Webinar: Conference Audio Made Easy with Yamaha’s ADECIA

Yamaha recently introduced the ADECIA solution. In this webinar, attendees learned about this groundbreaking offering that provides all components required for a successful installation and automatic technologies that reduce set up time, costs and complexities, leading to best audio for your conferences.

Simplicity of configuring the complete solution is based on Dante technology, while also adding the ability to customize with other Dante-enabled products through its open interface.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can you talk a bit about how ADECIA differs from the competition

 There are a lot of differences.

- Starting with ADECIA being a solution with all components from the switch to the processor, speaker, and microphone coming from one company.

- Then the fact that ADECIA auto configures and auto tunes the system for the room: no manual tuning, set-up, or configuration is required.

- When we look into the components, and specifically the ceiling microphone, the fact that it generates beams dynamically, allowing for narrower beams than if you try to cover the full room with a limited number of beams, and that it has multi-beam technology, capturing several people participating in the conversation without having to re-calculate beams which causes audio volume drops.

This list can go on and on and on…

Q: Dante Controller needed?

 No, the Dante Controller is not needed for the setup of the ADECIA solution. Components find each other automatically and configure the Dante audio streams automatically.

Q: Is Dante Controller software required to make audio subscriptions?

 No. The components do that automatically.

Q: How big a room for mic?

 With one ceiling microphone we can cover a room of about 20 - 25ft / 6 - 7.5 m in length. Using a second ceiling microphone doubles the maximum length of the room to about 45-50 feet / 13.5-15 m

Q: If you have more than one person speaking at vastly different volumes moving around a room, is there a problem if their beams cross over each other?

 No. The beams will continue to follow the voices after they crossed; Gain Control is performed on the signals before they are mixed together.

Q: Is voice lift possible with the Ceiling array and the Loudspeakers?

 Voice lift is only supported using the analog microphone inputs in front of the RM-CR in the ADECIA solution.

Q: When the usb is plugged in to the computer, what is the name of the speaker and mic when selecting it on a computer. can users change this name

 The ADECIA solution is called “Echo Cancelling Speaker Phone Yamaha RM-CR” for both the microphone and the speaker connection. This name cannot be adjusted.

Q: How many Dante flows are typical?

 It depends on the Dante module inside the device. From Dante Controller > Device View > Transmit tab you will see the available Flows.

Q: I have a customer with existing switching equipment... Do the Yamaha products require .af or .at PPoE?

 The speakers and the room processor require PoE+, the ceiling microphone requires PoE.

Q: In what price range are we moving?

 Price lists have been published in the different regions. Please contact your local Yamaha Unified Communications representative or distributor/reseller for the pricing.

Q: To clarify, could you then utilize several microphones in multiple rooms feeding back to 1 x DSP, so you aren't limited to two microphones if not using the Core Processor?

 If the RM-CG ceiling microphone is used in other environments than ADECIA, e.g. with the Yamaha MRX7-D DSP, we do not limit the number of microphones in the environment.

Q: Does it works with Dante Domain Manager?

 As ADECIA is planned as a room solution, it does not require support for DDM. However, as a stand alone microphone the RM-CG itself will support DDM with a future firmware upgrade.

Q: how to determine how many ceiling mic is best fit for my room? can i have more than 2 mic in a room?

 The number of microphones depends on the size of the room. A room up to 20-25 ft or 6/7.5 m can be typically handled by one microphone. Within ADECIA we only support two ceiling microphones within one room. However, if you integrate the microphones with other DSPs like the Yamaha MRX7-D there is no restriction.

Q: what is the component required for me to pair my mobile device with the ceiling mic via Bluetooth?

 Bluetooth connectivity within the ADECIA solution is provided within the room processor RM-CR. Pairing is done to the processor.

Q: Can we use this technology to a video conferencing system?

 Yes. ADECIA supports analog audio in/out to connect to an existing video codec (beside the USB audio, Bluetooth audio, and SIP telephony integration).

