Understanding Audio Modes in Logitech Video Systems
When integrating external microphone pods with your Logitech Rally Bar or Rally Bar Mini, you can select between two distinct audio settings: the Default Speaker Mode and Speaker Boost Mode. Each mode offers unique advantages and is suitable for different room dynamics and meeting types. For detailed guidance on microphone placement, refer to the Logitech Mic Placement Guide.
Default Speaker Mode
In the Default Speaker Mode, the system utilizes a hybrid approach by employing both the Rally Bar’s internal microphones and any connected external mic pods. The default mode is engineered to balance audio input sources, ensuring that sound capture is optimized without necessitating manual adjustments. The internal microphones work harmoniously with the external pods, providing a seamless audio experience ideal for most meeting environments.
Speaker Boost Mode
Alternatively, Speaker Boost Mode focuses solely on the external mic pods, disabling the camera’s internal microphones. This mode is particularly beneficial in two key aspects:
Consistent Audio Quality: With only the external mic pods active, Speaker Boost Mode ensures uniform sound quality across all participants. This consistency is crucial during professional video meetings, where varying audio levels can distract from communication effectiveness.
Enhanced Volume: By disabling the internal microphones, Speaker Boost Mode allows for an increase in speaker volume by up to 3 decibels (dB) without risking feedback or echo issues. This is especially useful in larger rooms where reaching a higher volume without compromising sound quality is necessary. However, it is important to note that while this increased volume can cover larger areas, it might be overwhelming for participants seated close to the speakers.
Making the Right Choice
The specific requirements of your meeting space and the nature of your interactions should influence the decision to use Speaker Boost Mode or the Default Speaker Mode. Speaker Boost Mode is advisable for environments where consistent audio output and higher volume levels are necessary. Conversely, the Default Speaker Mode might be more appropriate for smaller or medium-sized rooms.
When external mic pods are connected to Rally Bar or Rally Bar Mini, they can function in the default speaker mode or Speaker Boost Mode.
In the default setting, the camera’s internal microphones automatically work in concert with the external mic pods.
In Speaker Boost Mode, only the external mic pods function. The camera’s internal microphones are turned off.
Activation Note: To deactivate the internal microphones and engage Speaker Boost Mode, you must explicitly enable this setting in the system preferences.
Choosing the right speaker mode enhances your meeting’s audio effectiveness, ensuring all participants can communicate clearly and effectively, regardless of their physical location in the room.
Audio modes and Logitech Sight:
Specific considerations must be made when using a Rally Bar or Rally Bar Mini with the Logitech Sight camera. The Logitech Sight has a built-in mic pod and can support additional Rally Mic Pods and Mic Pod Hubs if extra mic support is needed.
Rally Bar supports up to 3 Mic Pods and 2 Mic Pod Hubs.
Rall Bar Mini supports up to 2 Mic Pods and 2 Mic Pod Hubs.
Rally and Rally Plus support up to 6 of any combination of Mic Pods or Mic Pod Hubs (ie. 4 Mic Pods + 2 Mic Pod Hubs, or 5 Mic Pods and 1 Mic Pod Hub). (Investigating Rally/Rally Plus as a future feature for Sight)
Recommended configurations
When using Sight as a mic pod, the pickup range is roughly 15 ft/4.5 m diameter. Rally Bar and Rally Bar Mini can operate in Speaker Boost Mode, where the speakers' maximum volume is increased and the internal microphones are disabled. Follow the link below for general recommendations for microphone configurations, both with Speaker Boost enabled and disabled.