Beamforming Microphone Solutions & Integration

Q: Why choose a ceiling array over traditional tabletop microphones?

Ceiling arrays offer superior clarity and flexibility. Using beamforming technology, they isolate human speech and filter out surface-level distractions like rustling papers or typing. They also provide a cleaner room aesthetic and allow for flexible furniture configurations without cable clutter.

Q: Can beamforming technology handle acoustic reflections from glass walls?

Yes. Through precise DSP programming, 'exclusion zones' can be created to ignore reflections from hard surfaces like glass. This prevents the 'hollow' or echoing sound often caused by sound bouncing off reflective materials.

Q: How many microphones do I need for a large room?

The number of microphones depends on ceiling height and pickup range. While a single high-end ceiling array can often cover a 30'x30' area, larger spaces may require multiple units linked via a central Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

Q: Do beamforming microphones require a separate Digital Signal Processor (DSP)?

Enterprise-grade installations typically require a dedicated DSP. This external processor manages essential tasks like Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), noise reduction, and auto-mixing to ensure stable, professional-grade audio.

Ford AV designs, installs, and supports professional beamforming microphone arrays for organizations requiring high-quality audio in meeting and learning spaces. As a premier AV integrator, we specialize in deploying ceiling, wall, and tabletop array technology that eliminates ambient noise and ensures every voice is captured with absolute clarity.

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What is Beamforming Technology?

Beamforming is a sophisticated signal processing technique that allows a microphone array to “aim” at a specific sound source. Unlike traditional microphones that pick up sound in a fixed, physical pattern, beamforming microphones use multiple internal elements and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to create virtual “lobes.”

These lobes track speakers in real time, focusing on the person talking while digitally suppressing background noise such as HVAC hum, paper rustling, or hallway traffic. The result is a high-fidelity audio experience that feels natural for both local and remote participants.

Benefits of Beamforming Microphone Arrays

Audio Clarity & Speech Intelligibility

High-density mic elements and onboard processing ensure vocal precision. These systems isolate speech to deliver clear audio, even in acoustically challenging environments with high ambient noise.

Noise Reduction & Echo Cancellation

Active suppression filters out distractions like HVAC hum and typing. High-performance echo cancellation prevents feedback, ensuring remote participants receive clear, consistent sound.

Flexible
Mounting

Plenum-rated designs meet building codes for safe installation in drop ceilings or air-handling spaces. Units can be flush-mounted or suspended to match any architectural layout.

Speaker Tracking & Steerable Beams

Intelligent tracking follows presenters automatically. The microphone shifts its focus to active talkers, making it ideal for dynamic Q&A and collaborative brainstorming sessions.

Room Analytics & Diagnostics

Built-in data points provide occupancy tracking and talker heatmaps. IT teams use these metrics to monitor room usage and proactively manage overall AV system health.

Collaboration Platform Compatibility

Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet and Webex. Integrated LED indicators provide instant mute-status feedback and stay synchronized with your conferencing software.

Leading Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphones

Selecting the right hardware depends on your room’s dimensions, acoustic profile, and existing platform (Zoom or Microsoft Teams). We specialize in the industry’s most reliable arrays, often featured in our technical evaluations.

Shure MXA920/910

The industry standard for ceiling-mounted coverage covering a 30 × 30 ft area without manual aiming, while still offering Steerable Coverage beams for precise lobe placement and offering “Automatic Coverage” technology that simplifies setup while providing elite audio pickup.

Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2

Notable for its 28 integrated condenser capsules that automatically track active speakers for consistent, high‑quality audio. Its TruVoicelift technology enhances in‑room speech reinforcement, and automatic gain control ensures clear levels across varying talker distances.

Biamp Parlé CMS Series

Includes the CMS 400‑I and CMS 600‑I, featuring 4‑ and 6‑element microphone arrays with autotuning elements and real‑time beamforming for consistent speech pickup. These ceiling mics provide echo cancellation, noise reduction, and automatic gain control for clear, intelligible audio.

Audio-Technica ATND1061

Is a compact, ceiling‑mounted beamforming microphone array roughly the size of a wireless access point. It features six output channels configurable with up to 32 user‑defined coverage and priority zones, enabling speech tracking and minimizing background noise.

