Ceiling Microphone MAS-A100

A product photo of the Beamforming Microphone showing the product face-on

Introducing Sony’s beamforming ceiling microphone with advanced speech reinforcement technology—enabling truly hands-free and contactless lectures and presentations.

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5-Year Standard Warranty

On all SRG Series PTZ/BOX/POV Cameras, AI Video Analytics and Beamforming Ceiling Mic
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Contactless, hands-free ceiling beamforming microphone with speech-reinforcement capability

The MAS-A100 is a state-of-the-art speech reinforcement* and recording solution. Attaching and positioning lavalier microphones is time consuming, and handheld microphones restrict movement. However, the Beamforming Microphone is simply affixed to the ceiling, and is ready to use—leaving the orator location-free, hassle-free, and hands-free to focus on presenting. And what’s more, operation is totally contactless—reducing risk of infection for users.

*Loud-speaker system is required for speech reinforcement

Dedicated Channels for Speech Reinforcement and Recording

Our comprehensive solution employs audio volume stabilization and clear audio processing to produce sharp recordings.

The MAS-A100 has two channel outputs. The main channel provides speech reinforcement in a classroom environment, while the dedicated rec channel records with a wider capture range and optimal intelligibility—perfect for lecture capture and remote learning.*

The dual-output channel enables true hybrid learning by providing speech reinforcement in the classroom and recording for remote learning simultaneously—to create a true hybrid learning solution.

*Lecture capture system required
**Pre-testing recommended for remote learning applications.

Simple Installation and Management

Supporting Dante and PoE, MAS-A100 links with third-party systems via a single cable connection. Auto-calibration streamlines system configuration, and settings can easily be adjusted via the network using free MASM-1 management software. Permanent ceiling installation ensures hands-free and contactless operation. And with simple settings, central management and no need to monitor battery use, MAS-A100 is a convenient classroom audio solution.

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Beamforming and Intelligent Feedback Reducer

The integration of beamforming technology and our market-leading Intelligent Feedback Reducer produces clear audio with hands-free speech reinforcement, leaving the presenter hands-free. Sony’s high-performance digital signal processing and unique algorithms extract speech sound while suppressing unwanted feedback (howling). 

A diagram showing how the Beamforming Microphone's feedback reducer works. We see how the teacher's voice is captured by the microphone and sent to the loudspeakers. The sound from the loudspeaker goes back to the microphone but is canceled out, eliminating the feedback

Noise reduction

Our Ceiling Microphone incorporates advanced noise-reduction technologies to minimize ambient noise. Stationary background noise arising from projectors and air conditioning is automatically detected and reduced to achieve clear sound resulting in better intelligibility and, ultimately, better understanding for listeners.

In addition to this, the Ambient Noise Filter* feature automatically detects and filters out intermittent and distracting sounds, such as the typing of a keyboard, click of a mouse, or the turning of pages. (Version 1.1)

*The Ambient Noise Filter feature is scheduled to be available in March 2021

A diagram showing how Beamforming Microphone's noise-reduction feature works. We see how only the teacher's voice is captured by the microphone and sent to the loudspeakers, but not the noise of the air conditioning or the sounds from the teacher's laptop. The speaker is smart enough to filter out this ambient noise.

Automatic gain control

The MAS-A100 has a useful inbuilt volume normalization feature to maintain stable volume regardless of the distance between the presenter and the microphone, leaving the presenter free to move around the space without the audio quality deteriorating. Automatic gain control adjusts the strength of the signal received to ensure clear and consistent sound for easy listening.

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Automatic calibration

The Beamforming Microphone optimizes the parameters of audio processing for speech reinforcement automatically. The microphone generates a test signal, which is captured by the loud speakers. The system then calculates and configures the parameters for speech reinforcement. This calibration is required only on initial installation, minimizing time-consuming set-up and system maintenance.

  1. Generate test signal
  2. Capture test signal from loudspeakers
  3. Calculate and configure optimal parameters for speech reinforcement
A diagram showing how Automatic Calibration works. Beamforming Microphone sends a test signal to the speakers which is picked up by the microphone. The microphone then adjusts its parameters based on this test signal

Hear the difference for yourself

Performance Test 1

Listen to how the Beamforming Ceiling Microphone performs—and the difference the Beamforming technology makes—in a standard classroom setup.

