Nearity A40 Ceiling Array Microphone User Manual

Microphone Solution
User Manual

Model: AW-A40
V1.0

Product Introduction

1.1 A40 Introduction
NEARITY A40 is an integrated ceiling microphone solution for video conferencing and in-room audio. With advanced audio technologies such as beamforming, AI noise suppression, intelligent mixing, etc., A40 ensures clarity during meetings and promotes efficient interactions. The ultimate daisy- chain technology makes the A40 an incredible productivity tool for meeting spaces of different sizes and purposes.
1.1.1 Features
– 24-element microphone array and daisy chain, ensure clarity in area sound pickup With a built-in 24-element microphone array and daisy chain expansion up to 8 units, the NEARITY A40 can pick up sound clearly within the effective range from small to large rooms.
– Adaptive sidelobes, easy to capture voices in selected area The 8 sidelobes can be customed according to different room layouts and seating arrangements to block noises out and capture effective sounds in fixed directions.
– Eliminate office clutter Integrated design allows you to eliminate traditional conference equipment, leaving more room to share and work.
– Deep-learning AI trained to distinguish human voice from other noise With onboard high-performance digital signal processor, Nearity A40 applies deep- learning AI capabilities, including advanced audio technologies such as audio mixing routing, echo cancellation, noise reduction, and automatic gain control, ensuring clear speech in a wide area.

1.1.2 A40 Physical Structure

1.1.3 A40 Packing List

1.1.4 Specification

| VOleinte Specifications
---|---
Microphone Features| 24 MEMS microphone array
Effective pickup range: 8m x 8m(26.2ft x 26.2ft)
Sensitivity: -38dBV/Pa 94dB SPL@lkHz
SNR: 63dBV/Pa 94dB SPL®lkHz,A-weighted
Audio Characteristics| 8 deep sidelobes beamforming
Al noise suppression
Full-duplex
Automatic Gain Control(AGC)
Smart reverbration
Adaptive pickup beams
Intelligent audio mixing
Daisy-chain| POE via UTP cable(CAT6)
Maximum daisy-chain 8 units
Product dimension| Height: 33.5mm Width: 81.4mm Length: 351.4mm
Installation options| Suspended mounting / Wall mounting/ Desktop Bracket
Connectivity| 2x RJ45 Ethernet Ports
Power| Powered by DSP via POE
Color| White/Black
Packing List| lx A40
lx 10m UTP cable(Cat6)
lx Accessory package

1.2 AMX100 Introduction
NEARITY AMX100 DSP is a necessary component for the ceilingmic modes(A40/A50). Its rich interfaces support the connection of loudspeakers, PCs, wireless microphones, ACT10 controllers and other devices. At the same time, it can be compatible with  traditional MCU conference rooms, and easily apply to various conference scenes.
1.2.1 AMX100 Features
– Flexible signal routing and connectivity
3.5mm analog audio in/out and TRS port to connect to room A/V conferencing system; USB-B port to connect to laptop or room PC; USB-C port to connect to additional microphone; phoenix ports to connect with louderspeakers, up to 8.
– Power over Ethernet (PoE) for the ceilingmics power supply:
Support up to 8 Nearity ceilingmics with Daisy-chain connection via POE
– Simple and quick to form a local sound reinforcement system
The AMX100 can connect local wireless microphones and passive speakers to form a simple and fast local sound reinforcement system, and transmit wireless microphone sound to the remote participants via USB.

1.2.2 AMX100 Physical Structure

1.2.3 AMX100 Packing List

1.2.4 AMX100 Key Specification

Line in : 3.5mm analog in
Line out : 3.5mm analog out
TRS : 6.35mm analog in
Controller : RJ45 connect to ACT10
Array Mic : RJ45 connect to Nearity ceilingmic, up to 8 via Daisy-chain
USB-B: Type-B 2.0 connect ro PC
USB-A : Type-A 2.0
Power : DC48V/5.2A
Reset : Reset button
Physical Characteristics| Dimension : 255.4(W) x 163.8(D) x 45.8(H)mm (10.05x 6.45x 1.8inches)

1.3 ACT10 Introduction
ACT10 is one of the accessories of the ceiling microphone system, which can be installed according to the meeting needs. ACT10 can intelligently control the corresponding ceilingmic device, quickly switch the volume up/down and mute on/off functions by touching  the button, and support the one button mode to turn on/off local sound reinforcement mode.

