San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Chamber Q-SYS Audio System Upgrade
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.
PROJECT NAME
San Mateo Board
Of Supervisors
LOCATION
Redwood City, CA
SIZE
208,000 SF
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.
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
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.
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.
Need Audio Visual Design or AV Integration Help? Talk to an AV Design Advisor.
Have questions, we have answers, our design and engineering resources are happy to help with design and integration advice.
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