UK - Cardiff Metropolitan University which serves over 11,000 students across its Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses, has completed a major transformation of its teaching facilities with advanced audio technology from Sennheiser. As part of the university's strategic initiative to enhance hybrid learning capabilities, Sennheiser has successfully implemented its ceiling microphone systems and audio solutions throughout the institution's learning spaces.
The comprehensive installation includes TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2), TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M), and SpeechLine Digital Wireless (SL DW) microphones, as well as the Wi-Fi-based bi-directional communication solution MobileConnect, transforming over 50 teaching spaces with superior audio capture technology for hybrid learning environments.
When Cardiff Metropolitan began its AV refresh project approximately five years ago, the institution faced the challenge of upgrading outdated technology to meet modern educational demands. The pandemic accelerated this need, transforming the project from simple lecture capture upgrades to advanced hybrid learning solutions.
“Around six years ago, an internal review highlighted the need to upgrade our current teaching room AV infrastructure,” explains Hollie Carter, AV support coordinator at Cardiff Met. “They were all old projectors. We were using microphones on the desk that were plugged in via USB to the PC, little webcams on the monitors, and Panopto to record all our lessons.”
For smaller teaching spaces, Cardiff Met has deployed the newer TeamConnect Ceiling Medium (TCC M) microphones, which offer similar beamforming capabilities as the TCC 2, but in a more compact design featuring 16 microphone elements
After extensive testing of audio solutions from numerous manufacturers, Sennheiser TCC microphones emerged as the clear winner, delivering superior audio quality with minimal visual impact and maximum coverage flexibility.
The university has implemented 20 TCC 2s, which feature dynamic beamforming technology that automatically follows the active speaker's voice through 28 omnidirectional microphone capsules arranged in a matrix array. These systems provide 360° coverage with automatic speaker tracking and multiple beam technology that can simultaneously capture multiple voices in the room.
For smaller teaching spaces, Cardiff Met has deployed the newer TCC M microphones, which offer similar beamforming capabilities in a more compact design with 16 microphone elements. Both solutions integrate seamlessly with the university's existing AV infrastructure, including Extron control systems.
The TCC microphones feature multi-coloured LED status indicators that show when microphones are active (green) or muted (red), giving lecturers visual confirmation of recording status while supporting GDPR compliance. They’re also configured to mute automatically when the AV system powers down, adding an extra layer of privacy. “That gives academics confidence as they know they can have confidential conversations when the system is off, and it’s live and streaming to our MobileConnect system when it’s on,” explains Carter.
The ceiling microphones also offer advanced zone control, which has been especially useful for the university. “In the School of Management, the building uses natural ventilation, and sometimes you get a low-level hum when the air con kicks in,” Carter continues. “With the TCC 2 mics, being able to prioritise and exclude zones has been brilliant. We can filter out that upper-level hum, focus on the lecturer, and still give secondary priority to students - it’s amazing.”
The implementation also includes 20 channels of SL DW for lecture theatres, operating on the license-free 1.9 GHz band and featuring lithium-ion battery technology for reliable operation and simplified management. The SL DW provides automatic frequency management, interference-free transmission, and AES 256-bit encryption for secure audio delivery.
Another key element of the installation is the deployment of 30 MobileConnect systems, which stream audio directly to users' smartphones via a dedicated app.
The comprehensive audio upgrade represents a significant investment in Cardiff Met’s commitment to delivering exceptional student experiences. By creating more inclusive and engaging learning environments, the university ensures that all students — whether attending in person or remotely — can fully participate in their education. The enhanced audio quality and accessibility features not only support diverse learning needs, but also prepare students for the increasingly digital and hybrid nature of modern professional environments.
“The university loved MobileConnect as a forward-thinking solution that didn't rely on older technology,” says Inesh Patel, business development manager at Sennheiser. “Many hearing aid users no longer have telecoil devices, so traditional
The project was facilitated by Strive AV, who played a crucial role during the implementation. Natalie Barnett, account manager at Strive AV, notes the ongoing nature of the partnership: “We are doing 22 spaces this summer that have Sennheiser products across them, and it’s become a rolling refresh where there’s always something from Sennheiser on Hollie [Carter]’s kit list.”