Yamaha RM‑CG Ceiling Microphone

Features an eight‑element array that forms four dynamic auto‑tracking beams, capturing multiple voices simultaneously. Its DSP includes echo cancellation, noise reduction, auto‑gain control, and de‑reverberation, ensuring clean audio.

For a deeper comparison of these technologies, read our analysis: 5 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphones for Quality Conference Audio

Engineering the Ideal Audio Environment

Installing a beamforming microphone is only half the battle. Professional audio performance requires meticulous engineering of the entire signal chain. Ford AV’s design process includes:

Acoustic Modeling: We analyze your room’s reverb and ambient noise floor to determine the best microphone placement.
DSP Programming: Our engineers configure the Digital Signal Processor to handle gain, equalization, and noise reduction specifically for your space.
Network Optimization: We ensure your audio-over-IP (Dante or AES67) traffic is prioritized on your network for zero-latency performance.
Commissioning & Testing: We perform rigorous “near and far” end testing to ensure the audio quality is consistent for every participant on a call.

Professional Audio for Any Room Size

Every room presents unique collaboration challenges. Ford AV designs audio solutions that match any room size and user expectations while maintaining consistency across the organization.

Huddle Rooms

Compact, cost-effective huddle room audio systems designed for small team collaboration. . We integrate all-in-one hardware and intuitive interfaces to enable immediate meeting starts in compact, high-turnover spaces.

Standard Conference Rooms

Standardized video conferencing for everyday business. These rooms utilize beamforming microphones and one-touch controls to ensure a consistent, reliable user experience across your entire organization.

Executive Boardrooms

High-performance environments for leadership teams. We integrate studio-grade audio, automated camera switching, and custom acoustic treatments to support mission-critical decision-making.

Large Meeting & Training Rooms

Scalable solutions for high-occupancy environments. These spaces leverage speech reinforcement and voice lift technology to ensure clear communication and intelligibility for every participant.

Beamforming Microphones (FAQ)

Why choose a ceiling array over traditional tabletop microphones?

It’s all about clarity and flexibility. Our beamforming microphones are designed to isolate human speech and filter out surface-level distractions, like rustling papers, typing, shuffling, etc. Beyond the better sound quality, you gain a cleaner room aesthetic and the freedom to move furniture without worrying about cabling or microphone placement.

Can beamforming technology handle acoustic reflections from glass walls?

Yes. Through precise DSP programming, we can create “exclusion zones” that tell the microphone to ignore reflections coming from hard surfaces like glass or windows. This prevents the “hollow” sound often caused by sound bouncing off reflective materials.

How many microphones do I need for a large room?

This depends on the ceiling height and the pickup range of the specific array. A single high-end ceiling array can often cover a 30’x30′ area, but larger spaces may require multiple units linked via a central DSP.

Do beamforming microphones require a separate Digital Signal Processor (DSP)?

While some newer models have limited onboard processing, enterprise-grade installations typically require a dedicated DSP. This external processor manages complex tasks like Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), noise reduction, and auto-mixing, which are essential for stable, professional audio.

Let’s Design Your Professional Audio Environment

Whether you are upgrading to beamforming ceiling arrays, implementing networked digital signal processing (DSP), or optimizing speech intelligibility for boardrooms, lecture halls, and training spaces, Ford AV has the expertise, technology, and experience to deliver. Talk to our audio system specialists today and experience professionally designed sound built for clarity, performance, and long-term reliability.

Partner with America’s Leading AV Technology Company

50+ Years of Experience – Designing and integrating advanced audio solutions that enhance speech clarity, acoustic performance, and meeting equity across a wide range of industries.

Nationwide Audio Services – Local teams supported by a national network for dependable beamforming system design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing support.

Comprehensive Audio Solutions – From ceiling and wall-mounted microphone arrays to networked DSPs, automated voice lift, and acoustic echo cancellation (AEC).

Scalable, Future-Ready Audio – Engineered for any room size or architectural layout, with flexible pickup zones and steerable beams that adapt as your space evolves.

Proven Audio Performance – Trusted by corporate offices, healthcare organizations, universities, government facilities, and houses of worship.

Ready to improve your space with professional beamforming microphones? Fill out the form below to connect with Ford AV audio experts.