Parlé TCM-1EX

An expansion microphone that extends a TCM-1 setup

The Biamp Parlé TCM-1EX is a black pendant expansion microphone for ceiling-mounted conferencing. It is not a standalone device. Each unit must sit alongside a TCM-1 or TCM-1A, which acts as the base of the array. The TCM-1EX adds a second or third pickup point where one microphone would leave gaps across a large table. Its plenum box links to the base unit and to other expansion boxes, so the system behaves as one array rather than separate microphones.

The black finish suits boardrooms and meeting rooms with dark or neutral ceilings. A white version is listed under a separate item number and is a different model.

Beamtracking and coverage across the table

Beamtracking divides the pickup area into three 120-degree zones, giving full 360-degree coverage of the meeting space. The microphone uses an 8-element digital array with a beamformed polar pattern. The published figures include a sensitivity above 70 dB at 94 dB SPL and 1 kHz, a frequency response of 150 Hz to 16 kHz within plus or minus 3 dB, a dynamic range of 92 dB A-weighted, and a maximum SPL of 106 dB at 0.5% THD.

• Three zones: each covers 120 degrees, together forming a full circle.
• Digital array: eight elements feed a beamformed pickup pattern.
• Rated response: 150 Hz to 16 kHz within plus or minus 3 dB.

Where it fits in Qatar

In a 14-seat boardroom in West Bay, where executives join calls with teams in Europe and Asia, a single ceiling microphone often struggles to pick up speakers at the far end of the table. Adding a TCM-1EX gives the room a second pickup zone without moving the table.

A lecture room in Education City with a raised speaker area may need the full three-unit chain. Remember that one chain holds only one TCM-1 or TCM-1A plus up to two TCM-1EX units. In a hotel meeting room in Lusail, the plenum box sits above the ceiling, so ceiling voids and cable routes should be planned alongside the AV and air conditioning works from the start.

Planning the plenum boxes and cabling

Each plenum box measures 2 x 4 x 5.25 inches (51 x 102 x 133 mm) and weighs 0.8 lbs (0.4 kg). The microphone head measures 2 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches (51 x 63 x 63 mm) and weighs 0.4 lbs (0.2 kg). It connects through a custom 2-pin 3.5 mm Phoenix connector with a 10 feet (3 meters) cable. Plenum boxes link to one another by RJ-45, with a maximum distance of 33 feet (10 meters) between them.

• Confirm the ceiling void has room for each plenum box and its RJ-45 runs.
• Keep every plenum box within 33 feet (10 meters) of the next one in the chain.
• Measure cable routes from the base unit to each expansion point before buying cable.

Certifications and procurement

The TCM-1EX is listed for FCC Part 15B, carries CE marking, holds UL and C-UL listing for the USA and Canada, and is RoHS compliant. It has been evaluated to UL 2043 and is described as suitable for air handling spaces. It is also TAA compliant, a standard that matters mainly for US federal bids, so its relevance to a Qatari tender depends on the specification. The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty.

SmartRooms Qatar supplies products across Qatar's eight municipalities and accepts purchase orders and tenders, including Monaqasat, with payment by bank transfer, cheque or purchase order. Send your room size, seat count, ceiling type and the number of units needed, and the team will confirm the complete array and quantities in your quotation. Request a quote to start planning your installation.