New Web Conferencing Offerings from MXL at ISE

MXL Microphones will showcase a selection of new web conferencing microphones and systems at the 2020 ISE show (Stand 11-D150). New products making their debut at ISE 2020 include the AC-44 USB Web Conferencing Mic and the MXL AC-44 LCR multi-microphone system for use with a Zoom Room Speaker Switch. MXL is also expanding on its AC-360 conferencing line with a new ceiling mount, giving integrators and end users even more flexibility for installation in a range of meeting rooms. The AC-360 will be mounted into the ceiling of MXL’s ISE booth throughout the show in order to showcase the mic’s versatile placement capability.

MXL will introduce the latest addition to its popular line of USB conferencing microphones, the MXL AC-44. With a compact footprint measuring only 2.5×3-inches, and 1-inch tall, the AC-44 is an ideal solution for any limited space application including huddle and conference rooms. The AC-44 can also be easily affixed to medical carts for telemedicine, placed in robotics for receiving voice commands and incorporated into OEM applications. The AC-44 uses MXL’s signature 3-capsule boundary design to create a small microphone with a wide pickup arc. The AC-44’s wide cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the sources in front of the microphone, while rejecting unwanted noise. 

The AC-44 is powered by simple USB-C connection, making it compatible with any computer without having to download any drivers — it is a true plug-and-play microphone solution. The AC-44 is designed with a rugged, all-metal frame and durable metal grill to ensure it can withstand the rigours of daily use in busy industrial environments. The MXL AC-44 is available in three different colours: white, black and cobalt blue, with custom colours and capsule configurations avaliable for special applications.

Also at ISE 2020, MXL will demonstrate its latest web conferencing collaborative solution with its MXL AC-44 LCR, a new and advanced “audio tracking” microphone system that will integrate with software and cameras. This 3-microphone array will interface with Zoom Video Communications’ new Zoom Room Feature, Zoom Speaker Switch. MXL and Jabra, maker of the PanaCast camera, have created products that work together to provide a seamless speaker switching conferencing solution. 

The MXL AC-44 LCR system consists of a three-microphone array utilising MXL’s new AC-44 USB microphone, which boasts an extra-small footprint. The three AC-44s will be positioned in a [L]eft, [R]ight, and [C]enter arrangement that when used with Zoom Rooms, will automatically track to wherever each speaker is located. The Jabra PanaCast camera will then focus in on each speaker’s location based on the audio signals, creating a more dynamic and impactful Zoom conferencing experience.

“The new speaker switch system is another step forward in the web conferencing evolution – leveraging MXL’s reliable audio quality to enhance the user experience,” says Trevor Fedele, Sales Director at MXL. “We’ve had great success with our collaboration with Zoom over the past year, and this new system only cements MXL as a true innovator in meeting room audio and the UCC market. We’re very excited to be working with Zoom on collaborative technology, and we look forward to staying on the front lines of UCC as a premier audio solution.”

Also, on display at the show will be the MXL AC-360 microphone, which captures a full 360° audio pickup within a 25-ft (6m) radius, suitable for use in huddle rooms and medium-sized conference rooms. The AC-360 incorporates MXL’s signature 3-capsule boundary design in each of the microphone’s four quadrants, and is easily mountable on tables, desktops and ceiling tiles, utilising its new dedicated ceiling mount. Its AC-360-Z is specifically designed to be used in Zoom rooms. When used with Zoom Rooms software, each quadrant of the AC-360-Z V2 is individually processed and optimised using Zoom Rooms’ DSP and echo cancellation technology. Multiple AC-360-Z V2s can be daisy-chained together using included USB-C cables for scalable Zoom Room installations.