USA: Austria’s Embassy in Washington

While much of diplomacy occurs behind the scenes, public events are an important part of any embassy’s role. The Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C. recently chose Advanced AV Federal Solutions Group (Advanced FSG) to help modernize its communications systems. Advanced AV’s Andy Bukowski specified AKG technology for this high-profile project.

The Austrian Embassy wanted most of all to upgrade its conferencing and meeting facilities. Advanced FSG installed a CS 2 Conferencing System from AKG to meet the requirements of the embassy. With one Chairman station and 29 Delegate stations, the system is currently configured for conferences of up to 30 participants. The CS 2 is designed as a “Business Class” conferencing system, offering flexibility comparable to many all-digital systems at lower cost per seat. Each CS2 BU Base Station can manage up to 200 microphone stations, and Base Stations can be linked for further expansion. CS 2 Chairman and Delegate microphone stations can be permanently installed or used in a mobile system that accommodates changing seating arrangements. Each station can be programmed for voice activation, hold time after the speaker stops, compression level, NOM (Number of Open Microphones) limits, etc. Headphones or integral loudspeakers allow every participant to hear the proceedings with maximum clarity.

12-inch and 20-inch goosenecks add to the system’s flexibility. Most stations use the CK 33 capsule from AKG’s Discreet Acoustics Series. With a 95° pickup angle, speech optimized frequency response and high gain before feedback, the CK 33 provides excellent intelligibility in acoustically critical environments. Also available for the system is the CK 80, a “short shotgun” capsule with a narrower 80° pickup pattern that allows speakers to stand.

Occasionally, even the highly flexible CS 2 is not the perfect solution for a particular event. Advanced AV has given the Austrian Embassy an even wider range of options with AKG technology. The GN 155 is an elegant gooseneck module with a heavy, shock mounted floor stand and an unobtrusive matte gray finish that is well-suited for stand-alone use on stage. Two integrated flexible gooseneck sections plus the supplied extension tube allow optimum alignment of the screw-on microphone capsule: in this case, a CK 80. An integrated LED ring status indicator helps technical staff verify that the GN 155 is on before the presenter begins speaking.

For its portable sound reinforcement requirements, the Austrian Embassy has chosen the AKG WMS 400 wireless system. The WMS 400 combines outstanding audio quality with “plug ‘n play” convenience. Thanks to automatic frequency scanning and an infrared data link between transmitter and receiver, the WMS 400 is ready to go in less than one minute from turn-on. To provide portable sound reinforcement wherever it’s needed, The Austrian Embassy staff can use the WMS 400 together a pair of MAX-Modular battery-powered portable speakers, which have built-in slots for the wireless receiver.

Thanks to Advanced FSG’s experience and AKG’s engineering, the Austrian Embassy can now respond quickly and easily to the diverse, rapidly changing opportunities of diplomatic relations in one of the world’s major capitals.