1.3.1 ACT10 Packing List

1.3.2 ACT10 Connecting AMX100

1. RJ45(Control)
2. Ethernet cable*
3. RJ45

• Please purchase the corresponding length of Ethernet cable according to the needs of the scene.

1.3.3 ACT10 Key Specification

| Product Information|
---|---|---
Desktop controller
buttons| Volume+| Volume up
Volume-| Volume down
Microphone mute| Mute on/off
Mode switch| Sound reinforcement/Video conference
Desktop Controller
Interface| RJ45| Connect to the DSP

1.4 ASP110 Passive Speaker Introduction
ASP 110 is a loudspeaker that provides enterprise sound in the room.By working with NEARITY DSP AMX 100, ASP 110 gives the best audio quality to any conference.

1.4.1 ASP110 Packing List

1.4.2 ASP110 Connecting AMX100

1.4.3 ASP110 Key Specification

A40 System Deployment Instructions

2.1 Installation precautions
This product should be installed by a professional contractor. When determining the installation location and method, be sure to consider the applicable laws and ordinances for the area where the product is being installed.
Nearity assumes no responsibility in the event of accidents such as the product dropping due to insufficient strength of the installation site or improper installation.
When working in an elevated location, be sure to choose a stable location with no loose items on the ground before working.
Install the product in a location where there is no risk of the product being hit or damaged by the movements of nearby people or equipment.
Be sure to verify the strength of the installation location. The installation location should generally be able to handle at least 10 times the weight of the product.
Depending on the structure of the ceiling, vibrations may cause noise to be generated. Appropriate separate damping measures are recommended.

Be sure to use only the included accessories for installation.
Do not use the included accessories for any purpose other than for use with this product.
Do not install the product in areas with exposure to high levels of oil or smoke, or where solvents or solutions are volatilized. Such conditions may result in chemical reactions that lead to deterioration or damage of the product’splastic parts, which may cause an accident such as the product dropping from the ceiling.
Do not install the product in areas where damage from salt or corrosive gas may occur. Such damage may reduce the strength of the product and cause an accident such as the product dropping from the ceiling. Be sure to tighten the screws properly and completely. Failing to do so may result in injury due to an accident such as the product dropping from the ceiling.
Do not pinch the cables during installation. Securely attach the seismic cable, zip tie, and safety belt in the specified location. Attach the seismic cable so that there is as little slack as possible.
If the impact from a fall is applied to the seismic cable, replace the cable with a new one.

2.2 System connection

Compared with other products, the A40 product deployment is more complicated, which should be combined with other audio parts to work as a package, and needs to be integrated with the existing A/V system in customer conference rooms in many cases.

2.3 AMX100 Installation position/mode
Generally, AMX100 is installed behind the TV, under the conference table, in the cabinet, etc. However, as AMX100 is the HUB node of each component of the A40 package, it involves:

• Network cable length and cabling mode with multiple A40s.
• Audio cable length and wiring mode with multiple wall mounted louder-speakers ASP110.
• Length and cabling method of USB cable with conference host terminal/smart whiteboard OPS/speaker’s laptop.
• Length and cabling mode of audio cable integrated with equipment in A/V cabinet (if there’s 3rd party A/V system integration).
• The length and cabling mode of the audio cable integrated with the traditional video conference terminal (if there’s 3rd party conference system integration).

Therefore, it is necessary to consider and determine the installation location of the AMX100 by integrating the above factors.

2.3.1 Cable length/cabling

The new AMX100 is equipped with a power adapter with a power cord, and a 3-meter USB cable from USB-B to USB-A.
To connect with ACT10, should buy extra network UTP cable.
To connect with ASP100/110 Speaker, should buy extra speaker cables.
If the conference host terminal/speaker’s laptop is far away from the AMX100, then need to consider purchasing additional USB extension cables or transferring via the ground plug network.