Q: Can ADECIA integrate/connect to any automation system?

 I am not sure what exactly is meant by automation system in this question. ADECIA can be connected via USB audio to any audio or communication application supporting USB; ADECIA can be connected to room control systems or the Yamaha ProVisionaire control panel for external control of the solution; ADECIA can connect via SNMP to IT management systems. This is in addition to SIP telephony integration with call managers. And I am sure a lot of other integration points that can be used to integrate ADECIA into corporate (IT) environments.

Q: Have any Participant certificate available?

, This webinar doesn't provide certification however you can get your Dante Certification at www.audinate.com/certify

Q: How to configure RM-CR, does it require any application from PC?

 ADECIA is configured using a web user interface. No PC application is required, only a market typical web browser.

Q: Will there be an online configuration tool for different room styles and how much mics you suggest?

 Yes. A configurator will be provided through Yamaha Unified Communication’s web pages.

Q: Has any of the equipment been certified for MS Teams or Zoom?

 Certification with both applications is anticipated once the product is shipping. In the meantime, the product is compliant with both products.

Q: Does the microphone by itself has aec and a Dante return channel?

 Yes, the ceiling microphone has most of the audio post-processing including AEC integrated. There is a Dante return channel for the AEC reference signal.

Q: is it possible to get information about the actual position of the four beams? (e.g. camera tracking)

 This is planned to be added in a firmware release update in 2021.

Q: Is Dante Certification still free?

 Yes

Q: Is there a mute button on the roadmap?

 There is currently no plan to provide our own mute button. Mute of the microphone can be controlled from the application and the application interfaces, room control systems, or other means already in the room.

Q: Would ADECIA be a good solution for a Board conference room with a 14 member dais at front of room. Would you need to use multiple units?

 It sounds as if ADECIA would in fact be a perfect solution for such a room. It would be good though to get more information on room size before giving an answer on how many microphones might be required. Please reach out to a Yamaha UC sales representative to look at room layouts and sizes to give a more exact answer.

Q: To the room size question, what is the max number of RM-CG's recommended?

 One RM-CG can cover a radius of about 13 ft / 4 m. Within an ADECIA solution up to two microphones can be supported. When integrating the microphone with other technology like the Yamaha MRX7-D DSP, there is no limitation.

Q: Was there thought about USB-C?

 There is always thought about technology upgrades. We decided to stay with the current USB connectors as in corporation a high number of computers and laptops currently do not have USB-C connectors.

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Q: I was just certified in Dante Level 1 & 2 in 2020, do I need to get recertified for 2021?

 You will be invited to recertify

Q: What is the optimum distance from the microphone to the subject? How far can it pick it?

 There are of course outside influences for this, but the rule of thumb is that at 10 feet /3 m ceiling height, the microphone provides good pick up in a radius of 13 feet / 4 meters.

Q: Is the DSP in the microphone user adjustable?

 Through the web user interface the DSP behavior can be adjusted.

Q: What type of monitoring tools (apps) are available to monitor the incoming content?

 ADECIA is an audio device – monitoring and remote listening to the audio streams is not supported (for security reasons). However, ADECIA supports SNMP traps to send warnings and error conditions to a centralized IT management environment.

Q: On the ceiling mic can the foci be separated into separate channels for recording production purposes?.

 The ceiling microphone mixes the dynamic beams automatically. The beams are not separately available.

Q: Are there any height limitations for the RM-CG?

 Yes, but they depend on the room itself. We assume a typical height of 10 feet / 3 meters and reasonable quiet for a conference room when providing information of pick-up areas. Room noise, airflow, and other environmental influences can change these numbers. The maximum possible height of the ceiling microphone is one of the parameters dependent on the room environment.

Q: Will the DSP allow for an external Dante input to be used and processed?

 The RM-CR is specifically built to support ADECIA. Third party or other Dante input is not supported.

Q: What are price points on the different pieces of the system?

 Price lists have been published in the different regions. Please contact your local Yamaha Unified Communications representative or distributor/reseller for the pricing.

