Sennheiser has completed a large‑scale audio upgrade across Cardiff Metropolitan University, rolling out ceiling microphone systems, wireless audio and mobile streaming tools in over 50 teaching rooms to support hybrid learning.
The installation includes Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2), TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M), SpeechLine Digital Wireless (SL DW) microphones, and the wi‑fi bi‑directional streaming tool MobileConnect. These systems are designed to improve audio capture, clarity and flexibility in both in‑person and remote teaching scenarios.
Sennheiser said the university’s AV upgrade was prompted by outdated lecture capture setups: desk‑mics, USB‑connected cameras and projectors. The COVID‑19 pandemic accelerated the demand for more integrated and modern audio infrastructure.
The TCC 2 ceiling arrays use dynamic beamforming technology, with 28 omnidirectional microphone capsules in a matrix that track active speakers and capture multiple voices simultaneously. For smaller rooms, the TCC M systems with 16 elements offer similar beamforming performance in a more compact form.
The company says that lecturers now benefit from visual indicators: LEDs show when microphones are active (green) or muted (red). Microphones are set to mute automatically when the AV system is powered down, supporting privacy and compliance.
Audio engineers at Cardiff Met are also using the advanced zone‑control features to suppress unwanted noise. For example, the TCC 2 mics allow exclusion of noisy zones such as HVAC hum while prioritising lecturer and student voices without losing coverage.
SL DW wireless channels have been deployed in lecture theatres. They operate in the licence‑free 1.9 GHz band, use lithium‑ion batteries, include automatic frequency management, and AES‑256 encryption for secure transmission. MobileConnect is designed to enable students to stream classroom audio to their smartphones via a dedicated app. Static pin codes displayed in rooms allow easy access without special setup, benefiting students who need assistive listening support.
All devices are managed through Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit software, which allows remote monitoring, firmware updates, and control of mic status across campus, reducing the need for technician interventions onsite.
Hollie Carter, AV support coordinator at Cardiff Met, explained: “Around six years ago, an internal review highlighted the need to upgrade our current teaching room AV infrastructure. They were all old projectors. We were using microphones on the desk that were plugged in via USB to the PC, little webcams on the monitors, and Panopto to record all our lessons.”
Ed Taylor, head of digital support services at Cardiff Met, added: “The TCC microphones have drastically improved audio in meeting and lecture spaces, ensuring a better experience for remote participants. MobileConnect also adds great value from an accessibility standpoint. The products integrate seamlessly within our ecosystem, and remote management is a perfect fit.”
Inesh Patel, business development manager at Sennheiser, commented: “Many hearing aid users no longer have telecoil devices, so traditional induction loop systems weren’t a good fit. Moving across to MobileConnect made complete sense.”
