A beamforming microphone is an array of microphone elements whose signals are combined by processing to form directional pickup zones ("beams") that can be steered toward talkers and away from noise, without physically moving the microphone.
Beamforming arrays are built into video bars, tabletop devices and ceiling tiles. Ceiling models let the table stay clear while covering a defined area; some arrays track the active talker automatically, others use fixed zones set during commissioning.
Coverage depends on ceiling height, room finishes and the number of seats. Beamforming arrays are paired with acoustic echo cancellation in a DSP or in the array itself.
Related terms
Sources
- Ceiling Array Microphones — Shure
Defined by Gerson Carrillo, Director of Professional Services, D.I.S.T. · Last reviewed · Editorial policy