AKG Technology Facilitates Large Meetings for Austria’s U.S. Embassy

Aug 25, 2005 8:00 AM

AFSG specified the CS 2 conferencing system, GN 155 podium system, and WMS400 wireless system from AKG Acoustics for the Austrian Embassy to the United States.

While much of diplomacy occurs behind the scenes, public events are an important part of any embassy’s role. The Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., recently chose Advanced AV Federal Solutions Group (AFSG) to help modernize its communications systems. AFSG’s Andy Bukowski chose AKG technology for this high-profile project.

The Austrian Embassy wanted to upgrade its conferencing and meeting facilities most of all. AFSG installed a CS 2 conferencing system from AKG to meet the embassy’s requirements. With one chairman station and 29 delegate stations, the system is currently configured for conferences of up to 30 participants. The CS 2 is designed as a “business class” conferencing system, offering flexibility comparable to many all-digital systems at lower cost per seat. Each CS2 BU base station can manage up to 200 microphone stations, and base stations can be linked for further expansion. CS 2 chairman and delegate microphone stations can be permanently installed or used in a mobile system that accommodates changing seating arrangements. Each station can be programmed for voice activation, hold time after the speaker stops, compression level, NOM (Number of Open Microphones) limits, as well as other programmable features. Headphones or integral loudspeakers allow every participant to hear the proceedings with maximum clarity.

12in. and 20in. goosenecks add to the system’s flexibility. Most stations use the CK 33 capsule from AKG’s Discreet Acoustics series. With a 95-degree pickup angle, speech-optimized frequency response, and high gain before feedback, the CK 33 provides excellent intelligibility in acoustically critical environments. Also available for the system is the CK 80, a “short shotgun” capsule with a narrower 80-degree pickup pattern that allows speakers to stand.

CS 2 is fully modular and highly flexible, allowing users to create a custom system for any conference application.

Occasionally, even the highly flexible CS 2 is not the perfect solution for an event. AFSG has given the Austrian Embassy an even wider range of options with AKG technology. The GN 155 is an elegant gooseneck module with a heavy, shock-mounted floor stand with an unobtrusive, matte gray finish that is well suited for standalone use on stage. Two integrated flexible gooseneck sections, plus the supplied extension tube, allow optimum alignment of the screw-on microphone capsule—in this case, a CK 80. An integrated LED ring status indicator lets technical staff verify that the GN 155 is on before the presenter begins speaking.

For its portable sound-reinforcement requirements, the Austrian Embassy has chosen the AKG WMS 400 wireless system. The WMS 400 combines outstanding audio quality with plug-and-play convenience. Thanks to automatic frequency scanning and an infrared data link between transmitter and receiver, the WMS 400 is ready to go in less than one minute from turn on. To provide portable sound reinforcement wherever it’s needed, the Austrian Embassy staff can use the WMS 400 with a pair of Max-modular battery-powered portable speakers, which have built-in slots for the wireless receiver.

Thanks to AFSG’s experience and AKG’s engineering, the Austrian Embassy can now respond quickly and easily to the diverse, rapidly changing opportunities of diplomatic relations in one of the world’s major capitals.

For more information about AKG Acoustics, visit www.akg.com.