Studiomaster Vāk 20: Automatic Conference Mixer

Studiomaster Vāk 20 | The Standard in Automated Conference Audio Management

The Studiomaster Vāk 20 is a high-performance, dedicated automatic conference mixer designed to deliver an intuitive, hands-free audio experience in professional meeting environments. Engineered for corporate boardrooms, government council halls, and legislative assemblies, it eliminates the need for a manual operator by intelligently managing microphone activation. By using sophisticated gain-sharing and noise-gating logic, the Vāk 20 ensures that the “voice of authority” is always clear, consistent, and free from background interference.

What is the Studiomaster Vāk 20?

The Vāk 20 functions as the intelligent core of a professional discussion system, allowing for the connectivity of any standard microphone through its versatile combo inputs. Unlike traditional mixers, the Vāk 20 uses an automatic mixing algorithm to activate only the microphones currently in use. This reduces the accumulation of ambient noise and prevents the “hollow” sound typical of rooms with multiple open mics, making it a critical asset for high-stakes institutional communication and hybrid video conferencing.

Key Features & DSP Technology:

• 8 Mic/Line Channels with Combo Connectors: Equipped with 8 high-quality input channels featuring combo XLR-1/4″ Jack connectors, providing the flexibility to connect professional gooseneck, handheld, or lapel microphones.
• NOM (Number of Open Microphones) Management: Supports a maximum NOM of 6, ensuring that audio clarity is maintained by limiting the number of simultaneously active microphones.
• Intelligent Operating Modes: Each channel features selectable “Delegate” or “Chairman” modes, allowing for prioritized audio routing and procedural control during meetings.
• Ambient Noise Compensation: Features a 3-position switch (Noisy, Normal, Quiet) to calibrate the system’s sensitivity to the specific acoustic environment of the room.
• Logic Out for External Control: Provides logic output signals to trigger external devices, such as automated camera tracking systems or speaker muting relays.
• Expandable Daisy-Chain Architecture: Includes Link In and Link Out ports, allowing integrators to cascade multiple Vāk 20 units to accommodate larger microphone counts in expansive halls.
• Precision Output Control: Features a balanced XLR output with an integrated limiter switch to prevent signal clipping and protect downstream PA equipment.
• Switchable +48V Phantom Power: Every channel is equipped with independent phantom power, ensuring compatibility with high-sensitivity condenser microphones.

Technical Specifications:

Applications & Use Cases:

• Government & PSU Conference Rooms: Providing a reliable, automated platform for committee meetings and public sector briefings.
• Corporate Boardrooms: Facilitating high-level executive discussions with minimal technical overhead and maximum voice clarity.
• Council Chambers: Managing multi-participant discussions in municipal and state-level assembly halls.
• University Senate Halls: Ensuring academic councils and large lecture Q&A sessions are heard with professional intelligibility.
• Courtrooms: Capturing clear, localized audio for legal proceedings and transcript recording.
• Hybrid Video Conferencing: Interfacing with VC codecs to provide superior auto-mixed audio for remote participants.

Role in a Complete Conference System:

The Vāk 20 acts as the signal processor that bridges microphones and the final output (PA system or recording device). By utilizing its Logic Out port, it can communicate with camera control units to automatically point a PTZ camera toward the active speaker. Its ability to distinguish between Chairman and Delegate modes ensures that the presiding officer’s voice always takes precedence, maintaining the procedural hierarchy required in formal institutions.

System Compatibility & Expandability:

As a highly versatile DSP mixer, the Vāk 20 is compatible with any professional XLR or 1/4″ Jack microphone. For large-scale requirements, the “Link Section” allows for infinite scalability. Integrators can daisy-chain multiple Vāk 20 units via the Link In/Out ports to manage 16, 24, or more microphones while maintaining the system’s intelligent NOM logic across the entire chain.

Installation & Best Practices;

The Vāk 20 features a standard 1U rack-mountable design (482mm width), making it easy to integrate into existing AV racks. For optimal performance, integrators should utilize the LF/HF Cut switches to remove unwanted low-end rumble or high-frequency hiss from the room. We recommend setting the ambient noise switch to “Normal” initially and adjusting to “Quiet” or “Noisy” based on the HVAC noise present in the facility.

Why Choose Studiomaster Vāk 20?

Studiomaster Professional is India’s most trusted audio brand, and the Vāk 20 reflects this heritage through its robust engineering and reliability. It is designed to handle the power fluctuations and environmental conditions common in institutional settings. With a comprehensive after-sales network and a focus on speech intelligibility, the Vāk 20 provides government and corporate buyers with a “set-and-forget” solution that guarantees professional results for every meeting.

Comparison: Vāk 20 vs. Manual Mixing

Manual mixing in a conference environment is prone to human error—late fader moves result in lost words, while too many open mics cause feedback. The Vāk 20 eliminates these risks through Automatic Mic Mixing (AMM). It reacts instantly to voice signals, providing a seamless transition between speakers that no human operator can match. Furthermore, the inclusion of a built-in limiter and NOM management ensures a consistent output level, protecting your speakers and ensuring a comfortable listening experience for all attendees.

FAQs:

The Future of Automated Conferencing

The Studiomaster Vāk 20 Automatic Conference Mixer is a masterclass in audio automation. By combining 8-channel versatility with intelligent DSP logic and seamless expandability, it provides the reliability and clarity required for modern institutional proceedings. For organizations looking to upgrade their boardroom audio to a professional, automated standard, the Vāk 20 is the definitive, high-authority choice.

◉ Contact our AV experts for pricing, DSP configuration, and turnkey installation of the Studiomaster Vāk 20 conference mixing system.