San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Chamber Q-SYS Audio System Upgrade

Q: What does a nationwide AV integrator actually manage?

A nationwide AV integrator manages the full lifecycle across every site: technology standards, site surveys, engineering documentation, procurement, installation, commissioning, and ongoing support — not just equipment sales.

Q: How is a nationwide rollout different from a single-site AV project?

A single-site project designs for one room's conditions. A nationwide rollout defines approved room archetypes (huddle, conference, boardroom, training, etc.) that get applied consistently, with documented exceptions for site-specific constraints like room size or network policy.

Q: Do all rooms need identical equipment?

No. Standardization applies at the archetype level — a small huddle room and a large boardroom should follow different technology packages, but each package should be repeatable across every site that fits that archetype.

Q: Why does network readiness matter for AV projects?

AV-over-IP video, conferencing appliances, control processors, and digital signage all run as networked devices. Without early planning for VLANs, PoE budgets, and security policy, a well-specified system can still underperform once it's installed.

Q: What happens after installation?

Commissioning tests the system under real conditions — video routing, mic pickup, DSP tuning, and conferencing workflows — before handoff. After that, ongoing support (monitoring, maintenance, escalation) keeps performance consistent as firmware, platforms, and room use evolve.

ProjectSan Mateo Board Of Supervisors

LocationRedwood City, CA

Size208,000 SF

INTRODUCTION

San Mateo County recently undertook a major upgrade of the Audio-Visual systems in its Board of Supervisors Chamber at the County Center in Redwood City, California. As the governing body for one of California's most populous counties, the Board of Supervisors hosts high-profile public meetings that demand exceptional audio clarity for both in-person audiences and remote viewers.

Creation Networks performed the complete design, engineering, programming, and installation of the new system.

Meeting in a council chamber with attendees and officials present.

CHALLENGE

Although the previous audio system was only two years old, it suffered from persistent performance problems:

Audience members consistently complained that they could not clearly hear the Board members during meetings
Inadequate volume levels and poor speech intelligibility throughout the chamber
The original consultant had installed line arrays behind the dais, which failed to overcome the challenging acoustics caused by the room's wood slat ceiling
Ineffective microphone coverage on the dais
Overall system that could not deliver the professional, reliable sound required for transparent public government proceedings

THE SOLUTION

Creation Networks conducted a thorough acoustic analysis and recommended a complete redesign focused on proper microphone placement and a high-quality distributed audio system. The solution involved installing new microphones directly on the dais and deploying a carefully engineered speaker array above the wood slat ceiling to achieve even coverage and superior intelligibility.

Scaffolding was erected to safely remove ceiling panels, allowing precise installation of the new loudspeakers while minimizing disruption to county operations. The new system leverages the powerful Q-SYS platform for advanced processing and control, delivering clear, natural sound throughout the entire chamber.

A conference room with seating, screens, and a central circular emblem.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Core Audio & Control System

Q-SYS Ecosystem with QIO-GP8X8 control expansion
Powersoft Quattrocanali 1204 DSP+D — 1200W 4-channel flexible amplifier with Dante

Speakers

Renkus-Heinz CX41 — 15 compact 4-inch coaxial two-way loudspeakers installed above the wood slat ceiling for distributed coverage

Microphone System

Shure Microflex Wireless — MXW1X bodypack, MXW2X/SM58 handheld, and MXWNDX8 docking station
Shure MX415RLPDF/S — 11 dualflex 15-inch gooseneck microphones with red light ring installed on the dais
Shure MX185 — Cardioid lavalier microphones

Supporting Infrastructure

Sony SRGA40 PTZ Auto Framing cameras (3)
Netgear managed PoE+ switches
Professional cabling, connectors, and RDL distribution components

Person speaking at a podium with a timer in a meeting room.

RESULTS

The new audio system has fully resolved the previous challenges and dramatically improved meeting quality:

Clear, consistent volume levels and excellent speech intelligibility for all audience members
Professional sound reinforcement that effectively overcomes the difficult wood slat ceiling acoustics
Reliable dais microphones that ensure every Board member is clearly heard
Significantly fewer audience complaints and improved public engagement
A robust, scalable system that supports both in-person and hybrid meetings with ease

The San Mateo Board of Supervisors now benefits from a modern, high-performance AV system that enhances transparency and public trust in local government.

Creation Networks delivers similar AV work for government agencies nationwide, including a Bay Area Rapid Transit control room and conference room upgrade and a FEMA operations center collaboration upgrade.

NEXT STEPS

Creation Networks specializes in solving complex acoustic challenges in government chambers, council rooms, and public meeting spaces throughout the Bay Area.

Ready to upgrade your board chamber or public meeting space? Contact Creation Networks today for a consultation. Let us deliver a custom AV solution that performs in even the most challenging environments. Visit creationnetworks.net