However, as experts in audiovisual technology know, it is not enough just to have a stable video connection. A high quality audio is essential for meetings to be productive and effective. Therefore, specialized audio solutions for these platforms are essential to ensure a first-class professional experience.

Julian Sanchez, Market Development Specialist at Shure, sums it up: "Complete intelligibility must be achieved to ensure that the message is clear and the communication is correct".

What are audio solutions for Teams and Zoom?

Audio solutions for platforms such as Teams and Zoom are equipment and technologies specifically designed to optimize communication during video calls. These range from professional microphones and intelligent speakers to advanced noise cancellation and acoustic conditioning systems. These solutions seek to solve the most common problems of virtual meetings: distorted sounds, echo, interference or background noise.

The quality of communication depends not only on the data network or the camera used, but also on how the sounds are captured and reproduced. For Julián, understanding the environment is key: "The size of the room is fundamental because the needs will change accordingly. The microphony, for example, is not the same for a huddle room of four people as it is for an auditorium of a thousand."

What should these solutions provide?

Clarity and understanding: Directional microphones and quality speakers ensure that the sound is clear and accurate. In Sanchez's words, this helps to "transmit professional audio, avoiding loss of time, productivity and money".

2. Noise and echo elimination: One of the most common difficulties is the background noise caused by the environment or reverberation of the room. Sanchez notes that "the current aesthetics of the rooms often incorporates highly reflective materials, which raises the reverberation and affects the intelligibility of the audio".

3. Compliance with professional standards: Using solutions certified by platforms such as Teams or Zoom guarantees a smooth and reliable integration. "Thinking about solutions that have been tested and certified by the platforms will ensure the success of your collaboration space," says Sanchez.

4. Flexibility in hybrid environments: Hybrid offices require versatile tools. Shure, for example, offers its Intellimix Room Kits, a system that includes microphones, embedded DSP, camera and control screen, designed specifically for Microsoft Teams Rooms.

5. HD Audio: This trend is also growing in the business environment. Solutions that integrate advanced digital processing and AI offer exceptional sound quality, crucial in meetings where every word matters.

Key equipment to optimize audio in Teams and Zoom

• Professional headsets: Headsets with active noise cancellation (ANC) and premium sound quality are essential to ensure the best listening experience in meetings. Equipment from brands such as Shure or Sennheiser or Bose offer models designed specifically for videoconferencing.
• High-end USB microphones: For those who need a high quality stand-alone microphone, USB microphones provide excellent sound pickup. Many of these models include anti-noise filters to improve voice quality.
• Integrated audio systems: Professional audio systems, such as sound bars and quality Bluetooth speakers, are ideal solutions for medium to large meeting rooms. These systems provide clear and powerful sound, ensuring that all participants hear without problems.
• All-in-one solutions for hybrid rooms: All-in-one cameras, microphones and speakers are becoming a must-have solution for hybrid meeting rooms. These units allow for quick setup and deliver high-end audio and video quality, which is critical in a remote or hybrid work environment.

Sanchez also recommends that installers consider digital and networked solutions: "Being able to do the configuration online and manage them from the cloud is no longer an added value and becomes a necessity."

What difficulties can be encountered during installation?

The most common problems are linked to the physical environment: rooms with poor acoustics, external noise or non-optimized furniture. There is also the use of obsolete technology or the lack of integration between different devices.

Therefore, Sanchez insists: "Proposing the necessary upgrades to digital and networked technology is important to provide an optimal end-user experience".

As an additional tip, Julian expressed the advantage of being able to configure the equipment online and manage and monitor them in the cloud, which is no longer an added value and becomes a necessity, as it facilitates implementation and provides a simple user experience.

He also highlighted as important to consider the use of a single ecosystem to help reduce potential points of failure, and to be able to visualize and configure the entire system from a single software. "In addition, taking into account certifications and the integration of this ecosystem with the main communication platforms used by the end user is key," he added.

Where is this technology going?

The trend is clear: more robust solutions, simple to implement and with a strong integration of artificial intelligence. For Shure, this represents an opportunity to develop cloud services, advanced software and more agile technical support.

Choosing audio equipment for video conferencing goes far beyond connecting a microphone and camera. It's about creating a smooth, clear and unobstructed communication experience. And in a hybrid and competitive environment, every detail counts. How do you choose your equipment?

If you found this interesting and want to learn more about the audio solutions for Teams and Zoom available in the market, then InfoComm Latin America is your must-attend event!

There will be several companies and professionals ready to talk to you and show you the latest in the industry. One of them will be Shure waiting for you at booth #38, as well as Sennheiser at booth #91 and Bose Professional in Demo Room #1. Pre-register and come visit them!