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Which Ceiling Microphone Reigns Supreme?
27 Jan 2025
The Ultimate Battle of Ceiling Microphones: Shure MXA vs. Sennheiser TCC vs. Biamp vs. Sony MAS
With hybrid work environments on the rise, ceiling microphones are now integral to delivering crystal-clear audio in meeting spaces. Four major players dominate this space: the Shure MXA range, Sennheiser TCC range, Biamp range, and Sony MSA range. In this detailed comparison, we analyze their technology, performance, and features to determine the best-in-class solution for audio capture in professional settings.
The Contenders
1. Shure MXA Range
The Shure MXA series, including the MXA910 and MXA920, offers beamforming microphone arrays with high precision. Known for Shure’s IntelliMix® DSP, the MXA range excels in echo cancellation, noise reduction, and automatic gain control. These microphones integrate seamlessly with Dante and AES67 for networked audio, making them a top choice for enterprise AV systems.
2. Sennheiser TCC Range
Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling (TCC) series, with the TCC2 as its flagship, is renowned for dynamic beamforming technology. It continuously adapts to the position of the speaker, delivering consistent audio quality. With built-in Dante, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and a focus on Microsoft Teams Rooms, the TCC2 is a strong contender.
3. Biamp Range
Biamp offers the Parlé TCM-X and TCM-XA, compact ceiling microphones equipped with beamtracking technology. These microphones are designed to intelligently follow conversations in real time, ensuring balanced audio. Biamp also integrates its Tesira software for centralized management and audio optimization.
4. Sony MAS Range
The Sony MAS-A series, specifically the MAS-A100, is designed for lecture capture and presentation environments. It features beamforming technology combined with Sony’s in-house DSP for feedback suppression and clear audio. Its auto-gain control and noise reduction features cater to educational and corporate applications, but its limited range of models affects versatility.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Shure MXA Range | Sennheiser TCC Range | Biamp Range | Sony MAS Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beamforming | Yes (Static & Dynamic) | Yes (Dynamic) | Yes (Dynamic) | Yes (Static) |
| DSP Integration | IntelliMix® DSP | Integrated | Tesira | Sony DSP |
| Network Audio | Dante & AES67 | Dante | AVB | None |
| Room Coverage | Up to 30 ft. | Up to 30 ft. | Up to 25 ft. | Up to 20 ft. |
| Certifications | Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams | Limited |
| Ease of Installation | Flexible (Tile options) | Ceiling mount | Ceiling mount | Ceiling mount |
| Use Cases | Boardrooms, Classrooms | Boardrooms, Classrooms | Small to Medium Rooms | Lectures, Presentations |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
Winner: Shure MXA Range
After analyzing the technology and performance, the Shure MXA Range comes out on top as the best ceiling microphone system on the market. Here's why:
- Advanced Beamforming Technology: The Shure MXA series offers both static and dynamic beamforming, allowing for precise audio capture and superior sound quality regardless of room size or configuration.
- IntelliMix® DSP: Shure’s built-in DSP handles noise reduction, echo cancellation, and automatic mixing, delivering pristine audio in challenging acoustic environments.
- Seamless Integration: With support for Dante and AES67, the MXA series provides unparalleled compatibility with modern networked AV systems.
- Flexible Installation: Whether you need a tile-mount solution or custom configurations, the Shure MXA range adapts to diverse room setups.
Why Not the Others?
- The Sennheiser TCC range delivers excellent audio quality with dynamic beamforming but lacks the sophisticated DSP capabilities that Shure provides.
- Biamp’s range is affordable and effective for smaller spaces but falls short in room coverage and lacks the flexibility needed for large-scale installations.
- The Sony MAS-A range, while solid for lecture capture, is limited in scope and doesn't offer the same level of advanced audio processing or coverage as its competitors.
Conclusion
For businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations seeking the best ceiling microphone solution, the Shure MXA Range stands as the most advanced and versatile choice. Its industry-leading technology and exceptional performance make it the go-to solution for clear, reliable audio in any professional environment.
