New education models and hybrid learning have become common in educational institutions under Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Among them, the ‘best university in Spain’, selected Shure’s Microflex Ecosystem to meet the needs and requirements of its hybrid learning concept.

Established in 1990, the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF, Universidad Pompeu Fabra) required a complete overhaul of its old A/V system, which only supported in-person classes. The adoption of hybrid learning across the campus now means that all lessons are served by an A/V system that exceeds audio requirements and provides the best possible learning experience for academics and students alike.

For the ambitious project, 38 rooms across campus were redesigned to adopt the new learning model. Audio is now captured via a selection of Microflex Advance MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone and MXA710 linear array microphone including proprietary IntelliMix DSP and Autofocus technology, providing a clear and clean sound for faculty and students across physical and virtual learning environments. The set-up also includes Microflex MXN5W-C Networked Ceiling Loudspeakers offering high quality sound reproduction, while the entire system is managed by the installation of IntelliMix P300 in each of the rooms.

With the support of Shure distributor EarPro, Spanish A/V specialist Ditec Comunicaciones selected the Microflex Ecosystem solution as the best option for the new hybrid learning set-up.

‘The pandemic was a challenge with the implementation of the project since it forced us to minimise contact and meetings with the staff of the university as much as possible,’ says EarPro Audio Product Manager, Kiko Margalef. ‘However, being able to count on the Shure Designer software and its assistant allowed Ditec engineers to configure the entire system remotely, which meant we were able to guarantee the quality and performance required in each space, as we were able to verify it remotely.’

As a result, the staff and students of the Pompeu Fabra University have an A/V system that allows them to teach and learn both at distance and in-person, retaining its status as the best university in Spain.