NEARITY AW-A21S User manual

Model: AW-A21S
NEARITY CONFERENCE
SPEAKERMIC
User Manual
V1.0

Content
1. Product Overview
1.1 Product Introduction
1.2 Features
01
01
01
1.3 Packing List 01
1.4 Basic Information 02
2. Deployment
2.1 Connection
05
05
2.2 Installation Instructions 07
3. Operation Guide
3.1 Indicators
07
07
3.2 Nearsync Tool 08
4. Specification 10
5. FAQ 11
6. Caution 13
July.2023

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The A21S is the latest conference room noise reduction speakermic. Equipped with AI
audio deep learning algorithm and a newly upgraded 8-element omnidirectional micro-
phone array, it can effectively eliminate reverberation echoes and more than 300+ noise
in conference rooms, providing excellent call sound quality. With high-quality speakers,
it realizes low-latency transparent dual talk.
1. Product Overview
New Upgraded AI2.0 Algorithm
Loaded with advanced Deeplearning algorithms, it more effectively eliminates acoustic reverberation,
echo and more than 300 common conference room noises including keyboard sounds, footsteps, air
conditioning noise, etc.
- Full duplex communication
Advanced full-duplex allows both sides to speak and be heard simultaneously, essential during intense
discussion or brainstorming.
- Daisy-chain room expansion
Right-size your audio footprint by connecting up to 8 A21S units by POE to ensure every voice is heard,
regardless of room size.
- Best-in-class audio experience
The A21S adopts unique far-field voice processing and audio clock synchronization technology to
achieve uniform sound pickup and amplification, so that speaking in any direction in the conference
room is as natural as face-to-face communication.
- Customizable audio settings
USB plug-and-play. Easy setup and used-play, flexible installation, and compatible with leading UC
platforms.
1.1 Product Introduction
1.2 Features
1.3 Packing List
AI 2.0
A21S * 1 USB cable
(3m) * 1
Cat6 Ethernet
cable * 1 Power Adapter * 1 User manual * 1

1.4 Basic Information
1.4.1 Physical Structure
① Professional separated
acoustic structure
② High Quality full-range
speaker
③ 8 MEMS microphone
array
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⑤ Mute （Press and hold the mute button for more than 10 seconds, the indicator light turns yellow and a
prompt tone appears, which can turn off the AI audio algorithm; Press the mute button twice more, and
the indicator will turn red and then green to restore the AI audio algorithm.）
① Volume＋
② Volume－
③ End call*
④ Anwser call*
（*Answer call and End call button should match with the specific VC software.）
⑥ POE output (for daisy-chain the next A21S)
⑦ USB Type-C
⑧ POE input (for daisy-chain with the previous A21S)
⑩ Reset button
⑨ DC power port
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10
1
2
3
5
4

121.7 mm
62.6 mm
34.2 mm
121.7 mm
40.00 mm
63.59 mm
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1.4.2 Dimenssion

2.1 Connection
2. Deployment
2.1.1 Single A21S connects with Laptop/PC
2.1.2 Daisy-chain connection
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When using one unit, no additional power is required. A single USB port can provide both
power and data transfer.
The latest cascading technology allows up to 8 devices to connect smoothly and provide
uninterrupted high-quality presentations for meetings.
When cascading, if there are no more than 4 cascade devices, the first A21S can be connect-
ed to a PC via USB and powered directly through the adapter.
If there are more than 4 cascaded devices, a PoE injector is added between the 4th and 5th
to achieve 8 cascades.
The Daisy Chain technology enables the A21S to be a perfect fit for different-sized meeting
rooms, from small to large.
POE injector
*Note: PoE injector need to be provided by a third
party and are not included in the packing list
IN OUT

2.2.1 Desktop Installation
2.2.2 Bracket Installation
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Place the A21S device on the top of your desk, in the middle between each speaker or in the
middle of the desk.
The A21S can be secured to a tabletop using a fixed bracket for stability in use.
2.2 Installation Instructions
Take out the two screws that were already
in the bottom of the A21S. Line up the
holes at each end of the long metal plate.
Put the flat-headed long screws through
the holes to attach the metal plate to the
bottom of the A21S. Finally, use the brack-
et to attach the A21S to the table.
② Line up the holes on the small metal
plate with the U-shaped groove on the
larger metal plate. Then, use small screws
with flat heads to keep them in place.
5
Single placement Multiple placements
2-3metes
Support pickup distance up to 40 meters
8metes
PoE injector
Straight line placement U-shaped placement
8metes

3. Operation Guide
3.1 Indicators
Solid blue-white: Connected and in use.
Solid green: Connected and being called by authenticated (HID
interoperability) software.
Solid Red: Muted.
Flashing blue-white: Firmware Upgrading.
Solid Yellow: DC power is supplied, but USB connection has failed.
1. The mute key is blue-white, and other keys are red,
indicating that the device is in mute state;
2. The mute key is red and other keys are blue-white,
indicating that the device is in unmute state.
Mute light enhancement
display status:
③ Use pointed self-tapping screws to
secure the short iron plate to the tabletop.
Once the screws are in place, the installa-
tion is finished.
④ The diagram shows that the fixed
installation is now finished.
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Table Table

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3.2 Nearsync Tool
3.2.1 Downloading link
3.2.2 Nearsync Operation
3.2.2.1 Product information
Download the Nearsync on the official website.https://nearity.co/resources/dfu
After the A21S is connected to the computer via USB, nearsync automatically recognizes the
device information.
1. Device picture
2. Device information
3. When there are multiple units daisy-chain, it will show serveral picture here. for example,
A21S daisy-chain.
4. You can switch the device you want to manager by clicking on the picture here.

