Audac APM116 16‑Zone Digital Paging Microphone
Overview
The Audac APM116 is a robust, commercial-grade paging microphone designed for large commercial environments--such as offices, schools, warehouses, sports centres and other public facilities. Ideal for facilities managers, security personnel, fire safety, and audio-visual integrators, it provides reliable, fault-monitored paging across up to 16 zones (expandable through layering).
With a solid steel chassis and premium gooseneck condenser mic, the APM116 emphasises durability, clarity and emergency reliability. Programmable buttons and built-in chime support ensure flexible and effective announcements.
Design and Build Quality
- Construction: Steel housing with grey metallic front panel; chassis ensures rugged durability.
- Mic element: 350 mm gooseneck with back-electret cardioid condenser ensures focused voice pickup and reduced ambient noise.
- LED indicators: Three-colour buttons to monitor bus status and audio levels--'Enable', 'Peak', 'Good', 'Low'.
- Reliability: Continuous self-diagnostic monitoring from mic capsule to amplifier, with fault LED alerting if issues are detected.
Key Technologies and Features
- 16 programmable zone buttons: Selectable zone control plus 'Select All', 'Clear', 'Push‑to‑Talk'.
- Layering support: 3‑layer functionality allows up to 39 distinct paging zones.
- Multiple Ding-Dong chime: Customisable tones play before announcements.
- Voice‑file interface: Internal memory for stored messages (≈10 minutes split over 30 files), playable via zone buttons or RTC.
- Audio output: Supports both analogue (CAT5e) and digital (CAT6) outputs.
- Digital control: RS‑485 bus for daisy‑chaining units, with priority settings.
- Built‑in compressor/limiter: Ensures consistent volume and intelligibility.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Power source | 24 V DC (minimum 16 V DC) |
| Power consumption | 4.8 W |
| Mic type | Back-electret condenser, cardioid |
| Frequency response | 100 Hz-20 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Sensitivity | -42 dB ±3 dB / Pa |
| Max SPL | 120 dB SPL @1 m |
| Buttons | 16 zone + PTT + Select All + Clear |
| Memory | Internal storage ≈10 min (30 files) |
| Connection | RJ45 (Data & Power), TIA/EIA T568B |
| Cable distance | Up to 300 m (without PSU), 600 m (with PS) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 120 × 55 × 190 mm |
| Weight | 1.1 kg (net), approx. 1.35 kg packaged |
Performance and User Experience
In real‑world use, the APM116 delivers dependable, intelligible voice announcements across multiple zones--ideal for clean, targeted paging in large venues. The long gooseneck and level LEDs guide users to optimal mic placement (~5 cm), while the compressor/limiter maintains consistent volume. Carefully selected features like chimes, voice‑file playback, and RS‑485 chaining elevate its adaptability in emergency, corporate or public settings.
Q&A
- Can it work with analog systems? Yes--can use CAT5e for analogue audio; CAT6 is needed for digital setups.
- How many zones? 16 primary zones, expandable to 39 via 3‑layer programming.
- What if the bus is occupied? A flashing LED signals bus occupation; new paging will be blocked to avoid collisions.
- Can I pre‑record messages? Yes--the internal voice‑file memory stores ≈10 minutes across 30 files, playable on‑demand or via the RTC.
- Is it safe for emergencies? Yes--it features full end‑to‑end diagnostics and fault LED warnings to ensure system readiness.
- How far can I cable it? Up to 300 m on CAT5e, 600 m with external PSU (e.g., ARJ03P).