2.3.2 Adapter/auxiliary materials

When connecting with A/V system (audio processor/mixer/handheld microphone receiver) and hardware video terminals, the AMX100 side will use unbalanced 3.5 audio interfaces and 6.35 audio interfaces. But the other side is usually a balanced Canon  interface and Phoenix terminal interface. Therefore, additional 3.5/6.35 XLR, 3.5/6.35 Phoenix terminal and other conversion cables need to be prepared (pay attention to male and female at both ends).
In addition, due to strong electric magnetic leakage, quality of interconnecting cables, potential difference between two devices and other factors, unbalanced signals are easily to get interference and generate current noise. In this case, it is necessary to purchase  a noise eliminator isolator to be connected in series in the interconnection cable to solve the problem of current noise.
PS: The 6.35mm input port will be designed to balanced type the next batch of production.

2.4 Installation of A40 Unit
2.4.1 Power supply of A40
A40 is a non-standard PoE power supply mode.The RJ45 port of the AMX100 directly supplies power to multiple A40s, eliminating the need to reserve strong electricity for  themin the ceiling.

• A40 Daisy Chain, up to 8

2.4.2 Cable length/cabling
The AMX100 is equipped with a 20-meter Cat6 network cable as standard, which is used to connect the first A40.
Each A40 is equipped with a 10-meter Cat6 network cable as standard, which is used to connect the subsequent A40.
The length of the standard AMX100/A40 network cable can meet the requirements of common conference room space. If the cable length in the package is not long enough for some super large conference space, then we can use longer Cat6 and above network cables (well-known brand). Before using the network cable, the line sequence must be tested with a line measuring instrument.
As we tested, AMX100 support maximum 8 units of A40 cascaded by 8 20-meter Cat6 network cables with all functions work normally.

2.4.3 Installation mode of A40 Unit

• Wall Mounting
  It’s recommanded to installed the A40 1.5~2.0m when wall mounted.

• Ceiling Mounting
  It’s recommanded to installed the A40 2.0~2.5m when wall mounted.

• Desktop Positioning
  

2.4.4 A40 Indicators

• Yellow-green light: device power on
• Blue and white light flashes slowly: Device in upgrading
• Pure red light: Device Muted
• Blue-green light: Device in hybrid mode
• Remote Meeting mode: Blue and white light: Device in remote meeting mode
• Solid blue light: Device in local sound reinforcement mode

2.5 Deployment of ASP110

2.5.1 Power supply of ASP110
ASP110 is a wall mounted loudspeaker, passive 4Ω/15W. It is not recommended to use a third-party speaker. If really need use third-party speaker, it must meet the passive 4 Ω/15W specification.
2.5.2 Cable length/cabling
Network cable length
ASP110 is equipped with a 25m audio cable as standard. If the length of the standard 25m audio cable is not enough for the actual customer’s conference environment deployment, you can purchase the audio cable by yourself.
Laying and cabling
The audio cable shall be wired in the pipe slot in the ceiling and wall, and shall not be wired together with the strong current cable, which is easy to cause electromagnetic interference and generate current noise.
2.5.3 Wiring mode
ASP110 wiring mode is using audio terminal, red terminal is positive (+), black terminal is negative (-); The AMX100 side is the Phoenix terminal wiring mode. When facing to the Phoenix terminal, the left side is positive (+) and the right side is negative (-). The  specific wiring diagram is as follows:

Before installation, please prepare suitable screwdriver, scissors or wire stripper in advance.

2.5.4 ASP110 Installation height/angle
Installation height
ASP110 wall mounted loudspeaker shall be installed as high as possible (if the installation height can be same with the A40 horizontal height, that will be better). To avoid the pickup beam range of A40, the loudspeaker shall be as far away from the A40 beam as  possible.
Installation angle
ASP110 wall mounted speaker has its own wall mounted parts, which can be rotated left and right (vertical mounting) to adjust the angle or up and down (horizontal mounting) to adjust the angle.

When the ASP110 is installed at the same height as the A40, in the vertical mounting mode, sometimes it is hoped that the audience will have a better voice experience, so speaker should be tilted downward for sound reinforcement. However, the angle cannot be  adjusted downward in the vertical mounting mode, and other installation accessories need to be purchased.
The ASP110 speaker should not face to the A40. Especially in the local sound reinforcement scene, the A40 should not be deployed between the ASP110 speaker and the audience. In that case, the ASP110 speaker is faced to the A40 directly, which is not correct.