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Performance Test 2

Compare the performance when users are wearing masks.

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Microphone Array System Manager (free download)

Our comprehensive solution includes free Microphone Array System Manager software (MASM-1). The software supports installation and configuration of initial settings, as well as monitoring, operations and firmware management. MASM-1 is a total management solution, enabling users to manage multiple microphones in multiple locations centrally and easily via the local network.

Find out more about MASM-1 >

A diagram denoting how the Microphone Array System Manager (MASM-1) supports multiple classrooms. Three classrooms are shown linked to the software

System Setup

Whether you’re integrating into a Dante audio system or an existing analog system, the Beamforming Ceiling Microphone provides simple integration with minimal fuss. You can also calculate how many microphones you need to deliver seamless lectures with our online configurator tool, which calculates the dimensions of your room to provide the optimum setup.

Configure your room >

A diagram showing the calculator for Beamforming Microphone
A diagram showing a typical Beamforming Microphone setup connected to a Dante audio system. The microphones are connected to a PoE switch which sends the signal to a Dante mixer. The mixer outputs two signals: the recording channel is sent to a lecturer capture recorder. The second signal is sent to an amplifier then to the loudspeakers on the main channel
A diagram showing a typical Beamforming Microphone setup connected to an analog audio system. The microphones are connected to a PoE switch and on to a Dante to analog converter which converts the signal to analog. The signal is then sent to the mixer which outputs two signals: the recording channel is sent to a lecturer capture recorder. The second signal is sent to an amplifier then to the loudspeakers on the main channel

Additional features

Bass Boost

Enhance audio quality for clear and easy listening with adjustable levels of bass boost. (Version 1.1)

Scheduled to be available in March 2021

Icon representing the Bass Boost feature.

Dante® and PoE compatibility

The MAS-A100 is compatible with third-party Dante mixers, converters and other devices, as well as power over Ethernet (PoE). There’s no complicated wiring—a single cable can connect the microphone to the system.

An icon showing a network cable

Status LED

The microphone has an inbuilt status LED, enabling both instructor and operator to easily recognize the microphone status.

An icon of the Beamforming Microphone

API

Our Beamforming Ceiling Microphone can be operated by API, permitting simple external control and customization as well as linking with existing systems.

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Watch the webinar

Discover more about the user benefits and features of the MAS-A100 Beamforming Ceiling Microphone.

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Specifications

Networking
Cable requirements
Cat5e UTP or higher
Audio
Frequency response
100-10,000 Hz *
Sensitivity
0dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz*
Maximum SPL
94dBSPL
Signal to noise ratio
75 dB (A-weighted, 1 kHz, 1 Pa)*
Latency
Under 24 ms (not including Dante latency)
Self noise
19dBSPL (A-weighted)*
Dynamic range
75 dB*
Dante digital output
Channel count: 2 channels (Main, Rec) with Dante
Sampling rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth: 24
Audio interface: Dante, AES67
Digital Signal Processing
Audio technologies
Beamforming
Feedback reducer
Automatic gain control
Noise reduction
Noise gate
Automatic calibration with test signal
Equalizer
API for external control system
Performance
Maximum noise reduction: 24 dB
Maximum feedback reduction: 32 dB
Configuration
Mic gain (output volume): -60 dB to +12 dB
Capture range: Narrow / standard / wide
Feedback reduction: Low/middle/high
Noise reduction: Low/middle/high
Noise gate: Off/low/middle/high
Equalizer: Fixed 5-band, ±12 dB (1 dB Step)
General
Connector type
RJ45
Power requirements
Power over Ethernet (PoE), Class 0
Power consumption
13 W, maximum 9 W @25°C, typical
Weight
Approx. 2 lb 3.2 oz (1 kg) (main unit only)
Approx. 2 lb 14 oz (1.3 kg) (with ceiling bracket)
Dimensions
Φ: Approx. 240 mm (9 1/2 inch)
Height: Approx. 50 mm (2 inch)
Control browser (MAS-A100)
Google Chrome
Operating temperature range
0–40°C
Operating humidity
20% to 80% (no condensation allowed)
Storage temperature
-20 °С to +60 °С (-4 °F to 140 °F)
Storage humidity
20% to 80% (no condensation allowed)
Supplied accessories
Ceiling bracket (1)
Safety regulations (3)
Template (1)
Notes
*
Not including signal processing