ClearOne Beamforming Microphone Array 2, 910-3200-201-B, BFM2, 910-3200-201 Installation Manual

Beamforming Microphone Array 2

Group Microphone for Professional Conferencing

Ceiling Mount installation guide

ClearOne
5225 Wiley Post Way
Suite 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Telephone [phone]

1.800.945.7730

Sales 1.800.707.6694

FAX [phone]

E-mail [e-mail]
[e-mail]

On the Web www.clearone.com

Beamforming microphone array 2
ceiling mount installation guide

clearone document

QSG-0034-001 Rev 1.0, OCTOBER 2016

© 2016 ClearOne

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced
in any form or by any means without written permission from
ClearOne. Printed in the United States of America. ClearOne
reserves specific privileges.

Information in this document is subject to change without
notice.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started ........................................................................................................1

Connections ......................................................................................................................................................................1

Powering a Beamforming Microphone Array 2 ..........................................................................................................1

PoE Connection ..........................................................................................................................................................1

P-Link Connections ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

SKUs Used ........................................................................................................................................................................4

BFM2 Ceiling Mounting Kits .......................................................................................................................................4

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation .......................................................................................5

Tools Required ...................................................................................................................................................................6

Parts Received...................................................................................................................................................................6

Required Parts Checklist ............................................................................................................................................8

Legend ..............................................................................................................................................................................8

Mounting to Suspended Ceiling ........................................................................................................................................9

Preparation .................................................................................................................................................................9

Support Cable Installation ........................................................................................................................................10

Solid Concrete Ceiling Structure ......................................................................................................................10

Steel Truss Ceiling Structure ............................................................................................................................10

Wood Ceiling Structure ....................................................................................................................................11

Tray Installation .........................................................................................................................................................11

Suspension Column Installation ...............................................................................................................................12

Mount Alignment .......................................................................................................................................................14

Beamforming Microphone Array 2 Installation ................................................................................................................14

Install Interface Bracket ............................................................................................................................................14

Install and Secure Mount to Bracket ........................................................................................................................15

Adjustments ..............................................................................................................................................................16

Service and Support ................................................................................................................18

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Congratulations on purchasing your Beamforming Microphone Array 2 (BFM2). The BFM2 is a 2nd
generation Beamforming Microphone Array product featuring 24 microphones, and beamforming
and adaptive steering technology designed specifically for the CONVERGE® Pro 2 products: 128,
128D, 128T, 128TD, 128V, 128VD, 120, and 48T.

» IMPORTANT: The BFM2 only can be used with CONVERGE Pro 2 systems. It is not

compatible with first generation CONVERGE Pro or Beamforming Microphone Array
systems.

CONNECTIONS

This section explains the connections in BFM2 installations.

powering a Beamforming microphone array 2

Powering a BFM2 can be...

• from a CONVERGE Pro 2 via a Peripheral-Link (P-Link1), with a single cable carrying power,
audio and control

• via a Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) power supply/Injector2, third-party or ClearOne provided (a
ClearOne PoE Injector can power up to three BFM2 units)

• via a standard PoE Ethernet Switch

3

poe connection

Use the appropriate AC cord to connect the PoE power supply to the AC power. Then plug the PoE
cable into the LAN+DC connection on the power supply. Route the PoE cable where it can be fed
through a mount assembly or to the conference table with the BFM2. Figure 1 illustrates PoE Power
Supply cable connections.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Power Supply
(Front and Back Views)

Figure 1

Power Cord
to AC Power

PoE Ethernet Cable to
Beamforming Microphone Array 2

» NOTE: The PoE connection is only for power, not control. If not using a ClearOne

PoE Injector or similar specification standard PoE Injector, power must be supplied
to individual units.

1 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

p-link connections

BFM2 units are connected to CONVERGE Pro 2 units and to other BFM2 units via the P-Link. Each
BFM2 unit has a P-Link In and P-Link Out connection that allows units to be “chained” together with
the P-Link Out of one unit connecting to the P-Link In of the next unit.

(USB: for future use)

1

P-Link

Out

2

1

3

power-source-selection

switch

Figure 2

Up to three BFM2 arrays are supported per CONVERGE Pro 2 unit, as seen below in Figure 3.

