“Touchless” audio solution at San Diego State University
- University required hands-free audio solution in lecture theaters and classrooms
- Conventional microphone systems can suffer from noise and feedback
- Ceiling-mounted MAS-A100 Beamforming Microphones in lecture theaters and classrooms
- Microphone settings can be adjusted remotely via networked PC
- Students can hear lecturers clearly without feedback or ambient noise
- ‘Touchless’ audio solution allows adherence to health and safety protocols
We were looking for an audio solution that would be hands-free, easy to implement, cost-effective, and offer high-quality sound from any location.
Rudy Arias,
Associate Director, Instructional Technology Services, San Diego State University
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Building classrooms of the future
San Diego State University has standardized on Sony’s innovative MAS-A100 Beamforming Microphone, helping staff deliver high quality in-person and distanced learning while enhancing safety for teaching staff.
The university has recently installed 68 MAS-A100 Beamforming Microphones and already plans to implement more than 100 further units. As San Diego State transitions to a ‘hybrid’ teaching model, the innovative microphone has become a key component in building their classrooms of the future.
Easy installation; automatic calibration
The MAS-A100 Beamforming Microphone enables truly hands-free lectures and presentations, offering superb speech clarity without the movement restrictions of a hand-held microphone or the potential health risks of handling a shared device.
Compact and easy to install, the ceiling-mounted microphone features automatic gain control, ambient noise reduction, and an Intelligent Feedback Reducer function that can extract speech while suppressing unwanted feedback. The microphone’s dual output channels enable speech reinforcement and recording simultaneously—ideal for lecture capture. Supporting Dante and PoE, the MAS-A100 links with third-party systems via a single cable connection. Auto-calibration streamlines system configuration, and settings can be adjusted remotely via management software.
Reliable audio solution for hybrid classrooms
“As we refreshed the design of our classroom due to the pandemic, we sought a touchless experience to safeguard employees and adhere to health and safety protocols,” states Rudy Arias, Associate Director, Instructional Technology Services, San Diego State University. “We were looking for an audio solution that would be hands-free, easy to implement, cost-effective and offer high-quality sound from any location.
“When we were introduced to the Sony IP ceiling microphone through a virtual demo, we placed our order within hours. We knew right away that it met our list of requirements and would be a reliable solution for our new hybrid classroom experience. We are currently installing them across our two campuses to make a bigger impact and facilitate a more engaging educational experience for teachers and students alike. We are actively exploring and testing additional Sony classroom solutions to complement the new microphones and enhance our display capabilities.”
Enriching student learning experiences
“The MAS-A100 offers a number of beneficial features that enhance acoustic experiences, in-classroom or at-home, including the ability to record lectures for on-demand purposes,” says Theresa Alesso, Pro Division President, Sony Electronics. “As universities navigate news ways of instructing and connecting with students remotely, audio has become a primary area of focus. The pristine sound quality of our beamforming microphones builds a solid foundation for increasing interactivity, while enabling a two-way dialog that enriches learning.”
