Federation University enhances classrooms with Sennheiser tech

Federation University has partnered with Sennheiser to transform 45 classrooms into hybrid learning environments, enhancing the educational experience for students across regional Victoria.

Academics at Federation University faced challenges in providing a seamless, high-quality experience for both in-person and remote learners across regional campuses. The university aimed to address these challenges by implementing a reliable and easy-to-use system that would minimise the need for user intervention.

The foundation of this new approach is Sennheiser's TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) microphone system. This technology is designed to provide superior voice clarity and automation, offering features such as intelligent audio pickup, voice tracking, and integration with Microsoft Teams and other AV systems.

Each of the university's Connected Classrooms is equipped with two TCC 2 microphones – one for the presenter and one for the audience. This ensures clear voice lift and remote audio transmission. The setup is integrated with Crestron video transmission and Q-SYS DSP systems, optimising performance and compatibility. Automation of lights, screens, and audio reduces setup time for academics.

Amit Suyan, AV Team Leader at Federation University, explained the vision behind the project. "We were looking for a system that delivers a superior learning experience for both in-class and remote participants. The solution had to be easy to use, reliable, and offer excellent audio quality. It was essential to implement a system that required minimal interaction from academics while maintaining a professional-grade performance. Academics need to walk into the room and begin teaching with minimal setup. The system needed to function seamlessly, much like plugging in a laptop at home," he stated.

"We needed a solution that could deliver clear and reliable audio for both in-room and remote participants without requiring constant user intervention. Simplicity and stability were critical. The TCC 2 met all our requirements. It provides exceptional voice lift, clear audio for remote participants, and integrates seamlessly with our chosen DSP (Q-SYS), Control (Crestron) and video solutions (Crestron NVX)," Suyan added.

The university's approach to AV strategy emphasised standardisation and efficiency, as the team meticulously tested and refined their setup to ensure optimal performance. The rollout process included prototyping and rigorous testing, with significant attention to configuration nuances.

Installations of the TCC 2 markedly enhanced the classroom experience, allowing academics to walk into a fully configured space ready for teaching. Remote monitoring and management capabilities were noted as significant improvements, reducing potential disruptions.

Suyan commented on the support received from Sennheiser: "The TCC 2 microphones are truly a 'set and forget' solution, they're reliable, easy to install, and deliver phenomenal performance. User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how seamless and effective the system is. By enabling remote access, we can proactively detect and resolve issues before they affect users."

He also mentioned the efficiency of the deployment process: "In addition, we've refined the process to commission a room in just 1.5 days. This rapid deployment ensures minimal disruption and allows us to scale quickly. The team at Sennheiser provided invaluable assistance. From early-stage design guidance to troubleshooting during implementation, their expertise ensured our systems were production-ready."

Federation University's strategy with the Connected Classrooms, powered by Sennheiser's audio solutions, presents a model for other higher education institutions. The focus on user-friendly design, robust technology, and seamless integration aims to meet the needs of modern education.