With a rich history as a trusted leader in the commercial audio industry, from wired microphones to advanced wireless systems, Audio-Technica offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that meet the unique needs of professionals in every audio application.
This new facility is used for consultants, integrators, end users and Audio-Technica's sales representatives (primarily remotely, but in-person visits are welcome). The new facility emphasizes Audio-Technica’s commitment to developing new solutions designed for real-world applications. The facility is fully equipped with a setup of gear from Audio-Technica and third-party manufacturers to simulate practical applications in the system integration market sector.
Integration with Audio-Technica’s technology partners is a key part of this laboratory, in order to refine and demonstrate interoperability in real-world applications. The main application will be to serve as a network hub for consultants, integrators, end users and reps to experience A-T's systems remotely (via conferencing apps), but visitors are also welcome to visit in person.
"Commercial products, especially for video conferencing, are best experienced from the far end as an end user will experience it. This is not possible by simply walking into an office and showing someone the physical hardware. They want to know how it will sound in real applications, including through Teams or Zoom or the conferencing application of their choice. And much more than a demo room to drive sales, this space gives us the opportunity to walk integrators through our hardware and software solutions before they get on site to install them, to increase their level of comfort and familiarity with these systems, as well as to remote-in to troubleshoot in real time if they are experiencing problems in the field. We welcome consultants and integrators to experience this facility in person, and to invite end users as well," explains Mark Donovan, Audio-Technica Applications Engineering Manager, Professional Markets.
The space features data, power, and audio drops located in strategic locations throughout the room to support connections for devices in the ceiling, on the walls, or on tables. There are 70 network data connections, 54 duplex 115V power outlets, and 18 analog audio connections. The room measures 28.5 feet by 18.5 feet, with an open ceiling. The steel ceiling joists start at 9.5 feet and extend up to the second floor decking 11 feet from the floor.
The room is isolated from external noise with a 0.25-inch recycled rubber membrane that is installed between the wall framing and the drywall. The drywall is covered with sound absorption panels of varying depth and width to reduce reflections. "This gives us a very quiet and controlled test and demo environment," notes Donovan.
The data and audio feeds all go back to a 44-space equipment rack that houses a variety of audio, video, and network devices. This allows the team to patch combinations of equipment together (not only from A-T, but from other industry manufacturers) as they might be used in the field to both demonstrate functionality and to assist integrators in determining the most efficient way to configure the equipment.
Equipment in the System Solutions Lab includes preamps, mixers and DSP from Biamp, Bose, Crestron, Symetrix, QSC and RME, apart from Audio-Technica gear. Amplification and speakers are provided by Genelec and Xilica, with video equipment from AVer, Samsung and Visionary Solutions. Computer and network equipment is provided by Hewlett Packard and Netgear. Those brands were selected for being industry-standards that are most often paired with A-T in the field.
System integrators who are interested in scheduling an Audio-Technica product demonstration should contact their Audio-Technica representative.
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