Enhancing Communication and Learning with MXA902 and MXA901 at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is a key part of the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC), a city initiative aimed at advancing biomedical research, education, and precision medicine in downtown Phoenix. The PBC is supported by the State of Arizona, the City of Phoenix, and other significant community partners. It is anchored by the state’s three major institutions in Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. Featuring a concentration of lead research scientists, healthcare professionals, and state-of-the-art facilities, the PBC aims to innovate in advancing medicine from discovery to delivery.

Challenge

At the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, the Instructional Technologies team recognized the need to improve meeting room collaboration to better meet the needs of future healthcare professionals. Chris Dieterich, Manager of Instructional Technology, highlighted the challenge: "It's extremely challenging when instructors at the remote location cannot hear individuals in the room clearly. Our primary concern was the audio quality; we need to ensure it is exceptional." Upgrading the ageing audio system to enhance sound quality and minimize technical disruptions was a top priority.

To meet their requirements, the university collaborated with Shure experts to implement two different solutions for two key room types in their facility.

Solution

The newly established simulation huddle room at the Center for Simulation and Innovation faced the challenge of finding an audio solution that maximized space efficiency while providing top-notch sound quality. With no room for a rack, a seamless and unobtrusive setup was necessary. The IT team recognized that relying on an all-in-one soundbar wouldn't suffice for the comprehensive room coverage they required.

The MXA902 Integrated Ceiling Array with Microphone and Loudspeaker, combined with the ANIUSB-MATRIX, emerged as the perfect solution, offering high-quality audio through a straightforward ceiling installation over a single network connection. With all the supporting equipment and cables neatly tucked behind the TV, the setup remained sleek and space-saving. The MXA902's overhead all-in-one design ensured clear and consistent audio throughout the room. This upgrade transformed the huddle room into a high-functioning space, enabling faculty to conduct simulations and consultations with reduced technical disruptions.

Advantages

Faculty and Students: Better Audio, Better Collaboration

“The new system delivers exceptional audio coverage in our meeting space. Whether it's a student, faculty member, or staff remotely attending a session in the simulation center, they can easily hear clear and precise conversations from on-campus participants. Additionally, the audio is projected clearly throughout the room, ensuring everyone is engaged." –Martin Leisin, Senior Simulation Technician.

IT Team: Simplified Setup, Reduced Issues

"The MXA902 allowed us to have a high-quality microphone and speaker in one unit. This essentially saved us a good amount of work at the front endof the installation. Modifying the wall to install a soundbar with ourfacilities team was no longer necessary and sped up the project.Compared to previous soundbar solutions, the 902 provided a great resultwithout compromising on the microphone as most soundbars seem todo.” – Jacob Phillips, I.T. Analyst, Principal