Set up the Owl and other microphones

Meeting Owl Pro

This device contains multiple cameras, microphones and speakers in a single unit. The cameras that will cover a whole room (380 degrees) and can detect and focus on up to three individual speakers simultaneously. The microphones will cover a room with up to 12 people (more than this and the voices are a bit quiet). The speaker is loud enough for a considerably larger group. 

The Owl is controlled by an app (search "Owl Labs") which also makes it is possible to connect two together. If you are using a Mac, it can also link up with other microphones enabling a much wider coverage (see below).

To set it up

  1. Two cables connect into the base of the Owl (power and USB).
  2. The base of the Owl also has a screwthread tripod fitting.
  3. Connect the USB cable to your laptop.
  4. Join Zoom, open the camera and select the Owl. (Allow it a moment to connect.) 
  5. The camera is managed via OwlLabs app on phone or laptop.
  6. The app can control more than one Owl, select ELIXIR Owl.
    • Either allow the camera to detect the speakers (default) or use sliders to control the camera.
    • We recommend turning off the "panoramic" view.
    • Note: the Owl is able to distinguish between a voice and loud speaker. 

Samson Go Mic

The Hub has four small microphones available as part of a kit, including extension cables, 4:1 hub etc. One microphone will cover up to 10-12 people in a meeting, using more will ensure everyone is picked up clearly. 

For a single microphone, simply plug the cable in and select the device from the Zoom pop-up menu. 

Settings button (side)

  • Top: Uni-directional (aim the silver face towards the room to improve the sound and avoid background noise)
  • Middle: Bi-directional (limited value) 
  • Bottom: Omni-directional (default, picks up around the whole room, probably the most useful)

Alternatively, connect multiple devices as shown in the diagram above and follow these instructions: 

Combine devices

Macs have a tool to merge multiple microphones into one, making them visible to Zoom etc. 

  • Open Finder
  • Under Applications -> Utilities -> Audio MIDI setup (Opens a new window)
  • In the bottom left corner click the Plus sign " + " (Create Aggregate Device) 
  • This will create a new entity on the left side 
  • Rename this new entity: double-click "Aggregate device" type "Combined" or similar
  • Add devices to "Combined": middle panel, click the checkbox beside Samson Go Mic, Owl etc (as many as required) 
  • Close the window

Complete the set up

  • System Preferences -> Sound -> Select Input Device: "Combined"
  • Open Zoom (or whatever) and select "Combined" as microphone. 
  • Note: check Output Device is not also "Combined", or the sound will be going to a microphone. 

Notes

  1. The size of the room will effect any microphones performance, in a large room with a small number of people the sound will dissipate. 
  2. Zoom has a number of audio settings to suppress background noise, which can unintentionally reduce the sound level. These filters can be turned off: 
    "Settings" -> Audio -> enable "Original Sound" 
    Zoom (top left corner) "Original Sound on/off" 

Software Updates

  • Plug in Owl, connect to laptop and take control using Owl Labs app. (Laptop or mobile device) 
  • Notification "Updates available" 
  • Click to update. 
  • Two options, either
  1. Connect the Owl to wifi network to download the update
  2. Download the update through the connected mobile device
    nb. Owls do not connect to every wifi network. (Not Eduroam or those with certain security settings.)

Any questions or if these details need updating please contact david.lloyd@elixir-europe.org.