Evaluations of USB-connected Echo-cancelling Loudspeaker/microphone systems for videoconferencing applications Document Authors Ronnie Gibb, Stephen Lawrence at The University of Glasgow 29th April 2011 Introduction USB-connected echo-cancelling loudspeaker/microphone systems are used in place of a headset/microphone combination in desktop or small room software-based videoconferencing systems. They allow natural hands-free two-way conversations, and are required when more than one attendee at an individual site is taking part in the videoconference. The following products were evaluated and compared for ease of use, value for money, setup procedures, etc.: ClearOne Chat 50 ClearOne Chat 150 Phoenix Duet Phoenix Quattro Phoenix Solo Polycom C100S Spreed Speakerphone US Robotics Yamaha PJP-10UR Yamaha PJP-25UR Testing was carried out using this equipment: Test platform hardware Dual-core Dell PC Local Video-conferencing software PolyCom PVX Ver. 8.0.4 Remote Venue Codec Tandberg C90 Ver. TC4.0.0.235115 2 ClearOne Chat 50 System ClearOne Model Chat 50USB Guide Cost £180 Test Date 18/11/2009 WebSite http://www.clearone.com/personal-usbspeakerphone.html A. Hardware Description Dimensions ~100mm square; 35mm tall Appearance Black soft glossy Controls Volume Up; Volume Down; Microphone Mute Connectors Mini USB; Minijack; 7V DC Indicators/LEDs functions Mic Mute Status Power USB or 7v DC adapter Cables Supplied USB Type A -B Warranty 2 year Documentation Supplied A6 16 page quickstart guide; English Web Info http://www.clearone.com/resources/library.php?content=main&product=94&submit=SEARCH B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported Windows XP (SP2); Windows Vista; Windows 7 Procedure + problems Plug and Go: immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version Ver. 2.0.23; 2.1.6.0 available. Firmware Version Ver. 25; Can be updated to ver. 27 Installation Documentation quality: Helpful. Startup info provided. Comprehensive info available from WebPages. Installation location: No installation required. Vendor "Chat" software if required 3 Optional Software (not required to use device) On CD; Chat Software; Quickstart guide; User manual; Support Docs. C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors USB mini Comments 1.5m long E. Audio measurements Frequency response: MIC Very Acceptable; speaker: Very good for size for a small room; quite musical and "open" Headroom: MIC Very Acceptable, Speaker OK Levels: MIC Very acceptable; Speaker not too loud, but acceptable for small room Echo Cancellation: Very good. Adjustments? Volume; mic mute Comments: Very acceptable for 1-4 people in small room. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 5 Echo Cancellation 5 Value for Money 4 Total 34 4 ClearOne Chat 150 System ClearOne Model Chat 150USB Guide Cost £245 Test Date 17/03/2010 WebSite http://www.clearone.com/video-conferencespeakerphone.html A. Hardware Description Dimensions ~200mm square x 40mm tall; Appearance Black soft glossy Controls Volume Up; Volume Down; Microphone Mute Connectors Mini USB Indicators/LEDs functions Mic Mute Status; Volume 5 Power Through USB Cables Supplied USB Type A -B Warranty 2 year Documentation Supplied A6 24 page quickstart guide; English Web Info http://www.clearone.com/resources/library.php?content=main&product=99&submit=SEARCH B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported Windows XP (SP2); Windows Vista; Windows 7 Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version Ver. 2.0.23; 2.1.6.0 available. Firmware Version Ver. 31; Can be updated to ver. 57 Installation Documentation quality: Helpful. Startup info provided. Comprehensive info available from WebPages. Installation location: No installation required. Vendor "Chat" software if required Optional Software (not required to use device) On CD; Chat Software for PV/Laptop/Phone. Quickstart guide; User manual; Support Docs. C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors USB mini Comments 3m length E. Audio measurements Frequency response: MIC Slightly harsh; Speaker Fairly balanced; aimed at voice Headroom; MIC Very Acceptable, speaker fairly loud without noticeable distortion. Levels; MIC Very acceptable; as with all systems, drops off with distance from mic. Speaker loud enough for small-medium room Echo Cancellation: Very good. Adjustments? Speaker Volume on unit - adjusts PC system volume. Comments: Very acceptable for 1-8 people in small/medium room. