Sennheiser enhances 50 educational spaces at Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University has completed a significant audio upgrade, revolutionising teaching and learning experiences in over 50 of its lecture theatres. The project, led by Sennheiser, has introduced state-of-the-art audio technology, making the university one of the most advanced in the UK.
At the heart of the upgrade is Sennheiser's TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) and TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M), along with SpeechLine Digital Wireless (SL DW) microphones and MobileConnect. Shu On Kwok, the Business Development Manager at Sennheiser, played a pivotal role in the project.
The TCC 2 ceiling arrays, equipped with dynamic beamforming technology and 28 omnidirectional microphone capsules, are designed to capture clear audio while prioritising lecturer and student voices. They also offer the ability to exclude noisy zones such as HVAC hum, ensuring optimal audio quality. For smaller rooms, the TCC M systems with 16 elements provide similar beamforming performance in a more compact form.
The SL DW wireless channels, operating in the licence-free 1.9 GHz band, have been deployed in the lecture theatres. These channels use AES-256 encryption for secure transmission, ensuring the privacy and compliance of all conversations. They also include automatic frequency management, ensuring seamless operation without interference.
The systems are managed through Sennheiser's Control Cockpit software, allowing remote monitoring, firmware updates, and control of the microphone status across campus. This software also enables audio engineers at Cardiff Met to utilise the advanced zone-control features to suppress unwanted noise.
Lecturers now benefit from visual indicators: LEDs show when microphones are active (green) or muted (red). Moreover, microphones are set to mute automatically when the AV system is powered down, further supporting privacy and compliance.
MobileConnect, a key part of the upgrade, offers benefits for students who need assistive listening support. This system allows students to stream classroom audio to their smartphones via a dedicated app, enhancing accessibility for all learners. Static pin codes displayed in rooms allow easy access to MobileConnect without the need for special setup.
The upgrade was prompted by outdated lecture capture setups and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for flexible and reliable audio solutions for both in-person and remote teaching scenarios. The new systems are designed to improve audio capture, clarity, and flexibility, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology.
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