2.6 ACT10 Installation
2.6.1 Connection with AMX100

1. RJ45(Control)
2. Ethernet cable*
3. RJ45

• Please purchase the corresponding length of Ethernet cable according to the needs of the scene.
  ACT10 is designed with POE technology. When connected to the AMX100, the ACT10 powers on. The corresponding functions of the system can be controlled via the buttons on the ACT10 (which can be defined on the Nearsync tool).

2.6.2 Indicators

• Yellow-green light: device power on
• Blue and white light flashes slowly: Device in upgrading
• Pure red light: Device Muted
• Blue-green light: Device in hybrid mode
• Remote Meeting mode: Blue and white light: Device in remote meeting mode
• Solid blue light: Device in local sound reinforcement mode

2.7 3rd A/V system integration
If the A40 must be integrated with the customer’s existing A/V system in the project, it is recommended that the A40 package only be used as the pickup side, instead of deploying ASP110 speakers, use the existing speakers in the A/V system for sound  reinforcement. The main considerations are as follows:

• For A40, remote conference mode shall be adopted as more as possible. If local sound reinforcement is necessary, we recommend to use handheld microphone to make sound reinforcement instead of A40;
• The sound reinforcement is on the A/V system side, so the audio output is on the A/V system side. The A40 package side saves a lot of trouble, such as the subsequent local sound reinforcement, the audio routing problems when the computer audio and  video material is sharing (under the local conference or remote conference), the current noise of speaker, and the consistency problem of the volume when there are multi-channel audio streams go to the loudspeaker for sound reinforcement, etc..

Precautions for A/V system integration are also mentioned in previous chapters, mainly including:

• Sound insulation and noise elimination device is used to eliminate electric current noise;
• Pay attention to the specifications of audio connecting cable connectors, especially male and female;
• Pay attention to the design and planning of audio routing to avoid echo;
• Pay attention to the realization of audio flow direction and switching in two scenarios when audio playback scenario when the audio and video materials on the speaker’s laptop are shared and played: 1, In the local conference (without turn on the  conference terminal); 2, In the remote conference (with the conference terminal holding the remote conference).
• The A40/AMX100 does not support central control, scene configuration switching, and there is no solution temporarily for complex changing conference room scenarios (such as switching 3 small conference rooms to one big conference room).

Operation on Software-Nearsync Configuration

3.1 Download and Installation of Nearsync
Download the Nearsync on the official website. https://nearity.co/resources/dfu

Install Nearsync

3.2 Software Configuration
3.2.1 NearSync Main interface instruction

It will show the device info in this page. If there are multiple A40s daisy- chained, you can distinguish by the SN.

3.2.2 Device Setting
3.2.2.1 A40 Setting
Click A40-1 to set A40. if there are multiple A40s daisy-chained, select the corresponding A40.

Parameter Settings
Beam Selection
The beam selection can determine the corresponding direction and beam according to the icon position of the light. A total of 8 beams can be selected. If selected(as showed in the picture 4,5 and 6 selected, color turned to white), it means the beam is disabled,  otherwise it means it is working normally(in gray color).

Audio Parameter Settings
Noise Suppression level: this is to suppress the normal background constant noise. the value is 0-100, the larger the value, the higher the noise suppression level.

Noise Suppression level(AI): this is to suppress the normal background non- constant noise. the value is 0-100, the larger the value, the higher the noise suppression level.
Echo Cancellation level: the value is 0-100, the larger the value, the higher the noise suppression level.
De-reverberation level(remote conference): used in remote conferencing mode, the value  s 0-100, the larger the  value, the higher the de-reverberation level.
De-reverberation level(sound reinforcement): used in local sound reinforcement mode, the value is 0-100, the larger the value, the higher the de- reverberation level.

A40 Selection
When there are multiple A40s, select A40 through the drop-down box and make corresponding settings.

Mute Settings
Check the mic icon, means muted. means in use.
Equalizer
The equalizer is used to adjust the voice effect at different frequency.

3.2.2.2 Audio Settings

The parameters set in this interface are stored permanently and will not be changed after power off.