Up to 6 P-Link devices can be daisy-chained in a single P-Link chain.

PoE

Converge Pro 2

Sample Scenario 1:
Connecting 3 BFM2 units to one CP2 Unit

P-Link

(Power, Audio, Control)

200 ft.

P-Link

200 ft.

P-Link

200 ft.

Figure 3

» NOTE: One or two P-Link connections are required depending on where in the stack

a BFM2 is placed. Only a P-Link In cable is required if the array is at the end of a
stack; both a P-Link In and P-Link Out cable are needed if the stack continues to
another array or CONVERGE Pro 2 unit.

Chapter 1: Getting Started 2

PoE

Converge Pro 2

C-Link

Sample Scenario 2:
Connecting four BFM2 units in the same chain
with a two CP2 unit stack.

P-Link

(Power, Audio, Control)

200 ft.

P-Link

200 ft.

P-Link

200 ft.

P-Link

200 ft.

PoE

Figure 4

Instructions for connecting the BFM2 are in the Beamforming Microphone Array 2 Quick-Start
Guide, and in the CONVERGE Pro 2 CONSOLE online help for configuring the BFM2.

PoE

Converge Pro 2

P-Link

200 ft.

Sample Scenario 3:
Connecting 3 BFM2 units and 3 DIALOG 20 Receiver units
to one CP2 Unit

DIALOG 20
Receiver

Figure 5

» NOTE: Firmware upgrades and BFM2 operation are performed via the P-Link

connection. Plugging the PoE cable into the P-Link connections may cause damage
to the BFM2.

PoE

Make sure CONVERGE Pro 2 firmware is updated. Instructions for updating CONVERGE Pro 2
firmware can be found at:

http://www.clearone.com/resources#professional_audio

3 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

Instructions for updating BFM2 firmware are included in the Beamforming Microphone Array 2
Quick-Start Guide, which is found on the ClearOne website at:

http://www.clearone.com/resources#professional_microphones

Physically, the BFM2 supports use in ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted or table-mounted modes,
giving you the option of a clutter-free conference room table area.

SKUs USED

The following SKUs may be used in a BFM2 installation:

Item

Part No.

White Black

BFM2 for CONVERGE Pro 2 910-3200-201 910-3200-201-B
PoE Power Supply Kit for BFM2. Contains power supply,

one AC power cable, and two 25-foot CAT5E or CAT6 RJ45
plenum cables (one used as the PoE cable and the other as

910-3200-202

a P-Link cable). If a PoE kit is not obtained, installers will need
to provide their own PoE unit and all cables.

BFM2 Ceiling Mounting Kit with 12/24/36/48” Suspension
Column

Gen-1 Ceiling Mounting Kit with 12/24/36/48” Suspension
Column

910-3200-203-

12/24/36/48

910-001-005-

12/24/36/48

910-3200-203-

12/24/36/48-B

910-001-005-

12/24-B

Wall Mounting Kit (refer to Wall Mount Installation Guide) 910-001-006 910-001-006-B

» NOTE: All mounting kits are compatible with both the BFM1 and BFM2.

Bfm2 ceiling mounting kits

What each BFM2 Ceiling Mount Kit includes:

Part No.

Includes

White Black Mount

910-3200­203

910-3200­203-12

910-3200­203-24

910-3200­203-36

910-3200­203-48

910-3200­203-B

910-3200­203-12-B

910-3200­203-24-B

910-3200­203-36-B

910-3200­203-48-B

BFM2 Ceiling Mount Kit

without Suspension column
BFM2 Ceiling Mount kit

with 12" Suspension Column
BFM2 Ceiling Mount kit

with 24" Suspension Column
BFM2 Ceiling Mount kit

with 36" Suspension Column
BFM2 Ceiling Mount kit

with 48" Suspension Column

Kit

+

Bracket

Fixed Length

Suspension

Column

Lightweight

Suspended

Ceiling Kit

Yes No Yes

Yes 12" Yes

Yes 24" Yes

Yes 36" Yes

Yes 48" Yes

Chapter 1: Getting Started 4

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation

Once you have verified all the firmware updates and necessary connections made while executing
the tasks outlined in the Beamforming Microphone Array 2 Quick-Start Guide, you can proceed to
the physical installation of the BFM2 using one of our 2nd generation ceiling mount kits.

