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Ceiling vs. Tabletop Audio

Aug 08, 2025

Ceiling vs. Tabletop Audio for Conference Rooms: What’s Better? 

 

When it comes to designing a conference room, one of the most overlooked decisions is how audio is both captured and delivered. Should you go with ceiling speakers and microphones, or place everything on the table? The short answer: it depends on the space, use case, and how much you want users to think about the technology. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of ceiling-mounted vs. tabletop audio solutions. All while explaining when each approach makes the most sense. 

Ceiling-Mounted Audio: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

  • - Clean, professional look: Ceiling speakers and mics keep surfaces clear and uncluttered. Great for executive spaces or modern designs. 

  • - Minimal user setup or interaction: Systems like the Sennheiser TCC2 use adaptive beamforming to track voices.  

  • - Less risk of interference: Ceiling placement reduces the chance of users blocking mics with laptops, papers, or drinks. 

  • - Better for flexible seating: Works well in rooms where table configurations change or seats rotate often. 

  • - Protected equipment: Gear mounted overhead is less likely to get damaged, unplugged, or tampered with. 

Cons: 

  • - Acoustic challenges: Ceiling height, materials (like glass), and heavy HVAC noise can affect performance if not properly designed. 

  • - Harder to DIY: Requires professional design and installation.  

  • - Cost up front: Typically more expensive than a basic tabletop setup, though the long-term value often offsets this. 

 

Tabletop Audio: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

  • - Lower initial cost: Plug-and-play speakerphones or tabletop mics are affordable and easy to deploy. 

  • - Simple to replace: If a mic or speaker fails, it’s easy to swap out. 

  • - Good for small rooms: In smaller huddle rooms or focus spaces, tabletop units can work well without much setup. 

Cons: 

  • - Clutter and cable mess: Tabletop gear can look messy, especially with power bricks, adapters, and exposed wires. 

  • - User error is common: Mics get blocked, muted, or unplugged. Volume levels can be accidentally changed.  

  • - Inconsistent sound quality: Tabletop units can capture more background noise. 

  • - Not ideal for flexible seating: Audio may suffer if users aren’t sitting close to the mic or the room layout changes. 

 

Real-World Example: Executive Boardroom Upgrade 

We recently completed a project at NAVC that used their glass-walled executive conference room every day but struggled with poor audio during video calls. Rather than adding more table gear, we installed a ceiling-mounted system using the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 and JBL ceiling speakers. The result was excellent speech pickup and consistent performance with no user adjustments needed. It was a perfect match for the room’s design. 

 

So, Which Should You Choose? 

Here’s a quick guide: 

 

If You Want... 
 

Go With... 

Clean look and no table clutter 

 
 

Ceiling-based audio 

Plug-and-play, low budget setup 
 

Tabletop gear 

Flexibility in room layout 
 

Ceiling microphones 

Easy replacement  
 

Tabletop mics 

Consistent sound with minimal effort 
 

Ceiling beamforming 

 

Final Thought 

The best AV systems match your space, your users, and your priorities. The reality is that most conference rooms are switching out their tabletop gear. It’s not that tabletop gear isn't a great option for the reasons noted above, but the future is here, and ceiling placed gear is getting increasingly powerful. Most of our newer projects rely on ceiling audio solutions regardless of the size of the room. 

Need help deciding what’s right for your room? Contact Teer Audio Visual for a consultation. We’ll help you design a solution that’s clear, reliable, and easy to use no matter where the mics/speakers live.  

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