual meetings with teams on the other side of the globe.
Getting Started With Installed Conference Audio Systems
First, it's important to narrow down the features that matter most to your team, so you can choose a conferencing system for your space. Do you need a portable system that you can take on-the-go? Would you prefer an all-in-one solution that works seamlessly and doesn't require a lengthy installation process? How important is system security to your team? An AV installer can certainly help you with answering these questions (our expert staff if also always here to help), but for a beginner looking to outfit a boardroom or large conference room on their own, we recommend taking a look at all-in-one systems.
These integrated conferencing packages come preprogrammed out of the box so little is required for getting started. For example, the
Yamaha YAI-1 includes an 8-channel wireless microphone system, 8 wireless mics, a mixer, 2 line array speakers, a digital control panel, and all the cables you need to get up and running. You can set up the entire system without having audio expertise or programming any software. Meanwhile, the system's built-in Dugan mixer ensures that your audio stays level throughout a conference, so that everyone hears at the optimal volume.
Features To Consider When Evaluating Conference Room Systems
Often, when companies are in the market for conference room audio, they take a risk trying to complete a room installation without a skilled AV technician. Unforeseen products may arise and can end up costing the company more in the long run.
Fortunately, all of this can be avoided by investing in an integrated conferencing system. These all-in-one packages are preprogrammed before they even reach your office, and every necessary accessory comes in the box. Furthermore, each piece of equipment is designed to work well with each other. From the microphones to the speakers (and everything in between), you know that the system has been optimized for audio clarity.
At a minimum, we recommend selecting
conference room systems kits with wireless microphones, USB capabilities, and pre-configured software. It also makes a huge difference if your system has built-in DSP technology, such as adaptive echo cancellation and noise reduction. This will ensure that your meetings stay intelligible when there's unwanted noise from another room, or if your space has poor acoustics.
Investing in cutting-edge tools easily allow and encourage employees to communicate, collaborate, and connect, instead of holding them back. With a quality conferencing system, your team will have the ultimate tool for brainstorming the next big idea!