Wireless Conference Calls

In the corporate world, no one is a stranger to the miscommunications that can occur during a conference call. Revolabs Chief Operating Officer JP Carney describes how the company’s wireless audio solutions cut down on outside acoustics and increase flexibility.

Why is Revolabs focusing on wireless audio for conference calls?

For many people in working meetings, the noise level creates significant problems. One major finance company, for example, came to us with concerns about their large board member meetings, where outside acoustics such as voices and shuffling papers created communication problems.

To cut down on noise levels, we knew we had to get microphones off the table. So, as an alternative to one phone with a speaker system that picks up all sound in a room, we created a system based on wearable, rechargeable microphones. Our Solo lapel microphones are lipstick-size with an eight-hour talk time. These mics make the conference environment much better by excluding surrounding acoustics from the conversation.

What microphone systems does Revolabs offer?

With our mics the mission is flexible audio, which allows us to customize each individual room for its unique needs. We have three types of microphones: Solo lapel microphones, a Solo tabletop wireless boundary microphone and the Solo XLR universal wireless adapter. The lapel microphone system runs off of a base station, which controls communication flow in and out. Each microphone works as a mini phone, both sending and receiving audio through an earbud. The boundary microphone enables multiple parties on a conference call to use one mic. Strategically placed units allow for clear communication without wires or distance limitations. The XLR adapter allows for the conversion of handheld, wired microphones to wireless mics. The adapter is compatible with all Solo systems containing MaxFlexTM technology, so 16 devices can operate in the same space. These systems are interchangeable, so if you have a space with a 10-ft table with room for anywhere between five and 20 people, one day you can use lapel mics, the next day boundary mics, based on your needs for the day.

What system improvements are you currently focusing on?

Originally, we focused on offering installed products. But, we heard a lot from people who loved our product but wanted it in more rooms — big corporations wanted systems in smaller conference rooms in addition to their large board rooms. We worked out what we call bundled plug-and-play systems, which IT departments can install in any room in about 10 minutes.

Where are you going to take your microphone systems next?

We’re focused on verticals for the future, so we’re focusing on how these systems are used in medical fields, teaching environments, we’ve done a lot with the hearing impaired, etc. Individual cases help guide us to make the product more system-solution oriented. In one case, a professor at Harvard University, who was contemplating leaving his position because he couldn’t communicate well with his students, used the mics for voice reinforcement and is now still teaching. Our systems have also been used for translation, with translated language being played back through the earbud. We’ve developed flexible systems, so we try to focus on what opportunities we have to help people in need.