NEARITY AW-A20 User manual

Model: AW-A20
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 11
5. FAQ 12
6. Caution 14
June.2023

A20 * 1 USB cable(3m) * 1 Cat6 Ethernet
cable * 1
Power Adapter * 1 User manual * 1
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NEARITY has launched its flagship conference speakermic, A20. This product boasts an
8-unit omnidirectional microphone array and utilizes deep learning-based technology to
cancel noise, echo, and reverberations. It can pick up voices within a 5m radius, provid-
ing a seamless conference experience. Additionally, the built-in high-fidelity speaker
ensures high-quality full-duplex communication. Daisy chain technology allows up to 5
A20 units to be connected, enabling coverage of rooms of varying sizes.
1. Product Overview
- Advanced proprietary algorithms
Effectively removes acoustic echo and room echo to provide meeting equity in even the most challenging
environments.
- Full duplex communication
Allows for simultaneous speakers to be heard at both ends without missing a word.
- Daisy-chain expansion
Connect up to 5 units in a combined array for larger or more complex meetings.
- Plug-and-play setup
USB and ethernet connections provides for easy flexible installation and is compatible with leading UC
platforms.
- Customizable audio settings
According to the sound environment of different conference rooms, noise reduction, de-reverberation,
and echo cancellation parameters can be adjusted to obtain the best sound effect.
1.1 Product Introduction
1.2 Features
1.3 Packing List

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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① Volume＋
② Volume－
③ Anwser call*
④ End call*
（*Answer call and End call button should match with the specific VC software.）
⑤ Mute
⑥ POE output (for daisy-chain the next A20)
⑦ USB Type-C
⑧ POE input (for daisy-chain with the previous A20 or C30R)
⑩ Reset button
⑨ DC power port
1
5
4
2
3
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6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10

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

2-3 meters
Support pickup distance up to 40 meters
2.1 Connection
2. Deployment
2.1.1 Single A20 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 daisy chain technology enables up to 5 devices to connect seamlessly, providing
clear, uninterrupted audio for meetings. The first A20 is connected to a PC via USB and pow-
ered by an adapter.
The Daisy Chain technology enables the A20 to be a perfect fit for different-sized meeting
rooms, from small to large.

2.1.3 A20 daisy-chain with C30R
2.2.1 Desktop Installation
2.2.2 Bracket Installation
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The two are complementary: C30R offers high-definition video for one A20 situation, while
A20 boosts the sound and pickup range for one C30R situation. One C30R can connect up to
4 A20 units.
The C30R is connected to the computer via USB, and then the C30R's network port is con-
nected to the previous network port of the first A20 through the network cable
Place the A20 device on the top of your desk, in the middle between each speaker or in the
middle of the desk.
The A20 can be secured to a tabletop using a fixed bracket for stability in use.
2.2 Installation Instructions
5
① Take out the two screws that were
already in the bottom of the A20. 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 A20. Finally, use the
bracket to attach the A20 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.

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.
Flash 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:
Table Table
③ Use pointed self-tapping screws to
secure the short iron plate to the table-
top. Once the screws are in place, the
installation is finished.
④ The diagram shows that the fixed
installation is now finished.
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- 08 -
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 A20 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,
A20 daisy-chain.
4. You can switch the device you want to nearsync 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. And it will show the update process as follows:
4.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 stathe rt local update.
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3.2.2.4 Adjust audio effects
3.2.2.3 Device Setting
1.Choose the firmware on your PC/Laptop
2.Click the Update button to start. And it will show the update process as follow：
The noise reduction, reverberation elimination and echo suppression levels can be set
independently. There are five levels to choose from: None, Mild, Medium, Severe, and
Extreme.
3.When updating finishes, the device will restart automatically.
1, When the feature is enabled, the mute mode indicator will switch status.
2, The USB mode can be switched between High Speed and Full Speed. High Speed mode
is usually used, while Full Speed is used to address compatibility issues with some Android
Pads.
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4. Specification
Technical Specifications
Microphone Features
Speaker Characteristics
8 MEMS microphones array
Effective pickup distance: 5m(16ft)
Sensitivity: -26dBFS 94dB SPL@1kHz
SNR: 65dBA@20kHz bandwidth, A-weighted
Rated output power: 4Ω/1.5W
Speaker frequency response: 155Hz~16kHz
Speaker volume: 80±3dB @1m
THD<5%
Audio Characteristics
Beamforming
Noise suppression
Daisy-chain POE UTP RJ45 (CAT6)
Up to 5 units via POE connection
Physical Characteristics
Height: 64mm (2.5 inches)
Width: 120mm (4.7 inches)
Depth: 120mm (4.7 inches)
Net weight: 544g (19.19 oz)
Color: Galaxy Gray
Power and Connectivity
External power supply: DC 48V/0.6A or USB 5V/0.5A
Compatible operating systems: Windows/Mac/Linux
USB port: USB 2.0 Type-C
1x A20
1x USB cable(3 meters)
1x UTP ethernet Cat6 Cable(3 meters)
1x Power adapter
1x User manual
Packing List
Full-duplex
Reverb and Echo cancellation
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
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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 A20 cover as recommendation?
A: According to best practice design, it is recommended that one A20 microphone cover a
radius of 2-4 meters, or 6-8 people. When A20 is daisy chained up to 5 units, it can cover an
area of approximately 50 square meters, accommodating up to 40 people.
Q: Why do online participants hear their echo in the meeting?
A: Check if the conference software uses A20 for both the microphone and speaker at the
same time. NEARITY A20 has an 8-element array that uses beamforming technology to elim-
inate acoustic and room echo, ensuring clear communication in conference rooms even in
challenging environments.
Q: Is the Microphone in the C30R still working when Daisy-chain with A20?
A: C30R's microphone is not available when daisy chained with A20s due to the different
sound pickup effects. When both C30R and A20 are used to take sound simultaneously, it
can cause an unstable pickup. Therefore, we have intentionally disabled C30R's micro-
phone when cascading with A20s.
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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 A20 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 A20s are daisy-chained, the indicator of the second A20
turns yellow and does not function correctly.
A: Check if all A20 units' firmware versions are the same.
Q: Why do remote participants hear continuous distractions during meet-
ings?
A: Check if the conference room has any ultrasonic, infrared, or other sensors. If so, turn
them off and try again.
Q: When multiple A20s are connected with daisy chain technology, the
second one is not activated.
A: Check if the following two occurred:
1. The primary A20 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.
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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 A20 has a sound pickup range of up to 3 meters in a quiet, reverbera-
tion-free environment. For larger areas, increase the number of A20s for
daisy-chaining, or purchase a longer CAT6 cable;
After the A20 is daisy-chain with C30R, the A20 is powered by the network
cable, and there is no need to supply power through the adapter.
8 MEMS microphone array