This section covers instructions for suspended ceiling mounting of the BFM2. For mounting to solid
ceiling or flush mounting junction box, installers will need to obtain parts independently.

5 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

» IMPORTANT: ClearOne makes no claim that the information contained herein covers

all details, conditions or variations, nor does it provide for every possible contingency
in connection with the installation or use of this product.

TOOLS REQUIRED

The following tools are required for suspension ceiling mount installation of the BFM2:

Ruler

Drill bits

1/4” (6.4mm) for concrete

5/32” (4.0mm) for wood

Pencil

Level

#1 & #2
Phillips screwdriver

PARTS RECEIVED

The following parts are delivered with the BFM2 Mounting Kit:

Mount with Interface Bracket:

Fixed Length Suspension Column:

Drill

Hammer

Interface Bracket

P

QTY 1

M3 x 8mm

I

QTY 4

Mount

O

QTY 1

Washer for M3 Screw

Q

QTY 4

Suspension Column

N

QTY 1

For SKUs without suspension columns
and other ceiling types, the mount is also
designed to be mounted to a 1.5” NPT or
NPSM threaded suspension column, with
a minimum of 4 usable threads, following
ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 (Schedule 40, 0.154”
minimum wall thickness).

» NOTE: It requires over 1” of threads

to get 4 usable threads.

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 6

PARTS RECEIVED (continued)

Lightweight Suspended Ceiling Kit:

Tray

A

QTY 1

Ceiling Tile Cutter

M

QTY 1

1/16" x 25’ Cable

C

QTY 4

1-1/2" Suspension

Column Ring

B

QTY 1

10-24 x 1/4"

H

QTY 1

10-24 x 5/8"

G

QTY 4

0.262" x 1-5/16" Screw Eye

E

QTY 4

10-24 x 1/4"

J

QTY 1

Locking Collar

K

QTY 1

1/4" x 2" Wire Anchor

D

QTY 4

5/32" (security key wrench)

L

QTY 1

» NOTE: Reference page 9 for

cutout template, if not using
Ceiling Tile Cutter (M).

Cable Lock

The ClearOne parts received are designed to be mounted into a suspended ceiling.

» NOTE: Your suspension column will vary by length based on the SKU purchased.

» NOTE: For SKUs without suspension columns and other ceiling types, the mount is

also designed to be mounted to a 1.5” NPT or NPSM threaded suspension column,
with a minimum of 4 usable threads, following ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 (Schedule 40,

0.154” minimum wall thickness).

F

QTY 4

Please verify that you have all the purchased parts required to complete your installation. If any
items from your order are missing or damaged, contact your ClearOne distributor immediately.

The following parts are required for solid ceiling mount, and need to be acquired independently by
installers:

7 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

Ceiling fasteners must be

appropriate to the ceiling type

Ceiling Plate

(Example Only)

Varies by brand and model

» IMPORTANT: The installer is responsible to be sure the Beamforming Microphone

Array is firmly attached to sturdy support (studs, or other mounting hardware) to hold
the weight of the Beamforming Microphone Array and its mounting hardware.

required parts checklist:

Part

Mounting Type

Mount +

Bracket

Suspension

Column

Suspended

Ceiling Kit

Ceiling

Fasteners

Ceiling

Plate

Suspended Ceiling Yes Yes Yes No No
Solid Ceiling or Junction Box Yes Yes No Yes Yes

LEGEND

Tighten Fastener

Loosen Fastener

Phillips Screwdriver

Hammer

Pencil Mark

Drill Hole

Security Wrench

By Hand

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 8

MOUNTING TO SUSPENDED CEILING

The following diagrams show how to mount the BFM2 from a suspended ceiling.

preparation

1. Determine exact location of suspension column on suspended ceiling. Mark location on lower
(finished) side of ceiling tile with pencil.

2. Remove affected ceiling tile and any adjacent tiles required for access.

3. Press center tip of ceiling tile cutter (M) into
finished side of ceiling tile at marked location.
Cut suspension column hole through tile
using back and forth hand twisting motion.
Or use Figure 6 to the right for the cutout:

4. Reinstall ceiling tile with suspension column
hole. Ensure tile is oriented properly.

5. Install tray (A) on top of ceiling tile so that end
brackets engage primary (1.5” (38mm) high)
rails of ceiling framework.

