Purpose
The purpose of this project was to update audio technology in approximately 70 classrooms. Clear speech reinforcement was essential to support lectures, discussions, and hybrid learning applications across a variety of classroom layouts.
Challenges
The challenges in this installation were varied, but all centered around ease of use of the systems in place. Previous microphone systems experienced interference and channel‑related issues, in addition to how managing frequencies across multiple adjacent classrooms proved difficult. Given the existing room layouts and installed infrastructure, when it came time to upgrade, limited equipment options and form factors, barring certain installed systems and favouring mobility and intuitive use.
Solution
Our infrared (IR) wireless microphone systems were selected for this project due to their inherent benefits in educational environments, including complete isolation between rooms, freedom from RF interference, and elimination of frequency coordination concerns. Infrared transmission ensures that audio remains confined to each classroom, allowing neighbouring rooms to operate simultaneously without signal overlap.
While both the IR‑700 Series and IR‑800 Series offer these advantages and are proven solutions for educational audio systems, the IR‑700 Series was chosen for this installation due to its compact form factor and compatibility with existing classroom layouts and infrastructure. This made it easier to integrate the system across multiple rooms while maintaining consistent performance and ease of use for instructors.
Feedback
The installation was completed smoothly across all classrooms, with no reported issues. The upgraded infrared system delivers stable, interference‑free performance, helping Wilfrid Laurier University maintain a consistent and reliable audio experience for both instructors and students.
About TOA Canada
TOA Corporation was founded in Kobe, Japan over 90 years ago. TOA operates in over 100 countries worldwide, with manufacturing facilities found in nearly every major market area. These facilities have a reputation for precision design and fabrication, resulting in a proven track record of TOA product reliability.
TOA Canada Corporation was formed in 1990 as a complete sound solutions provider, specializing in commercial audio, including, public address, voice communications, voice evacuation, and emergency paging requirements. TOA Canada offers complete solutions for all corporate and commercial audio communications and intercom security requirements.