3.2.2.2 Upgrade Firmware
3.2.2.2.1 Upgrade online
3.2.2.2.2 Local update
1. Choose the unit you want to update.
2. Select the firmware version you want to update. The latest versions will be displayed
under the menu.
3. Click Update to start.
4. When updating finishes, the device will restart automatically.
1. Choose the file on your PC/Laptop
2. Click the Update button to start. And it will show the update process as follow：
3. When updating finishes, the device will restart automatically.
Sometimes we need to customize the firmware version according to the current
room sound environment. Ensure you’ve already gotten the firmware from our
technical team before you start the local update.
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4. Specification
Technical Specifications
Microphone Features
Speaker Characteristics
8 MEMS microphone array
Effective pickup distance: 5m(16ft)
Sensitivity: -38dBFS 94dB SPL@1kHz
SNR: 63dBV/Pa 94dB SPL@1kHz,A-weighted
Audio Characteristics
Beamforming
Voice Activity Detector(VAD)
Daisy-chain Up to 4 units via POE connection, up to 8 with
POE injector
Physical Characteristics
Height: 64mm (2.5 inches)
Width: 120mm (4.7 inches)
External power supply: DC 48V/0.65A or USB 5V/0.5A
Compatible operating systems: Windows/Mac/Linux
USB port: USB 2.0 Type-C
1x A21S
1x USB cable (3m)
1x UTP ethernet Cable (Cat6) (3m)
1x Adapter (1.5m)
1x User manual
Power and Connectivity
Packing List
AI noise suppression
Full-duplex
AI Reverb and Echo cancellation
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
Rated output power: 4Ω/3W
Speaker frequency response: 220Hz~12kHz
Speaker volume: 80±3dB @1m
THD<5%
Depth: 120mm (4.7 inches)
Net weight: 544g (19.19 oz)
Color: Deep Tarnish

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5. FAQ
Q: How to confirm if the device is working normally?
Q: What video conference software is Nearity devices compatible with?
A: No restrictions. Nearity devices employ the international standard USB connection
method, making them compatible with most major video conferencing software, such as
Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Tencent Meeting, and Webex.
Q: How many people can A21S cover as recommendation?
A: According to best practice design, it is recommended that one A21S microphone cover a
radius of 2-4 meters, or 6-8 people. When A21S is daisy chained up to 4 units, it can cover an
area of approximately 40 square meters, accommodating up to 35 people.
Q: Why do remote participants hear continuous distractions during meetings?
A: Check if the conference room has any ultrasonic, infrared, or other sensors. If so, turn
them off and try again.
Q: Why do online participants hear their echo in the meeting?
A: Check if the conference software uses A21S for both the microphone and speaker at the
same time. NEARITY A21S has an 8-element array that uses beamforming technology to
eliminate acoustic and room echo, ensuring clear communication in conference rooms
even in challenging environments. .
A: According to the connection method above, after connecting the USB to the computer,
you can use the following steps to check:
Light: The device indicator is blue-white
Playback: The PC selects A21S as the speaker device, and plays the audio source. Make
sure there is no noise, lag and other phenomena
Recording: Open Audicity or other recording software to see if the waveform changes
evenly, play the recording file and confirm whether the sound quality is normal

Q: When multiple A21S are connected with daisy chain technology, the
second one is not activated.
A: :Check if the following two occurred:
1. The primary A21S is not connected to the power source;
2. The order of the network cable connections is incorrect. Refer to Chapter 2.1.2 for more
information.
Q: When multiple A21S are daisy-chained, the indicator of the second
A21T turns yellow and does not function correctly.
Check if all A21S units' firmware versions are the same.
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Please keep the device horizontally;
Connect the device using the provided cable. The standard USB cable
length is 3m, but you can purchase a longer one if needed (we recommend
UGREEN brand). The maximum recommended length for a USB cable is
5m. If you need a longer cable, buy an extension cable with a signal amplifi-
er; otherwise, it may cause signal instability, resulting in equipment not
being recognized, noise, and other issues;
Ensure that the USB connection is stable. Avoid frequently plugging and
unplugging, as well as applying external force, as this may damage the USB
interface or cable;
When cascading multiple devices, be sure to connect DC power supply;
Do not cover the microphone hole shown in the image below. Doing so may
affect the quality of your audio.
CAUTION
Ensure that nothing is blocking the device on the table;
When cleaning the table, make sure not to wipe the device;
Unauthorized disassembly and strong impacts can cause damage to the
device;
The equipment should be kept away from high temperature environment,
heat source, strong magnetic field, strong electric field;
Consistent exposure to loud noises can cause hearing loss;
The A21S has a sound pickup range of up to 3 meters in a quiet, reverbera-
tion-free environment. For larger areas, increase the number of A21S for
daisy-chaining, or purchase a longer CAT6 cable;
8 MEMS microphone array
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