6. Loosen four wing nuts in upper side of tray.

7. Position tray and/or suspension column
support to center support over ceiling tile hole.

2” (51mm) Template

Figure 6

8. Tighten wing nuts.

Suspension
column
support

5

6

x 4

8

Figure 7

10. Remove tray and ceiling tile.

= 1.5" (38mm)

7

9. Examine ceiling structure (concrete, steel
truss, or wood) above tray to identify four
support cable anchor (C) locations. Each
location should be approximately 15° outboard
of support holes in tray. Mark locations with
pencil.

9

15°

x 4

15°

x 4

x 4

9 Beamforming Microphone Array

Figure 8

support caBle installation

» IMPORTANT: Installer is responsible for making sure ceiling structure can support five

times the combined weight of all equipment. Reinforce ceiling structure as necessary
before installing cables.

solid concrete ceiling structure

» IMPORTANT: Anchors must be installed into structurally sound solid concrete with

a minimum thickness of 1.75” (44.5mm) or greater. Installation into hollow concrete
block, mortar, or concrete that exhibits cracking, spalling, or other defects may result
in failure of anchor and serious personal injury or damage to equipment!

1. Drill 1/4” diameter x 1-3/8” deep hole at each marked cable anchor support location. Ensure
hole is at least 2-1/2” from nearest concrete edge. Remove debris from hole.

2. Tap anchor (D) into each hole to a depth of at least 1” (25mm).

» IMPORTANT: Failure to properly set anchor may result in failure of anchor and serious

personal injury or damage to equipment!

3. Using claw of hammer, set anchors (D) by pulling each out approximately 1/4” (6.4mm).

4. Insert part of manufactured loop on cable (C) through hole in anchor (D). Insert end of cable
(C) through loop. Repeat for 3 remaining support locations.

Figure 9

1

3

1/4"

2

4

steel truss ceiling structure

1. Route end of cable (C) over truss at marked cable anchor support location and then through
cable loop. Repeat for 3 remaining support locations.

Figure 10

1

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 10

wood ceiling structure

» IMPORTANT: Anchors must be installed into wood with a minimum thickness of 1.5” (38.1

mm) or greater.

1. Drill 5/32” diameter x 2” deep hole at each marked cable anchor (D) support location. Remove
debris from hole.

2. Fully thread eye lag (E) into each hole.

3. Route end of cable (C) through eye lag (E), then through cable loop. Repeat for 3 remaining
support locations.

Figure 11

1

5/32"

2

3

tray installation

1. Reinstall ceiling tile with suspension column hole. Ensure tile is oriented properly.

2. Reinstall tray (A) on top of ceiling tile with suspension column support centered over hole in tile.

3. Position tray (A) with four screws (G) as required:

• For 24” (610mm) Framework: Install screws through end bracket inside holes.

• For 600mm (23-5/8”) Framework: Install screws through end bracket outside holes.

3

3

24" (610mm)

Figure 12 Figure 13

11 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

600mm (23-5/8")

4. Thread each cable (C) completely through cable lock (F), corresponding hole in corner of tray
(A), and completely through opposite side of cable lock (F). Adjust cable tension until tray (A) is
supported entirely and evenly by all four support cables (C), but not so tight as to distort ceiling
tile framework.

» NOTE: Cable lock (F) will allow cable to enter from only one direction per side,

indicated by arrows on lock (F). Depress spring loaded pins on cable lock (F) to
release cable tension.

Figure 14

4

x 4

suspension column installation

1. Install suspension column (N) into suspension column support until tight, with a minimum of
four threads engaged.

2. Align mount (O) with end of suspension column (N).

3. Thread mount (O) up onto suspension column (N) by turning until hand tight with a minimum of
four threads engaged.

1

3

2

Figure 15

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 12

4. Secure suspension column (N) by one of the following methods:

• Install one 10-24 x 1/4” Phillips pan head screw (H) into suspension column support, tightening
firmly against column.

• OPTIONAL: Install one 10-24 x 1/4” button head security screw (J) through locking collar (K)
into suspension column support, tightening firmly against column.

