The American giant participated in the ISE 2020 exhibition, showcasing a number of new products for the installation and corporate sector
At the show we spoke with Federico Carnevale, the newly appointed Sales Manager for Bose in Italy, who explained: “The company is expanding its business areas, verticalising: live sound remains a ‘core’ sector, with a dedicated structure that will be expanded and developed, while the installed sound and conferencing sector continues in parallel. Moreover, despite being one of Bose’s workhorses, the portable PA segment will also be renewed in the near future, as that product line has been stable for many years and the sector should be stimulated”.
Conferencing with Videobar VB1
Earning a prestigious “Best of Show” award at the exhibition was the new all-in-one USB conference unit Bose Videobar VB1, designed to bring high quality audio and video to meeting areas – from huddle spaces to medium-sized rooms. It incorporates six beam-steering microphones that actively focus on voices in the room and reject background noise. Built-in Bose speakers are capable of reproducing audio from multimedia presentations as well as from a Bluetooth source, while also offering natural, clear voice reproduction. The built-in 4K ultra-HD camera with autoframing provides high quality video, so that remote participants can see the presenters, whiteboards and other objects in the room. Connectivity via a single USB cable eliminates the need for separate audio and video cables, and Videobar VB1 can be installed using the included desktop stand, wall mount kit or optional VESA mount accessory.
Videobar VB1 connects to existing network infrastructure and integrates with third-party cloud services (Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts Meet, Zoom and more). The device can be configured using the Bose Work Configuration Utility, via a web browser; and device management can be carried out remotely using the Bose Work Management application. Carnevale explains: “The remote control and configuration capabilities also make it easy to deploy and manage hundreds of VB1 units installed in conference rooms around the world”.
C1 System: integrated solution in partnership with Sennheiser
“Another interesting new feature – continues Carnevale – is that Bose has partnered with Sennheiser, for a solution that integrates a microphone array into an aesthetically pleasing in-ceiling conference solution. This is clearly a more complex solution, that has to be designed and installed into important boardrooms”.
Optimized for unified communication platforms and currently being certified for use with Microsoft Teams, the C1 system provides a transparent technological experience, which means no audio devices are located on the walls or tabletops. Consisting of three Bose products – the ControlSpace EX-440C conference signal processor, the EdgeMax EM180 ceiling loudspeaker, the PowerSpace P2600A amplifier – as well as the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC2) microphone, this solution allows for the creation of modern meeting rooms of almost any size.
Noise Canceling Headphones 700 UC
Bose Professional also introduced the model 700 UC noise canceling headphones for the professional market. Designed to enable superior collaboration in the workplace, even when that can be anywhere – from shared offices to airports, from cafés to remote offices. Model 700 UC features a proprietary eight-microphone adaptive system, with four microphones dedicated to isolating the user’s voice, while the entire array actively identifies and rejects external noise. The included Bose USB Link Bluetooth module provides a reliable connection to a PC, enabling calls to be answered quickly as well as easy switching between audio sources. It has 11 levels of noise cancellation, ranging from virtual silence to open and ambient sound. The headphones feature a comfortable and lightweight design, plus 20 hours of battery life.
FreeSpace FS Series spakers
Finally, Bose also presented the Bose FreeSpace FS series of speakers, the evolution of the FreeSpace DS series. Available in both in-ceiling and surface-mount models, in addition to the pendant model, these products are designed for voice announcements and background music. All models are available in white or black finish, and can be driven with 70/100 V constant voltage amplification or operate at low impedance. The units are equipped with 2.25″ or 4.5″ full-range transducers, which provide two distinct levels of performance.
The ceiling-mount models are equipped with metal housings that allow them to be used in plenum ceilings. They are also equipped with frontal connections and tap selectors, and Euroblock audio connectors. The surface-mount speakers – in addition to the 4″ FS4CE ceiling-mount model – have an IP55 protection rating for outdoor installation.
pro.bose.com