MacDill Air Force Base Davis Conference Center project profile
MacDill Air Force Base, located in Tampa, Florida, is home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and serves as headquarters for USCENTCOM and USSOCOM. The base plays a key role in global air refueling and airlift missions, supporting two major Unified Commands. MacDill AFB’s Davis Conference Center (DCC) partnered with EIDIM for the Auditorium Microphone System Replacement Project, delivering a complete upgrade of the microphone system for the facility’s largest meeting room
Project Description
The scope included providing, installing, and commissioning 170 new microphones — 153 mounted and 17 tabletop — supporting critical communication across stadium seating, executive seating, stage, booths, podium, and the control room. The DCC auditorium, with seating for up to 250, is designed in an elevated classroom style and supports events up to the Secret level. It is equipped with dual-screen projection, secure VTC, Blu-Ray/DVD player, cable TV, wireless and tabletop microphones, and integrated conferencing phones. Additionally, it transmits and receives one-way audio/video feeds between key locations, supports laptop feeds from the reception desk, and routes audio and video to external LCD panels and the house PA system — ensuring mission-critical communication and high-level operational readiness.
The MacDill Air Force Base Davis Conference Center project delivered a full scale upgrade of the main auditorium microphone system, installing 170 new microphones including 153 mounted and 17 tabletop units to support critical mission level communications. The system spans stadium seating, executive seating, stage, booth and podium areas, and integrates with the secure A/V infrastructure including dual screen projection, secure VTC, laptop feeds and routing to external panels and the house PA.
Technologies and Solutions Used:
Executive (DV) Seating Microphone Requirements
The executive seating area required the installation of 26 mounted microphones, also using under-table Televic interface boxes with gooseneck microphones. Microphone positions were determined by precise locations to fit existing table configurations and wiring channels. Each unit included a power source, HDMI input, XLR connection, and a shielded network connection to integrate with the control system. Black faceplates labeled inputs clearly for ease of use. Brass clamps and adjustable support arms were also provided where needed to secure microphones in more complex seating areas. This configuration ensured reliable, professional-quality audio capture for executive-level meetings and decision-making processes.
Stage Microphone Requirements
The stage area featured six tabletop microphones, allowing flexibility for speakers, guest presentations, and panel discussions. Microphones were placed strategically along the front and sides of the stage, with easy-to-access HDMI and XLR connections housed in floor boxes. Custom gang plates were used to support cable management and labeling. The tabletop units included LED indicators, mute buttons, and integrated control functions. This setup allowed for on-the-fly microphone additions and easy reconfiguration based on event needs, ensuring presenters could be heard clearly from anywhere on stage.
Booths 1 & 2 Microphone Requirements
Booths 1 and 2 were upgraded with tabletop gooseneck microphones, approximately 40 cm (15.75 in) in length, mounted on custom 2‑gang brass plates. Each plate features black lettering clearly identifying Booth 1 (“BTH01”) and Booth 2 (“BTH02”) along with the microphone input connection for ease of use. Microphone positions were strategically placed to align with existing table layouts and wiring channels. Each installation includes a power source, XLR connection, and integration with the Vaddio AV bridge and DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G-B-T system, ensuring seamless connectivity and professional-quality audio capture. The design combines functional reliability with aesthetic appeal, providing a modern, user-friendly AV solution for booth communications.
Podium Microphone Requirements
The podium area included three mounted gooseneck microphones designed to support keynote speakers and formal presentations. Two microphones were installed on the podium’s first shelf and one on the second-floor balcony. These units were connected via shielded network cables and HDMI inputs integrated into floor boxes. Special brass clamps and custom support arms were provided for additional microphone stability. The microphones allowed clear, focused pickup from speakers, ensuring intelligibility and professional-quality sound during lectures, addresses, or public hearings.
Project Outcome
The upgraded microphone system significantly enhanced the facility’s communication capabilities. It provided reliable, crystal-clear audio for large assemblies, press briefings, training sessions, and emergency operation coordination. The system is user-friendly, with intuitive controls for muting, input switching, and audio management. EIDIM Group’s integration efforts resulted in a future-ready setup that supports scalability, easy maintenance, and seamless integration with other AV and control systems. The client now benefits from a robust, high-quality audio environment that elevates every event hosted in the auditorium.
“We are highly impressed with EIDIM’s overall performance and would strongly consider awarding future contracts for similar projects. Your team’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication to excellence make youa valuable partner.
– Ernest K. Thompson, Jr.
Director