Beyerdynamic, the well known
German audio specialists presents a new wired conference system named Orbis
(Latin for circle).
Orbis is being presented officially for the first time at
InfoComm 2014 in Las Vegas and represents a combination of modern technical
features and outstanding high quality audio. During the development phase
particular attention was paid to making this digital system easy to
manage. As the successor of beyerdynamic’s wired conference solutions MCS
20 and MCS 50, Orbis is designed for use wherever discussions are to be held
requiring the highest possible speech intelligibility.
Redundancy in the ring
The central control unit and the microphone units are
wired to each other using standard Cat5 cables. The closed ring simultaneously
supplies the microphone units from both sides with uncompressed digital audio
signals and voltage. Orbis is ready for operation as soon as it is connected
without requiring complicated software configuration.
Orbis features high
quality materials and modern design that has been created especially to satisfy
difficult requirements. Features such as silicone push-buttons with multi-colour
backlighting and tactile feedback, as well as a headphone connector or an
induction loop for assisted listening, meet the requirements of the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The microphone units are
available in a variety of fitted or desk-top versions, and enable the system to
be integrated individually, elegantly and discreetly into any conference
set-up.
Central control unit
The heard of the system is the desktop central control
unit which can also be integrated into an AV rack. ThThanks to its one-button
navigation, the clearly structured user interface can be operated
intuitively. The backlit display visualizes the operating modes, which
means branching into sub-menus is not necessary. With the hot plugging feature,
additional microphone units can be connected during a conference without
causing any interruption; the system automatically identifies all additions or
replacements.
Up to 100 microphone units can be operated from one
central control unit. If the system is connected in a loop for a redundant
operation, up to 50 microphone units can be connected to the central control
unit. Orbis achieves its impressive system capacity by means of particularly
economical microphone units that consume less than 1 watt per unit at maximum
volume. The central control unit only requires 1.5 watts in stand-by mode.
beyerdynamic remained committed to environment-friendly processes when
manufacturing Orbis.
The RS-232 interface in the Orbis central control unit
allows the system to be connected to a media control unit making operation and
control of the conference system particularly convenient. Orbis is highly
flexible because microphone signals can be transmitted via different
outputs. The system can be used for a variety of applications, such as
telephone and video conferencing, or for including a foreign language channel.
Thanks to the integrated recorder each meeting can be recorded without the need
for external equipment. The digital audio recording is saved on an SD card that
is inserted into a slot on the central control unit.
Microphone units
The chairman and delegate microphone units are coated
with a special paint that was specially developed for the automotive industry
and is particularly hard wearing and scratch resistant. The operating panel is
made of hardened acrylic material. The practical cabling options allow the
cables to be connected from below or behind depending on the conditions on
site. Strain relief is provided for these cables. Pre-drilled holes allows the
microphone units to be affixed to the table if required.
The gooseneck microphones are available in four different
lengths and, if needed, can be replaced quickly thanks to the robust XLR
connector. beyerdynamic’s Scudio technology reliably eliminates interference
caused by mobile phones.
Intelligent construction of the microphone unit housing
ensures that it does not slip when set up on a table top. Vibration
transmission is reduced effectively further improving signal quality. A unique
feature of the Orbis system is its inlay panels which can be tailored to the
customer’s requirements in terms of color, material and push button labelling.
