Williams AV IR M1 – IR+ Control Center Infrared Modulator

Product Overview

The Williams AV IR M1 IR+ Control Center is a rack-mount infrared modulator and Wi-Fi audio server that anchors large-area assistive listening systems in auditoriums, houses of worship, and government venues. The single rack unit chassis drives up to four IR E4 infrared emitters over CAT5e cabling, with each emitter covering up to 18,000 square feet. Infrared transmission keeps audio inside the room, making the IR M1 well suited to ADA-compliant assistive listening and to secure audio applications such as courtrooms. The same unit can simultaneously stream audio over Wi-Fi to listeners' smartphones via the Williams AV WaveCAST app.

Product Description

The IR M1 was designed around a distributed emitter array architecture. Its four RJ-45 emitter ports each carry 48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband infrared signal over a single CAT5e run up to the emitter location — no local power required. Emitters can be stacked into a high-output array for one large zone or distributed throughout a venue to cover wings, balconies, and other locations where line of sight to a single emitter is blocked. Connected to a Wi-Fi multicast router or in-house network, the IR M1 also serves program audio to the free WaveCAST app on iOS and Android, giving venues a second listening path without additional hardware.

On the input side, two combination XLR/1/4-inch TRS jacks accept balanced or unbalanced line-level signals from a mixer or DSP, or microphone-level sources with selectable phantom power; a Dante-equipped variant (IR M1 D) is available for networked audio projects. DSP-based processing provides selectable compression and high-pass/low-pass filtering, and the embedded web interface handles all remote configuration, including an adjustable auto carrier shut-off that disables the IR carrier when no audio is present. A 400 Hz internal test tone, dual IR test LED, and two front-panel headphone jacks round out the commissioning toolset. Note that firmware is model specific and updates currently cannot be completed from Mac computers. Add coverage with the Williams AV IR E4 IR+ Emitter, or expand to 16 emitters with the IR A4 IR+ Emitter Array.

Key Features

• Dual Audio Delivery — One unit transmits over infrared for secure, ADA-compliant assistive listening and streams over Wi-Fi to the WaveCAST smartphone app.
• Drives Up to Four Emitters — Four RJ-45 ports power and feed IR E4 emitters over single CAT5e runs, each emitter covering up to 18,000 square feet.
• Distributed Emitter Architecture — Emitters can be stacked for large-room arrays or spread across the venue to reach balconies, wings, and obstructed seating.
• Secure In-Room Transmission — Infrared cannot penetrate walls, so adjacent rooms stay interference-free and confidential audio remains contained.
• Professional Audio Inputs — Two combination XLR/TRS inputs handle line-level or microphone sources with selectable phantom power for direct DSP or mixer connection.
• DSP Processing — Selectable compression ratios and high-pass/low-pass filter control tune speech intelligibility to the program material and room.
• Embedded Web Management — Remote configuration, diagnostics, and the auto carrier shut-off timer are all accessible from a browser on the network.
• 1RU Rack-Mount Chassis — The 19-inch unit installs in a standard rack or can be located remotely near the emitter field.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Government space
• Conference room
• Boardroom
• Multi-purpose room
• Training room
• Commercial meeting space

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What else do I need to complete an assistive listening system?

The IR M1 is the head-end modulator only. Add at least one IR E4 emitter (up to four connect directly, or up to 16 with IR A4 arrays), Williams AV infrared receivers for listeners, and ADA signage. Packaged combos (IR ME1, IR ME2) bundle these components.

How far can the emitters be from the modulator?

Emitters connect over standard CAT5e cabling to the modulator's RJ-45 ports, which carry power, control, and signal on a single run, allowing the rack to sit away from the emitter field in typical commercial installations.

Can two IR systems operate in adjacent rooms?

Yes. Infrared light does not pass through walls, so systems in neighboring rooms operate independently without cross-interference — one reason IR is preferred for courtrooms and divisible meeting spaces.

Does the IR M1 support Dante?

Dante is offered on the IR M1 D variant, which adds a two-channel Dante network input. The standard IR M1 uses its analog XLR/TRS inputs.

How do listeners receive the audio over Wi-Fi?

Connect the IR M1 to a Wi-Fi multicast router or in-house network and listeners stream the feed through the free Williams AV WaveCAST app on iOS or Android devices.

What warranty applies?

The modulator carries a 2-year Williams AV warranty; accessories are covered for 90 days. Note that firmware updates currently cannot be completed from Mac computers.