Clear One Beamforming Microphone Array User manual

Beamforming Microphone Array
Group Microphone for Professional Conferencing
InstallatIon GuIde

ClearOne
5225 Wiley Post Way
Suite 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Telephone [phone]
1.800.945.7730
Sales 1.800.707.6694
FAX [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
[email protected]
On the Web www.clearone.com
Beamforming microphone array
installation guide
clearone document
DOC-0095-001 Rev 3.1 - December, 2014 © 2014 ClearOne
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced
in any form or by any means without written permission from
ClearOne. Printed in the United States of America. ClearOne
reserves specific privileges.
Information in this document is subject to change without
notice.

Chapter 1: Getting Started ........................................................................................................1
SKU’s Used .......................................................................................................................................................................1
Connections ......................................................................................................................................................................2
Powering the Beamforming Microphone Array ..........................................................................................................2
E-bus Connections .....................................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation.......................................................................................5
Parts Received...................................................................................................................................................................5
Tools Required...................................................................................................................................................................6
Mounting Preparations ......................................................................................................................................................7
Mounting to a Solid Ceiling or Flush Mounted Junction Box............................................................................................8
Mounting to a Suspended Ceiling...................................................................................................................................12
Additional Safety.......................................................................................................................................................18
Chapter 3: Wall Mount Installation .........................................................................................19
Parts Received.................................................................................................................................................................19
Tools Required.................................................................................................................................................................19
Wall Mounting Procedure................................................................................................................................................20
Muting.......................................................................................................................................................................24
Chapter 4: Table Top Installation ............................................................................................25
Parts Required.................................................................................................................................................................25
Tools Required.................................................................................................................................................................25
Table Top Procedure........................................................................................................................................................25
Connections..............................................................................................................................................................25
Usage .......................................................................................................................................................................26
Muting.......................................................................................................................................................................26
Chapter 5: Change History......................................................................................................27
Service and Support................................................................................................................28
Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started 1
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing your Beamforming Microphone Array. The Beamforming
Microphone Array is a 24-microphone device with beamforming and adaptive steering technology
designed specifically for use with the CONVERGE®Pro products: 880, 840T, 880T, 880TA, and the
COLLABORATE Room Pro media appliances.
The Beamforming Microphone Array connects with the CONVERGE Pro through an Expansion
Bus (E-bus) port: 3 arrays per supported CONVERGE Pro and up to 16 Beamforming Microphone
Arrays can be daisy-chained in the site. The power for the Beamforming Microphone Array is
supplied through a Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) connection.
The Beamforming Microphone Array supports use in ceiling-mounted and wall mounted modes,
leaving the conference room table area free of clutter, as well as a standard table-top mode.
»IMPORTANT: The Beamforming Microphone Array only can be used with CONVERGE
Pro systems operating at version 4.X software and firmware.
Instructions for updating CONVERGE Pro firmware and Beamforming Microphone Array firmware
are included in the Beamforming Microphone Array Quick-Start Guide which is found on the
ClearOne website at:
http://www.clearone.com/resources#professional_microphones
This guide covers the steps followed to mount the Beamforming Microphone Array in a solid ceiling,
drop-ceiling and wall mount. This guide can also be downloaded from the ClearOne website at:
http://www.clearone.com/resources#professional_microphones
SKU’S USED
The following assemblies or kits may be used in the Beamforming Microphone Array installation:
• 910-001-003 (white) or 910-001-003-B (black) Beamforming Microphone Array for CONVERGE
Pro or COLLABORATE Room Pro.
• 910-001-004 PoE Power Supply and Cable Kit for Beamforming Microphone Array. Contains
power supply, one AC power cable and two 25-foot CAT5E RJ45 plenum cables. (One used as
the PoE cable and the other as an E-bus cable) If a PoE kit is not obtained, installers will need
to provide their own PoE unit and all cables.
• 910-001-005-12 (white) or 910-001-005-12-B (black) Ceiling Mounting Kit with 12” Suspension
Column for Beamforming Microphone Array
or
910-001-005-24 (white) or 910-001-005-24-B (black) Ceiling Mounting Kit with 24” Suspension
Column for Beamforming Microphone Array
• 910-001-006 (white) or 910-001-006-B (black) Wall Mounting Kit for Beamforming Microphone
Array

