Ceiling mics were once viewed as a challenge to integrators, but their quality and capabilities have improved. The DSP algorithms used to support them have improved as well, and have actually effectively eliminated most (and in many cases all) ceiling and HVAC noises as impediments to high quality audio. Configuring the DSP settings to appropriately match the needs of the end users of a space is absolutely crucial to the success of a ceiling microphone (and table microphone) solution.

Enhance Speech Processing with DSP Algorithms

Biamp DSP algorithms that help to effectively eliminate ceiling and HVAC noises include:

  • Automatic gain control (AGC)
  • Ambient noise compensation (ANC)
  • Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC)
  • Gain Sharing Automixing (GSA)

These algorithms enhance speech processing by more accurately differentiating speech from background noise. With the appropriate combination of audio algorithms, Biamp DSPs have the potential to greatly enhance ceiling mic performance.

As our applications engineer, Matt Gray, wrote in his 5 Ways to Correct Bad Mix-Minus blog post, configuring a good audio system can be time-consuming, and is almost always a labor of love. Setting proper gain structure, making sure AEC and automatic mixing are correct, and organizing the gating structure of the mics are all very important steps for optimal audio performance.

If you decide to throw a mix-minus system in there, definitely read Matt’s blog post mentioned above. You can also read more about mix-minus on our new online technical support knowledgebase, Cornerstone, or contact our tech support team.