Driving Collaboration with Voice Lift for Singapore Management University

Introduction

Singapore Management University (SMU) is a leading academic institution in Singapore, renowned for its world-class research and innovative teaching methods. SMU is committed to providing its students with a holistic and dynamic learning experience that prepares them for the challenges of the future. With a focus on providing world-class education and developing future-ready leaders, SMU is constantly seeking ways to improve its teaching and learning experience. To achieve this, SMU has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, including audio equipment from Shure.

Challenge

Educational institutions are constantly adapting to the changes in the learning and collaborative landscape, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. To provide the best learning and teaching experience, keeping up to date with the latest technology trends is crucial. With the rise of hybrid learning models, SMU is looking to equip their large seminar rooms with high-performing audio solutions that could enhance the learning experience of their students and academic instructors, regardless of whether they were attending in-person or remotely. 

Solution

To meet their audio needs, Shure and Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd recommended a comprehensive upgrade that includes the installation of Microflex Ecosystem solution comprising of the Shure P300 audio conferencing processor, ceiling speakers, the MXA920 ceiling array microphone. The solution was deployed in two seminar rooms, one at Level 5 of the Administration building and another on Level 2 of the School of Accountancy. It is designed to provide the highest quality audio in the most complete and demanding spaces. 

The Shure MXA920 ceiling array microphone is capable of achieving Voice lift applications that amplify the voice of the instructors and students, ensuring that they can be heard clearly across the entire room, echo-free, while in a hybrid learning environment. The microphone's Steerable Coverage™ technology allows it to capture audio from any direction, providing flexibility in installation and ensuring optimal audio pickup. When deployed as an ecosystem solution, the P300 audio conferencing processor paired well with the MXA920 to achieve the voice lift system.

Finally, the Microflex MXN5W-C Networked Ceiling loudspeakers were installed in each room, based on the room size for high-quality sound reproduction. They are designed to deliver clear and natural sound, ensuring that students can hear the instructor’s voice. 

“We are pleased to have concluded a successful integration with the support of Shure’s expertise. Despite facing several challenges such as structural issues, the Shure MXA920 Ceiling Array microphones together with the IntelliMix® Room Audio Processing Software have allowed us to calibrate accurately and brought crystal-clear audio to the rooms,” said Raymond Tan, Sales Manager of Spectrum Audio.

Advantages

Shure's audio solution allowed SMU to upgrade its seminar rooms, future-proof its audio equipment, and provide its students with an exceptional learning experience. 

The solution delivered clear audio for all participants in the room, eliminating the need for handheld microphones and providing seamless audio coverage for conferencing and hybrid learning. 

“The MXA920s have been very helpful for our hybrid classes given its flexibility in configuration,” said Gerard Chua, Manager, Integrated Information Technology Services, SMU. “Its ‘Automatic Coverage’ mode is sufficient for our classrooms.” 

The Shure next-gen MXA920 ceiling array microphone offered exceptional voice lift and sound reinforcement. Voice lift is the ability of a microphone to amplify the voice of the speaker, making it sound louder and clearer, even in a large room. This feature is especially important in a university learning application setting, where an instructor needs to be heard by a large audience. The MXA920 ceiling microphone's exceptional voice lift ensures that the instructor's voice is amplified uniformly across the room, making it easy for all participants to hear and engage with the lecture. 

Sound reinforcement refers to the ability of a sound system to provide clear and even sound coverage throughout a room. In a university learning application setting, sound reinforcement is crucial because it ensures that all participants can hear the instructor and any audio material clearly, no matter where they are seated within the room. The Shure solution's ceiling speakers provide exceptional sound reinforcement, ensuring that all participants can hear the speaker clearly, no matter where they are seated in the room. This feature is essential for a successful learning experience, as it ensures that all participants can engage with the lecture and any audio material presented.

Additionally, the ceiling microphones have eliminated the need for academic instructors to carry handheld microphones, allowing them to move around the room freely and engage with students more effectively.

The Shure Microflex Ecosystem is designed to work seamlessly, providing SMU with a high-quality audio system that is ideal for hybrid learning and conferencing trends. The university is now equipped with the latest technology to meet the changing needs of its students and faculty, ensuring that they can continue to provide the best possible learning experience. 

"We are pleased to have concluded a successful integration with the support of Shure’s expertise. Despite facing several challenges such as structural issues, the Shure MXA920 Ceiling Array microphones together with the IntelliMix® Room Audio Processing Software have allowed us to calibrate accurately and brought crystal-clear audio to the rooms."

Raymond Tan, Sales Manager of Spectrum Audio

Gear List

	Model Number	Quantity	Description
	MXA920	15	Multi-zone Automatic Coverage™ technology captures talkers in up to 8 areas. Enhanced talker localisation information enables more accurate camera tracking.
	MXN5W-C	20	Microflex™ MXN5W-C Networked Loudspeaker
	IntelliMix P300	5	Audio conferencing processor offers IntelliMix DSP algorithms optimized for audio/video conferencing applications.
	IntelliMix® Room	5	IntelliMix® Room is digital signal processing (DSP) software designed to optimize the performance of Shure networked microphones with videoconferencing software.
	MXA MUTE	5	Configurable PoE-powered mute button accessory designed for Shure networked audio products