Microsoft Teams Large Meeting Room - Biamp Tesira DSP and Sennheiser TeamConnect TCC2

The Biamp Tesira digital signal processing system when combined with Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone array enables greater flexibility in room configuration options. Without having microphones tied to a desk a room can be setup for a training layout one day and a conference call the next. Unique automatic beamforming technology from the ceiling based audio system enables more freedom of movement in a conferencing room as it is designed to better pick up voices from where every they are in the room. This complete system provides a transparent conferencing experience for every mid to large-sized meeting room. The kit includes a Biamp DSP, Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone, amplifier, ceiling speakers and a remote deployment support package to help you get started.

This system design is for Biamp Tesira and Microsoft Teams Room systems that are integrated with the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 mic array to support a large meeting room.

A large meeting room is defined as a meeting space about 15' x 28' (4.5m x 8.5m). This system supports Microsoft Teams meetings, with all control originating from the Microsoft Teams Room user interface. The TesiraFORTÉ and EX-UBT communicate with Microsoft Teams to sync mute state from the user interface and allows this status to be reflected on the TeamConnect Ceiling 2 LED indicators. A PoE+ amplifier mounts directly to the Desono ceiling speakers, which are located at suitable positions to evenly cover the meeting room with the far-end voice and USB audio. The TeamConnect requires Dante for routing signals to and from the ceiling microphone. Single channel Dante to analog input and output convertors are used to facilitate the connection to a physical input and output on the TesiraFORTÉ AVB VT4.

Room Functionality Scope

Microsoft Teams Large Meeting Room - TesiraFORTE and Sennheiser TCC2 - Biamp Cornerstone

• Microsoft Teams Room System
• Ceiling Tile Style Dynamic Beamforming Microphone Array
• HID Communication to support mute sync between microphone and MTR System
• Dante Audio Network for routing of microphone signal to Dante I/O adapters
• LoZ ceiling speakers for playback of voice signals from MTR far end

Equipment list

Below is the list of Biamp equipment used in this system configuration: 

• 1 - TesiraFORTÉ AVB VT4  Audio DSP 
• 1 - Tesira EX-UBT USB connection to Microsoft Teams Room System 
• 1 - Tesira AMP-450BP 4 channel PoE+ amplifier  
• 2 - Desono C-IC6 Wide coverage ceiling speaker (dispersion angle of 130°) optimized for voice reproduction 
• 1 – TesiraCONNECT TC-5  5 port AVB expansion box 

Other system hardware required: 

• 1 - Microsoft Certified Teams Room System  
• 1 – Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 Ceiling Mic Array 
• 1 - Dante AVIO Analog Input 1ch (ADP-DAI-AU-1X0) 
• 1 - Dante AVIO Analog Output 1ch (ADP-DAO-AU-0X1) 
• 1 - Network switch for Tesira Control and Dante communications 
• 1 - Computer running Tesira Software, Control Cockpit, and Dante Controller * 

Microphone and speaker placement

Microphone placement

The laws of physics can't be ignored when deciding on the right placement of a microphone. A good signal-to-noise ratio is key in every part of the audio signal chain and for a typical microphone pickup scenario, this translates to avoiding large distances between the mic and the talker.

• Keep the distance to the talker as short as possible.
• Keep the distance to the ceiling speakers as high as possible.
• Stay away from noise sources like projector fans and air vents.

Speaker placement

Placing speakers in a room can be as equally critical as finding the right spot for a microphone. An ideal positioning of multiple ceiling speakers will achieve an even SPL coverage and a good speech intelligibility across the entire room.

Desono Speaker Calculator

The Desono speaker calcualtor can aid in determining the correct number and proper location in which the ceiling speakers should be located.