» NOTE: Locking collar (K) is designed to spin, even when screw (J) is tight.

4

Figure 16

(H)

(H)

(K)

(J)

(J and K)

5. Install suspension column ring (B) on suspension column below ceiling tile. If necessary, bend
four tabs inward to secure ring to column.

6. Reinstall remaining ceiling tiles as required.

5

Figure 17

13 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

(top view)

mount alignment

1. Turn mount (O) up to 1/2 turn clockwise or counter-clockwise until front of mount is facing target.

2. Secure mount to suspension column (N) by tightening set screw with a hex key wrench.

» IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN! Overtightening of set screw can damage

threads on suspension column (N).

3. Turn security screw using a Phillips screwdriver until screw cannot be seen through access hole
in mount.

3

2

1

(bottom view)

Figure 18

BEAMFORMING MICROPHONE ARRAY 2 INSTALLATION

install interface Bracket

1. Secure interface bracket (P) to BFM2 using M3 x 8mm screws (I) and washers (Q).

Figure 19

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 14

install and secure mount to Bracket

1. Orient BFM2 with bracket (P) as shown below.

2. Lift BFM2 so that bracket standoff fasteners are aligned with mounting slots in mount (O) base.

3. Slide bracket standoff fasteners into mounting slots in mount (O) base until screws are seated
against the back of mounting slots.

4. Verify bracket standoff fasteners are properly seated in mounting slots in mount (O) base.

1

4

2

3

Figure 20

5. Move locking lever to “Locked” position as shown in Figure 21.

6. Insert key (not pictured) into lock and turn to secure BFM2 to mount (O).

6

5

Figure 21

15 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

YAW ADJUSTMENT POINT

PITCH ADJUSTMENT POINT

15

LOCKING SWITCH

Example of complete BFM2 installation with cables connected and routed:

P-Link Out Cable

Cable Retention Clips

Figure 22

Cable Retention Clips

P-Link In and PoE Cables
(if unit is powered via PoE Injector
or PoE Switch)

adjustments

2.28

BOLT CIRCLE

.22

10

THREADS ONTO 1-1/2'

NPT or NPSM SUSPENSION COLUMN

Figure 23

ROLL ADJUSTMENT POINT

4

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 16

Yaw refers to the axis of rotation that will swivel the BFM2 relative to the suspension column. Pitch
refers to the axis of rotation that will tilt the BFM2 side-to-side. Roll refers to the axis of rotation that
will tilt the BFM2 end-to-end.

1. Loosen YAW, PITCH, or ROLL adjustment locking screw using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

2. Turn YAW, PITCH, or ROLL micro-adjustment screw right or left using a #2 Phillips screwdriver
until BFM2 is properly aligned.

3. Tighten YAW, PITCH, or ROLL adjustment locking screw using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

yaw adjustment

Figure 24

1

2

1 3

3

1

3

2

pitch adjustment

Figure 25

2

17 Beamforming Microphone Array 2

Figure 26

roll adjustment

Service and Support

If you need assistance setting up or operating your product, please contact us. We welcome your
comments so we can continue to improve our products and better meet your needs.

technical support

Telephone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Web site: www.ClearOne.com

product returns

All product returns require a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. Contact ClearOne
Technical Support before returning your product. Make sure you return all the items and packing
materials that originally shipped with your product.

CLEARONE LOCATIONS

HEADQUARTERS:

Salt Lake City, UT USA

5225 Wiley Post Way
Suite 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Tel: [phone]
Toll Free: 800.945.7730
Sales: 800.707.6994
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

Europe

Tel: [phone]
UK Tech Support:

+44.0800.680.0682
e-mail:
[e-mail]

© 2016 ClearOne. All rights reserved. Other product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications subject to change without notice. QSG-0034-001 Rev. 1.0 - OCTOBER 2016.

Asia Pacific

Tel: [phone]
Tech Support:

+86.18420152949

e-mail:

[e-mail]

TechSales

Middle East

Tel: [phone]
e-mail:

[e-mail]

Tel: [phone]
e-mail:

[e-mail]

Technical Support

Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone]
e-mail:

[e-mail]

Chapter 2: Ceiling Mount Installation 18