Q: Can the configuration file be exported and saved?

 Yes, configuration files can be exported, saved, and imported to duplicate a specific configuration.

Q: Is Adecia already available in U.S.A ?

 Shipping in 1st quarter of 2021.

Q: is there an estimate MSRP price for Adecia?

 Price lists have been published in the different regions. Please contact your local Yamaha Unified Communications representative or distributor/reseller for the pricing.

Q: Not sure if I missed it, but how many microphone endpoints can be connected to a single system?

 An ADECIA solution supports up to two ceiling microphones.

Q: Could we have both of them speak simultaneously just to hear it?

 We did that during the webinar.

Q: Can you use the ceiling microphone as a standalone Dante device, or do you have to use the processor for it to work?

 The ceiling microphone RM-CG can be used stand-alone and integrated with other Dante equipment, e.g. the Yamaha MRX7-D.

Q: If a system is upgraded with equipment from a different manufacturer/system - does the device need to be replaced with a comparable Yamaha unit?

 The components of the ADECIA solution have open interfaces and use Dante. They can be integrated with other Dante-enabled Yamaha or third-party equipment.

Q: Certification URL one more time please! 

www.audinate.com/certify

Q: What system are Dr.Stoltze and Meghan using for this webinar?

 We were using the ADECIA solution for the recording of the videos and the live webinar.

Q: Is the SPL sensitivity of each beam adjustable, so that one beam could be prioritized?

 No. As beams are built dynamically there is not one that can be prioritized, as it still could built anywhere in the room.

Q: How do you control the speaker level?

 ADECIA determined the nominal volume for the speaker as part of the set-up. After that, speaker level is controlled through the unified communication application or the device connected to ADECIA. Volume can also be controlled through a control device, like a room controller, or Yamaha’s ProVisionaire.

Q:What is the Dante Virtual Sound Card?

 The Dante Virtual Soundcard will transform your computer into a multitrack Dante device up to 64x64 I/O

Q: Clarification: Zoom integration with virtual sound card routing from Adecia.

 In a typical Zoom integration ADECIA would connect to the computer running Zoom or Zoom Room using USB. No virtual sound card is required.

Q: Is there a limit on devices such as microphones?

 ADECIA supports up to two ceiling microphone arrays and up to two analog microphones connected to the front. If more microphones are required, a different DSP like the Yamaha MRX7-D would be required.

Q: How do these beams work? like a laser? Are they on a gyroscopic motor? I'd like to understand these beams.

 Microphone beams are calculated from the audio pick-up of several fixed installed microphone elements. Beams calculate the audio coming from one direction based on time difference when the audio reaches the microphones. There is no mechanical (motorized) component in our beamforming microphone array.

Q: What’s the coverage diameter for the Microphone?

 One RM-CG can cover a radius of about 13 feet / 4 m.

Q: Can you set the speaker height and ceiling height etc? and provide environmental information like noise level etc or say room layouts

 As part of the exclusion zone set-up several of these parameters can be set. A lot of them are also calculated automatically during the auto-tuning process of ADECIA and do not need to be entered by the user.

Q: What is the warranty and availability in the UAE?

 Please reach out to your local Yamaha subsidiary to find out specific availability, price, and warranty information in the regions.

Q: Do you have any supervisory or asset management tools for managing large installations

 ADECIA supports SNMP and can thus be integrated into existing IT management tools for administration, management, maintenance, and monitoring.

Q: Can you turn off the processor to ear without it?

 Features of the audio post-processing can be switched off through the user interface

Q: Do the automatic tuning process support solutions that do not use the line array speakers?

 The automatic process does require control of speakers and microphone. It is therefore only available when using the line array speakers.

Q: What is the recommended height limit for the microphone, 9 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft above the deck?

 We assume a typical height of 10 feet / 3 meters and reasonable quiet for a conference room when providing information of pick-up areas. Room noise, airflow, and other environmental influences can change these numbers. The maximum possible height of the ceiling microphone is one of the parameters dependent on the room environment.