2 Beamforming Microphone Array
»NOTE: The PoE connection is only for power, not control. Power must be supplied to
individual units; no daisy-chain power is allowed.
CONNECTIONS
The following section illustrates the connections made in a sample Beamforming Microphone Array
installation on a site.
powering the Beamforming microphone array
Powering the Beamforming Microphone Array can be through a standard Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) switch or through an external PoE power supply. Use the appropriate AC cord to connect the
PoE power supply to the AC power. Then plug the PoE cable into the LAN+DC connection on the
power supply. Route the PoE cable where it can be fed through the ceiling mount assembly, wall
mount or to the conference table with the Beamforming Microphone Array. The following illustration
shows the cable connections with the PoE Power Supply.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Power Supply
(Front and Back Views)
Power Cord
to AC Power
PoE Ethernet Cable to
Beamforming Microphone Array
e-Bus connections
The Beamforming Microphone Array units are connected to the CONVERGE Pro stack via the LINK
IN and LINK OUT E-bus connections using CAT5E RJ45 cables.
»NOTE: Firmware upgrades and Beamforming Microphone Array operation are
performed via the E-bus connection. Plugging the PoE cable into the E-bus
connections may cause damage to the Beamforming Microphone Array.

Chapter 1: Getting Started 3
»NOTE: One or two E-bus connections are required depending on where in the stack
the Beamforming Microphone Array is placed. Only one E-bus,cable, LINK IN, is
required if the array is the end of the stack; two are needed if the stack continues to
another array or CONVERGE Pro unit (LINK IN and LINK OUT).
The Beamforming Microphone Array is connected to the CONVERGE Pro and to other Beamforming
Microphone Array units via the E-bus in the same way as multiple CONVERGE Pro units are
connected together. Each unit has a LINK IN and LINK OUT connection which allows the units to
be “chained” together with the LINK OUT of one unit connecting to the LINK IN of the next unit.
The steps in connecting the Beamforming Microphone Array are covered in the Beamforming
Microphone Array Quick-Start Guide. Instructions for configuring the Beamforming Microphone
Array are included in the CONVERGE Console version 4.X online help.

4 Beamforming Microphone Array

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 5
Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation
Once you have verified all the firmware updates and necessary connections made while executing
the tasks outlined in the Beamforming Microphone Array Quick-Start Guide, you can proceed to the
actual installation of the Beamforming Microphone Array using the Ceiling Mounting Kit.
This section details two types of ceiling mounts:
• Mounting to Solid Ceiling or Flush Mounted Junction Box
• Mounting to Suspended Ceiling
PARTS RECEIVED
The following parts are delivered with the Ceiling Mounting Kit and will be used for installation of the
Beamforming Microphone Array.
The parts received include parts for mounting in either a solid or drop-ceiling with or without a
junction box. Verify that you have all the parts required to complete your installation.
When you open the shipping package(s) for the first time, please check that all items purchased
are included. If any of the items (according to your customer order) are missing or damaged,
contact your ClearOne distributor immediately.
HD
QTY 4
HC
QTY 4
E
QTY 2
Position Clamp
F
QTY 2
Support Rails G
QTY 2
Locking Plate
HE
QTY 1
HA
QTY 2
#6-32 x 1/2”
Phillips Oval Head
HB
QTY 8
A
QTY 1
Ceiling/Wall Mounting Plate
B
QTY 1
Suspension Column C
QTY 1
Trim Plate
D
QTY 1
Mic Mounting Plate
Suspended Ceiling
Trim Lock Plate
H
QTY 1
#4-40 x 3/8”
Phillips Flat Head
#8-32 x 1/2”
Socket Head Cap Screw
#M3 x 6mm
Phillips Pan Head
9/64” hex key

6 Beamforming Microphone Array
Drywall saw for cutting
hole in solid ceiling,
#1 Phillips
screwdriver.
Razor knife for cutting
hole in suspended
ceiling tile.
TOOLS REQUIRED
The following tools are required for installation of the Beamforming Microphone Array.
Level
Drill bits
appropriate to
fastener type
Electric or
portable drill
Wall fasteners are
not provided and
must be appropriate
to the wall material