Routing Channel Settings
Routing Mode
Each output can select the routing mode individually. The current Speaker Output and USB-B Output both support normal mode and priority mode. Line Out Output only supports normal mode for the time being.

Normal Mode
Mix the selected multi-channel audio inputs indiscriminately and pass it to the output interface.
Priority Mode
As shown in the figure above, relevant parameters such as priority and threshold are calculated corresponding to each input. The priority range is 0-16, and priority 0 is the highest priority. It is not recommended to use the same priority for multiple inputs.
The selection logic is to perform polling according to the priority 0-16. When the input energy corresponding to a certain priority is greater than the threshold, the audio input of this channel is passed to the output, and when all channels do not reach the  hreshold, no output is performed.

Input Parameters

Volume: The adjustment range is 0-50, of which 50 is the default value, which means the volume will not be adjusted. Please note the change is digital adjustment, and it is not recommended to adjust too much. In addition, the volume adjustment is independent  of each output. For example, adjusting the TRS input volume of Speaker Output will not affect the TRS input volume of USB-B Output.
Check box: Check the box means to pass the audio input to the corresponding output Priority: Only take effect in priority mode, the value is 0-16, 0 means the highest priority, 16 means the lowest priority.

Threshold: Only valid in priority mode, the value is-20 by default, value range -50~50, the unit is dB.

Sound Reinforcement Settings

Check box: Check the box means enable sound reinforcement.
Volume: the value is 0-100
Line Out Attribute

Local broadcast: suitable for connecting to a local amplifier for audio playback, the sound picked up by A40 will be processed accordingly
Remote recording: suitable for connecting to the traditional audio meeting server, the sound is transmitted to the far end

Analog Signal Gain

There are three analog audio interfaces on the DSP, and the analog audio gain can be set as follows:
Line Out: The value is 0-14, where 10 represents 0dB, and the downward and upward changes are 5dB respectively.
Line In: The value is 0-14, where 0 represents 0dB, and the upward change is 2dB
TRS Input: The value is 0-14, where 0 represents 0dB, and the upward change is 2dB

3.2.3 Device Update
Online update

It will show the latest firmware version under each mode. Click “update” to start updating.

Local update

Before local update, contact Nearity team to confirm the firmware version.

1. select local upgrade file
2. click “update” to choose the bin file on your PC/laptop, and then it will start updating.

F A Q

Q: What loud-speaker can we use to pair with ceiling Mic A40?

A: Nearity louderspeaker ASP110 and ASP100 are available. You can also use 3rd party louderspeaker to connect with AMX100 DSP for the audio routing.

Q: Does A40 Supported connecting with 3rd party DSP?

A: Does A40 Supported connecting with 3rd party DSP?

Q: Why I cannot find Nearity A40 in the VC software microphone list?

A: The A40 is connect to AMX100 and then do the audio routing. So we should choose AMX100 while we use the A40 system.

Q: What's the insallation height of A40 for ceiling mouting?

A: It depends on the room side. Generally we recommand to install the A40 range 2.5~3.5 meters to the ground.

Caution

Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure safety, observe all warnings and cautions while using the product.
The product is intended for commercial use, not for general use.
Disconnect the product from a device if the product begins to malfunction, producing smoke, odor, heat, unwanted noise or showing other signs of damage. In such a case, contact your local Nearity supplier.

• Do not disassemble, modify or attempt to repair the product to avoid electric shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact to avoid electric shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not handle the product with wet hands to avoid electric shock or injury.
• Do not allow the product to get wet to avoid electric shock or malfunction.
• Do not put foreign matter such as combustible materials, metal, or liquid in the product.
• Do not cover the product with a cloth to avoid fire or injury by overheating.
• Keep the product out of the reach of small children. The product is not intended for use around children.
• Do not place the product near fire to avoid an accident or the product catching fire.
• Do not put the product in a location where it is exposed to direct sunlight, near heating
• devices, or in places with high temperatures, high humidity, or high concentrations of dust to avoid electric shock, fire, malfunction, etc.
  Keep away from a fire to avoid deformation or malfunction.
  Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner, electrical contact cleaner, etc. to avoid deformation or malfunction.

References

• nearity.co/resources/dfu

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