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 5 Echo Cancellation 5 Value for Money 5 Total 35 6 Phoenix Duet System Phoenix Model Duet PCS Guide Cost £150 Test Date 30/04/2010 WebSite http://www.phnxaudio.com/products/duet/details/3-duet/26-duet-pcs.html A. Hardware Description Dimensions ~120 x 100 x 40mm Appearance Matt Silver & light grey Controls Volume Up; Volume Down; Microphone Mute Connectors Mini USB; minijack for external speaker Indicators/LEDs functions Connected; Mic Mute Status Power Through USB Cables Supplied USB A-Mini USB cable Warranty n/a Documentation Supplied Short quickstart guide. Web Info http://www.phnxaudio.com/support/faq/23-faq.html 7 B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported PC or MAC. Win 2K/XP/Vista; Linux; Mac OS X. Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version n/a Installation Documentation quality: Startup info provided. Fuller info available from WebPages. Installation location: No installation software required. Optional Software (not required to use device) http://www.phnxaudio.com/support/downloads.html C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors USB mini Comments 1.5m long E. Audio measurements Frequency response: MIC Bassy, not bright; changes off-axis; speaker acceptable; aimed at speech. Headroom: MIC good, speaker good; not loud Levels: MIC acceptable, speaker loud enough; slight rattle at full volume. Echo Cancellation: Fair; clicks audible at start/end of speech Adjustments? PC system volume; mic mute Comments: Acceptable for 1-4 people in small room. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 4 Echo Cancellation 4 Value for Money 4 Total 32 8 Phoenix Quattro System Phoenix Model Quattro VC; MT301 Guide Cost £435 Test Date 10/03/2010 WebSite http://www.phnxaudio.com/products/quattro2.html A. Hardware Description Dimensions ~200mmm round Appearance Silver "Flying Doughnut" with 4 microphones and 4 loudspeakers built-in. Controls Power/Mute; Volume Up/down; Line inputs options Connectors Mini USB; Minijack; 2 x Phono audio; DIN for daisychain 9 Indicators/LEDs functions Connected; Mic Mute Status Power from USB; or from supplied (optional) power supply; both charge internal battery Cables Supplied USB A - Mini USB; Power Supply Warranty n/a Documentation Supplied A5 24 page User manual; English. Web Info http://phnxaudio.com/images/files/Quattro2_WS_manual.pdf B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported PC or MAC. Win 2K/XP/Vista; Linux; Mac OS X. Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version n/a Installation Documentation quality: Very good; Webpage info also available. Also bottom of box. Installation location: No installation software required. Optional Software (not required to use device) http://www.phnxaudio.com/support/downloads.html C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors Large USB A to Mini USB Comments 2m long E. Audio measurements Frequency response: MIC mid-range prominent; not so pleasing. Off axis loses HF, speaker slightly boxy; aimed at speech. Headroom: MIC Acceptable. Speaker rattles when loud, but can output considerable sound level. Levels; MIC good at keeping a constant MIC level, speaker achieves a very loud level, suitable for large room. Echo Cancellation Excellent Adjustments? Volume buttons adjust own volume. Comments: Has 4 mics, and 4 loudspeakers. Can be daisy-chained. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 4 Echo Cancellation 5 Value for Money 3 Total 32 10 Phoenix Solo System Phoenix Model Solo USB Guide Cost £100 Test Date 17/03/2010 WebSite http://phnxaudio.com/products/solo A. Hardware Description Dimensions ~115h x 80w x 65d mm Appearance Upright vertical silver/grey. Controls Mic Mute button on side Connectors USB A on captive lead; 3.5mm socket for required separate loudspeaker. Indicators/LEDs functions Blue power/mic muted LED Power Through USB Cables Supplied Captive cable to USB A Warranty n/a Documentation Supplied A4 pages x2 of translated info Web Info http://209.59.154.150/~phnxaudi/images/files/SOLO_datasheet_v1.pdf B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported PC or MAC. Win 2K/XP/Vista; Linux; Mac OS X. Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version n/a Installation Documentation quality: Start up only info provided. Further information available from WebPages. Installation location: No installation software required. Optional Software (not required to use device) 11 Available Here; http://www.phnxaudio.com/support/downloads.html C. Connectivity Cables Captive cable to USB A Connectors Captive cable to USB A Comments 1.5m long E. Audio measurements Frequency response: MIC Very acceptable for voice SPEAKER No internal speaker; quality depends on external speaker. Headroom; MIC OK for one or two users SPEAKER 3.5mm Jack outlet only. Levels; MIC Good at keeping a constant MIC level SPEAKER Depends on external speaker connected to MiniJack output. Echo Cancellation Acceptable. Adjustments? None Comments Mic only pickup suitable for 1-4 people Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 3 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 5 Echo Cancellation 4 Value for Money 3 Total 30 PolyCom C100S 12 System PolyCom Model C100S Guide Cost £90 Test Date 17/12/2009 WebSite http://www.polycom.com/products/voice/desktop_solutions/pc_speakerphones/ communicator_c100.html A. Hardware Description Dimensions 135l x 83w x 23h mm Appearance Charcoal Controls Volume Up; Volume Down; Mic Mute; menu options Connectors Permanently attached USB A cable Indicators/LEDs functions Power; Mic Mute, Vol adjust; menus Power From USB Cables Supplied Permanently Attached; 80cms Warranty n/a Documentation Supplied 12 page A6 user guide. CD takes you to WebPages to download drivers or software. Web Info http://support.polycom.com/PolycomService/support/us/support/voice/communicator/index.html B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported Currently Win XP due to requiring Drivers. Procedure + problems Required drivers installed; Win XP only. Since Windows only, less flexible than other options. Time About 20 minutes to set up. Windows XP only. Software Version n/a; Updated 2.1 software available can also update firmware. Firmware Version Ver.1.01 unless updated. Installation Documentation quality: Acceptable; WebPages have considerable info, and software release notes. Installation location On CD ROM; then website. Optional Software (not required to use device) Drivers; C100 Manager C. Connectivity Cables Captive cable to USB A Connectors USB A Comments 80cms long E. Audio measurements Frequency response; MIC Mid-range prominent; ideal for speech. Off axis loses HF. Speaker acceptable for speech and some music. Headroom: MIC Acceptable. 13 Speaker Acceptable. Levels; MIC Good level control; not obtrusive. Speaker: Adequate for small room; increasing level produces greater echo problem Echo Cancellation Increasing speaker level increases echo; good unless driven loud Adjustments? Volume up/down. Mic On-Off; Speaker On/Off. Comments Acceptable for 1-4 people in small room. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 4 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 3 Audio tests 4 Echo Cancellation 3 Value for Money 4 Total 28 Spreed SpeakerPhone 14 System Spreed Model USB Internet Speakerphone Guide Cost £31 Test Date 21/12/2010 WebSite http://www.spreed.com/eu/prices/conferencespeaker/index.html/en/view A. Hardware Description Dimensions 100mm d x 35mm h Appearance White & Green Controls Mic Mute; Volume Up/down. Connect/Disconnect Call Connectors Mini USB; 3.5mm minijack audio out; minijack audio in for supplied headset. Indicators/LEDs functions Connected; Mute status Power From USB Cables Supplied USB A-Mini USB cable. Also comes with plug-in mic earpiece for personal use. Warranty 1 year Documentation Supplied Paper Quickstart guide. More Info Here Web Info http://www.spreed.com/eu/prices/conferencespeaker/index.html/en/view B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported PC or MAC. Win 2K/XP/Vista; Linux; Mac OS X. Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version n/a Installation Documentation quality: Acceptable shortform. Fuller info on web site. Installation location Short document, English only. Optional Software (not required to use device) 6 optional software; Part of Spreed WebMeeting Products. C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors USB mini Comments 1.5m E. Audio measurements Frequency response; MIC Poor response; telephone quality 15 Speaker acceptable for speech. Headroom; MIC acceptable. Speaker acceptable Levels; MIC Gave best results when mic port pointed at participants - fairly directional. Speaker: Sufficient for small room Echo Cancellation Fair. Can hang on at tail end of speech. Adjustments? Vol Control very sensitive - small touch = large increase or decrease in gain. Comments Supplied single earpiece very clear; attached mic relatively insensitive. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 4 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 3 Echo Cancellation 3 Value for Money 3 Total 28 US Robotics 16 System US Robotics Model Model 9610A Guide Cost £8 Test Date 21/12/2010 WebSite http://www.usr.com/support/producttemplate.asp?prod=9610 A. Hardware Description Dimensions 85mm d x 30mm h Appearance Matt silver; black speaker grill Controls Mic Mute; Volume Up/down. Connectors Mini USB; 3.5mm minijack audio out. Indicators/LEDs functions Connected; Mic Muted Power From USB Cables Supplied USB A-Mini USB cable Warranty 2 years Documentation Supplied Paper Multi-language Quickstart guide; Full Manual on CD. Web Info http://www.usr.com/support/9610/9610-files/9610-naig.pdf B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported Win 2k and XP Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version n/a Installation Documentation quality Installation location User friendly. Quickstart on Paper and Fuller info on CD 17 Optional Software (not required to use device) 4 x Optional software C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors USB mini Comments 1.5m E. Audio measurements Frequency response; MIC Acceptable for voice. Speaker: Acceptable for voice; limited frequency response. Headroom; MIC Mic over-sensitive; obvious limiting on calibration. Speaker: Rattled/buzzed annoyingly at louder settings. Levels: MIC Gave best results when mic port pointed at speaker - fairly directional. Speaker: Sufficiently loud, but rattled when volume higher. Echo Cancellation Echo feedback when talking loudly; colouration on incoming. Adjustments? Volume Up/Down buttons adjust system volume. Mic mute button operates OK. Comments: Aimed for one person only. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 3 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 2 Echo Cancellation 2 Value for Money 2 Total 24 18 Yamaha PJP-10UR System Yamaha Model PJP-10UR Guide Cost £170 Test Date 21/12/2010 WebSite http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/projectphone/products/10ur/ A. Hardware Description Dimensions 125h x 38d x 49mm wide Appearance Black matt; soft cover supplied. Controls Mic Mute; Volume Up/down. Speaker Mute; Future Functions button. Connectors Mini USB. 19 Indicators/LEDs functions Connected; Mic Muted; Speaker muted; firmware updates status. Power From USB Cables Supplied USB A-Mini USB cable Warranty 1 year Documentation Supplied Full paper Manual. Web Info http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/projectphone/download/manual/#manual_pjp10ur B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported Windows® 7, Windows® Vista SP1+ (32bit), Windows® XP SP2+ (32bit), Windows® 2000 SP4. Macintosh® OS 10.5 (with Intel® processor only) Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version 1.02 / 1.05 upgradeable Installation Documentation quality: Very good. Very good info on web. Installation location 4 Language Comprehensive Quickstart Guide. Optional Software (not required to use device) No supplied software C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors USB mini Comments 1.2m E. Audio measurements Frequency response; MIC Very acceptable for voice. Speaker very acceptable for speech and some music. Headroom; MIC Acceptable. Speaker Very acceptable. Levels; MIC Quality dependent on aiming at participants. Speaker: Sufficiently loud for medium room. Echo Cancellation Very Good. Adjustments? Volume up/down. Mic On-Off; Speaker On/Off. Comments Tripod screw in base. Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 5 20 Echo Cancellation 5 Value for Money 5 Total 35 Yamaha PJP-25UR System Yamaha Model PJP-25UR Guide Cost £270 Test Date 24/03/2010 WebSite http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/projectphone/products/25ur/ A. Hardware Description Dimensions ~230 x 150 x 35mm Triangular (when side arms closed) Appearance Matt Black; with 2 speakers; 3 x 4 mic arrays. Controls Mic Mute; Volume Up/down; menu buttons Connectors Mini USB; DC in; 3.5mm minijack audio out; minijack audio in Indicators/LEDs functions Connected; Mic Muted; Speaker muted; firmware updates status. Power From USB 21 Cables Supplied USB A-Mini USB cable Warranty 1 year Documentation Supplied Multi-language Quickstart guide; Manual on CD Web Info http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/projectphone/download/manual/ index.html#manual_pjp25ur B. Setup / Installation Procedure Platform supported Windows® 7, Windows® Vista SP1 or higher (32bit), Windows® XP SP2 or higher (32bit), Windows® 2000 SP4. Macintosh® OS 10.5 (with Intel® processor only) Procedure + problems Plug and Go; immediately recognised by PC. (PolyCom crashed) Time less than 5 minutes to set up. Software Version n/a Firmware Version Updateable from Web; http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/projectphone/download/firmware/index.html#pjp25ur Installation Documentation quality: Very good. Very good info on web. Installation location A4 manual, or on CD ROM Optional Software (not required to use device) No supplied software C. Connectivity Cables USB A to USB mini Connectors Large USB A to Mini USB Comments 2m E. Audio measurements Frequency response; MIC Closed; toppy - suitable for clear speech. Opened out; bass end increases to a more natural sound. Speaker: Very acceptable for speech and some music. Headroom; MIC Adequate level Speaker: Loud enough Levels; MIC Very good due to multiple configuration options. Speaker: Sufficient for medium room. External supply available for higher volume requirements. Echo Cancellation Very good. Adjustments? Volume adjusts own level; well labelled. Comments Tripod screw Functions 1 low-5 high Hardware & facilities 5 Setup procedure 5 Connectivity 5 22 Ease of Installation 5 Audio tests 5 Echo Cancellation 5 Value for Money 4 Total 34 Table of Results System Model ClearOne Chat 50USB Phoenix Chat 150USB Scores; Duet PCS Quattro VC; MT301 Very good = 5; Solo USB Good = 4; PolyCom Spreed C100S USB Internet Speakerphone Fair = 3; Poor = 2; US Robotics Yamaha PJP10UR PJP25UR Model 9610A Very Poor = 1. Hardware & facilities 5 5 5 5 3 5 4 5 5 3 Setup procedure 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 Connectivity 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Ease of Installation 5 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 5 5 Audio tests 5 5 4 4 5 4 3 5 5 2 Echo Cancellation 5 5 4 5 4 3 3 5 5 2 Value for Money 4 5 4 3 3 4 3 5 4 2 34 35 32 32 30 28 28 35 34 24 Total 23 Summary - All systems tested were easy to connect to the PC. However one required Windows drivers. - All were recognised by the PC as USB Audio Hardware. - All were recognised by the H323 Video-conference software used for this test. - Most performed very well at their main task of providing an echo-cancelling loudspeakermicrophone combination – but see results. - However, as with any echo-cancelling system, they were all sensitive to physical movement, and took a second or so to recover / relearn from major physical movement. All were aimed at good speech quality, but some were better at reproducing full-range music/PC audio. There is no reason to suppose that they would not work well with other software e.g. WebEx, Skype, Adobe Connect etc, but these were not tested in this trial. Conclusion We would have no hesitation in recommending the use of most of these systems for personal or small room video-conferencing applications – however see the detailed comments. The larger more costly systems, as designed, will provide a better service for larger numbers of attendees and rooms. Differences between them reflect their cost, and intended purpose. Also, some have better quality of sound reproduction than others. 24
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