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 7
1-1/2”
(38.1mm)
CIRCULAR
SOLID OR SUSPENDED
CEILING CUT-OUT
SQUARE JUNCTION BOX CUT-OUT
4"
(101.6mm)
SOLID OR SUSPENDED
CEILING CUT-OUT
4"
(101.6mm)
MOUNTING PREPARATIONS
Use the following cutout dimensions for the type of mounting:
1-1/2”
(38.1mm)
CIRCULAR
SOLID OR SUSPENDED
CEILING CUT-OUT
SQUARE JUNCTION BOX CUT-OUT
4"
(101.6mm)
SOLID OR SUSPENDED
CEILING CUT-OUT
4"
(101.6mm)
»NOTE: The included Trim Plate is to cover the mounting and cutout so be sure to not
exceed the Trim Plate dimensions.
This page can be used as a template for the cut-out.

8 Beamforming Microphone Array
HB
A
B
C
D
HB
4X
4X
Use #1 Phillips
screwdriver bit
to avoid damaging
screws.
Use #1 Phillips
screwdriver bit
to avoid damaging
screws.
MOUNTING TO SOLID CEILING OR FLUSH MOUNTED JUNCTION BOX
The following diagram shows how to assemble the parts needed for a suspended mounting of the
Beamforming Microphone Array from either a solid ceiling or from a securely fastened junction box.
The junction box can be flush to either a solid ceiling or exposed through and flush to an opening
in a suspended ceiling.
The Ceiling/Wall Mounting Plate attaches to the top of the Suspension Column. (Ignore the short
studs on the plate. These are for wall-mount usage.)
The Trim Plate slips up the Suspension Column, then the Mic Mounting Plate attaches to the bottom
of the Suspension Column. The Trim Plate will slide up to and attach to the Ceiling/Wall Mounting
Plate when the assembly is attached to the solid ceiling or junction box.
»NOTE: Be certain you have the correct Suspension Column for your installation as
determined by your ceiling height. There are SKU’s for kits containing either a 12-
inch or 24-inch Spanner Post (910-001-005-12, 910-001-005-12-B or 910-001-005-
24, 910-001-005-24-B).

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 9
Attach the Ceiling/Wall
Mounting Plate to the ceiling
NOTE: Screws not included. Installer
responsible to obtain appropriate
hardware.
Trim Plate on
Suspension Column
Cutout through
Soilid Ceiling
Feed the LINK IN, LINK OUT and PoE cables
down through the Suspension Column
Cutout through
Soilid Ceiling
or Suspended
Ceiling
Attach the Ceiling/Wall
Mounting Plate to a
secure junction box
NOTE: Junction box and
junction box screws
not included.
Trim Plate on
Suspension Column
Feed LINK IN, LINK OUT and PoE cables
down through the junction box and
Suspension Column
»IMPORTANT: The installer is responsible to be sure the Beamforming Microphone
Array is firmly attached to sturdy support (studs, a junction box attached to the
structure, or other mounting hardware) to hold the weight of the Beamforming
Microphone Array and its mounting hardware.
Feed the LINK IN, LINK OUT and PoE cables (not shown) down through the assembly, then attach
the assembly to the solid ceiling or junction box as shown in the following diagrams.
»IMPORTANT: The standard junction box used is 4” square (101.6mm) with the screw
holes in the corners spaced 4.77” (.121.2mm) diagonally corner-to-corner.

10 Beamforming Microphone Array
After the Suspension Column and Ceiling/Wall Plate are attached to the ceiling or junction box and
the Link IN, Link OUT and PoE cables are fed down through the Suspension Column, slide the Trim
Plate up the column and secure it to the Wall/Ceiling plate.
SlideTrim Plate
up on the
Suspension
Column
HA 2X
Fasten the
Trim Plate
to the
Ceiling/Wall
Plate
Prepare the Beamforming Microphone Array for attachment to the Suspension Column by partially
inserting the screws. There are three slotted keyholes big enough for screw heads to pass through
and one hole that is not slotted. Partially insert screws into the Beamforming Microphone Array
corresponding to the slotted keyholes in the Mic Mounting Plate.

