Modern workplaces often hold meetings that include both in-person and remote participants. These setups, known as hybrid meetings, make it possible for teams in different locations to collaborate. However, they also bring new challenges — one of the most common being clear audio for all participants.

In a shared meeting space, relying only on built-in laptop microphones or standard desk phones can sometimes make it difficult for everyone to hear and be heard equally. This is where dedicated meeting room audio equipment, such as speakerphones, plays a role.

The Role of Audio in Meetings

Meetings are designed for information sharing and decision-making. For these purposes, the ability to hear clearly is just as important as the ability to see slides or video feeds.

Poor sound quality can lead to:

• Misunderstood instructions or information.
• Repetition of points, increasing meeting time.
• Reduced engagement from remote participants.

Audio issues are often more disruptive than minor video problems because participants cannot follow the discussion without clear sound.

What a Dedicated Speakerphone Does

A dedicated speakerphone is an audio device made for group communication in meeting rooms. Its design often includes:

• Multiple microphones to capture voices from different areas of the table.
• Noise reduction to minimize sounds like typing, paper shuffling, or air conditioning.
• Echo control to prevent voices from sounding doubled or hollow.
• Omnidirectional pickup so voices are captured evenly, regardless of where someone sits.

These functions are intended to create consistent audio quality for both in-room and remote attendees.

Why Some Meeting Rooms Use Them

Meeting rooms may include a dedicated speakerphone for several practical reasons:

• Coverage of larger spaces where one microphone is not enough.
• Consistency in hybrid meetings so remote participants hear all speakers equally.
• Support for natural conversation flow with full-duplex audio, which allows speaking and listening at the same time.

These benefits address challenges that can occur in group calls using standard equipment.

Common Challenges Without Dedicated Audio Equipment

When meetings depend solely on built-in microphones or standard desk phones, participants may encounter:

• Uneven volume between speakers.
• Background noise interfering with voices.
• Limited range, requiring people to sit close to the microphone.
• Echoes that interrupt conversation.

While these issues don’t occur in every meeting, they are more likely in larger rooms or with multiple speakers.

Tips for Better Audio in Meeting Rooms

Clear audio is not only about the equipment used but also about how it’s set up. Some best practices include:

• Position microphones centrally so sound is picked up evenly.
• Minimize background noise by closing windows and doors.
• Avoid placing microphones near noise sources like projectors or air vents.
• Test the audio connection before meetings, especially with remote participants.

These steps can improve audio clarity regardless of the device in use.

Final Note

Dedicated speakerphones are one option for improving sound in hybrid and group meetings, especially where multiple people need to participate from the same room. Their design addresses common challenges in capturing clear audio, but effective meeting communication also depends on room setup, participant habits, and other equipment in use.

Clear sound is a shared responsibility between the technology and the people using it, and a well-prepared meeting room helps everyone stay focused on the discussion.