Q: I notice you have acoustic panels in the room, is that required? If so, what recommend percentage of wall covering is best practices?

 No, acoustic paneling is not required to use ADECIA.

Q: Does the solution offer a lapel mic for extra-large rooms that would appear as a mixed audio source with the ceiling devices?

 The microphone inputs in the front of the room processor allow for additional microphones to be added. These microphones will be voice-lifted in the room, as well as sent to the far end. For a presenter we would recommend using a microphone like the HD dual with lapel microphone connected to these inputs.

Q: Is the USB audio usable with video conferencing systems such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams computers?

 Yes, it is.

Q: Will ADECIA be replacing rooms that a current conference room with Pro Audio system installed?

 Even though it is possible, we do not expect ADECIA to replace existing installations unless they are at the end of their life. We think that ADECIA has the opportunity for customers to install good audio in rooms that do not have Pro Audio systems installed today.

Q: Can ADECIA be integrated into current installed Pro Audio system in a room?

 The components of ADECIA can be integrated with existing installations.

Q: What’s the max ceiling height, for the mic array beam to capture effectively?

 We assume a typical height of 10 feet / 3 meters and reasonable quiet for a conference room when providing information of pick-up areas. Room noise, airflow, and other environmental influences can change these numbers. The maximum possible height of the ceiling microphone is one of the parameters dependent on the room environment.

Q: Does the USB interface support Mute Sync?

 Yes, it does.

Q: How does one put the RM-CR into pairing mode?

 If Bluetooth is activated (an option in the web user interface), the system can be put in pairing mode by pressing the Bluetooth button/light in the front panel of the room processor.

Q: Does beamformer setup allow beams to be "fenced" away from windows and other reflective surfaces?

 ADECIA allows to define “exclusion” zones. The beams will not form in these areas. This allows to protect the area the microphone should pick up against outside voices. This can be used for example in open meeting spaces, but also to protect against reflective surfaces, or loud hall ways.

Q: I'm really surprised to see RCA connection for the Aux I/O. Why did you decide on unbalanced audio connections for that device?

 From our analysis we deducted that an unbalanced connector is the better solution for the use case. This is also in line with other Yamaha UC products.

Q: Is the Yamaha Network switch obligatory or can I use a Cisco product?

 Other PoE+ network switches that support Dante can be used with the components.

Q: Can the Bluetooth ID be named per device on the RM-CR units?

 Yes, the Bluetooth ID can be named by the user.

Q: How many audio signals does the mic output? is it just a single mixed channel on one stream?

 The microphone provides two mixed microphone outputs. One that can be used for conferencing applications, with full audio post processing. And one that can be used in applications like speech recognition. This stream only has linear audio post-processing applied to it to ensure best possible results with a speech recognition engine for example.

Q: is any certification necessary to sell/install the product?

 This is regionally different. You should contact your local Yamaha subsidiary to discuss eligibility to sell the product.

Q: is there a way for a dealer to get a demo? I have a customer (college) who will buy, but wants to see first

 Please contact your regional Yamaha subsidiary or Yamaha Unified Communications sales manager. In several regions demonstrations can be scheduled. Please take into account that COVID-19 restrictions or prevention might limit the type of demonstrations that can be provided in the moment.

Q: can we buy this thru Jenne distributor?

 Depending on the regions, Yamaha has different sales and distribution models. Please contact your regional Yamaha sales representative to discuss how you can get access to the products.

Q: Does the mixer has a port for analog extension, SIP extension, USB, 3.5 mm for videoconference codec and Bluetooth or is one mixer depending on the ports we need?

 ADECIA / RM-CR does not support analog telephony. Other than that the room processor supports the connections you list above (maybe just with different connectors).

Q: Can the beam be chained, put several on one room?

 The ceiling microphones cannot be daisy chained to each other. Each needs to be connected to the network switch separately. Up to two microphones can be used in one ADECIA solution