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 11
NOTE: Insert screws only partially.
HD 3X
Route the Link IN, Link Out and PoE cables under the Mic Mount Plate and slide the Mic Mount
Plate onto the Beamforming Microphone Array over the screws and through the keyhole slots.
Then fasten the Beamforming Microphone Array securely in place with the last screw. Tighten all
remaining screws. Plug in and secure the cables under the cable retention clips.
Slide screws into keyhole slots
Install final screw and tighten all screws
HD
Power over Ethernet Cable Cable Retention Clips
LINK IN and LINK OUT Cables
Cable Retention Clips

12 Beamforming Microphone Array
MOUNTING TO SUSPENDED CEILING
The Ceiling/Wall Mounting Plate attaches to the top of the Suspension Column, then the Suspended
Ceiling Trim Lock Plate is slipped on the Suspension Column with the screw hole posts facing
downward.
Use #1 Phillips screwdriver bit
to avoid damaging screws.
HB
A
4X
Suspended Ceiling
Trim Lock Plate
H
Pass-through
Cutout in Ceiling Tile
Feed the Suspension Column with the attached Ceiling/Wall Mounting plate down through the Trim
Locking plate and then through the ceiling tile cutout.
The Trim Plate slips up from underneath the ceiling tile up the Suspension Column, then attaches
to the Ceiling Trim Lock Plate through the ceiling tile.
Suspended Ceiling
Trim Lock Plate
H
Pass-through
Cutout in Ceiling Tile
Trim Plate
Underneath Ceiling Tile
C

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 13
HB
A
B
C
D
HB
4X
4X
Use #1 Phillips
screwdriver bit
to avoid damaging
screws.
Use #1 Phillips
screwdriver bit
to avoid damaging
screws.
A
B
C
D
H
Pass-through
Cutout in
Ceiling Tile
HA 2X
The Mic Mounting Plate attaches to the bottom of the Suspension Column.
»NOTE: The Mic Mounting Plate can be rotated 90-degrees and then attached for
applications where the microphone orientation is rotated from the mounting of the
Suspension Column.

14 Beamforming Microphone Array
Now you have the unsecured Suspension Column extending through the ceiling tile with the Ceiling
Mounting Plate and Suspended Ceiling Trim Lock Plate above the tile, and the Trim Plate and Mic
Mounting Plate below the tile. Attach the Position Clamps against the wide sides of the Suspension
Column above the ceiling tile. Allow the assembled position clamps to be loose enough to slide up
and down for positioning.
HC
E2X
2X

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 15
Lift the assembly, along with the ceiling tile, into place in the drop-ceiling support framework.
Install the Support Rails in the ceiling over the ceiling tile and supported by the suspended
framework. Lower the Position Clamps into the Support Rail channels.
»NOTE: The support rails are only long enough to span 2’ suspensions. If that
orientation does not orient the Beamforming Microphone Array in the correct axis
for your room, you may need to rotate the Mic Mounting plate 90 degrees to orient it
correctly.
2’ or 4’ Support
2’ Support
F2X
2’ Support
2’ or 4’ Support

16 Beamforming Microphone Array
Slide the Suspension Column up or down adjusting it so the Beamforming Microphone Array will
be placed approximately 8 feet above the floor.
Fully tighten the screws on the position clamps. Attach and tighten a Locking Plate on to each
Position Clamp to secure the assembly to the Support Rails.
G
HC 2X
2X
Pass the E-bus cables for LINK IN and LINK OUT (if needed), and the PoE cable from above the
ceiling through the pass-through hole down the Suspension Column and out of the assembly.
E-bus Cables for
LINK IN and LINK OUT
Connections
PoE Cable
PoE Cable
E-bus Cables for
LINK IN and LINK OUT
Connections (Ceiling tile and front
supports not shown.)
Prepare the Beamforming Microphone Array for attachment to the Suspension Column by partially
inserting the screws. There are three slotted keyholes big enough for screw heads to pass through
and one hole that is not slotted. Partially insert screws into the Beamforming Microphone Array
corresponding to the slotted keyholes in the Mic Mounting Plate.