About the Highly Directional Compact Microphone “FR-1200”
The highly directional compact microphone series, commercialized by NTT-AT, utilizes the IM-ASTER library developed by NTT Computer & Data Science Laboratories and provided by NTT TechnoCross Corporation. The “FR-1200” has been available since November 2025, featuring a USB Type-C connection. It has been widely adopted for various applications, including face-to-face interactions, digital signage dialogues, and web conferences.
Introducing the “FR-1200 AC6”
The new “FR-1200 AC6” is specifically designed to meet the demands of field and system administrators seeking to improve operational efficiency and service quality through audio utilization. This includes scenarios such as face-to-face customer service, counter operations, recording multi-person conversations, and voice analysis. The product enables selective acquisition of necessary audio even in environments with multiple speakers.
It consists of three main components: a microphone with new built-in firmware, a virtual audio driver for Windows 11, and a dedicated control application. While the conventional “FR-1200” supported 2-direction speaker separation, the “FR-1200 AC6” allows for separation and selection of audio from up to six directions, significantly improving accuracy and convenience in audio-based tasks. It also facilitates system integration by functioning as a virtual microphone, which was challenging with the previous FR-1200 model. It is important to note that existing “FR-1200” units cannot be upgraded to this functionality; a new “FR-1200 AC6” purchase is required.
Key Features of “FR-1200 AC6”
(1) Max 6-Direction Audio Control
The microphone outputs audio separated into 12 directions. Direction numbers are set clockwise, with the USB side designated as direction 6 and the opposite side as direction 0. Users can configure up to six arbitrary directions for audio output. This capability allows for the selective acquisition of speech from specific individuals, even in environments where multiple speakers are present.
(2) Customizable Control Application
The accompanying control application allows for various settings, including the configuration of 6-direction audio output and selection of signal processing patterns. This flexibility ensures that optimal audio can be captured for specific business applications and usage scenarios.
(3) Virtual Microphone Functionality
Audio configured via the control application can be utilized as virtual microphones, appearing as “IM-Aster VAD 1” through “IM-Aster VAD 6.” The ability to treat each directional audio stream as an individual virtual microphone simplifies integration with existing applications, facilitating system embedding and the provision of new services.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Highly Directional Compact Microphone FR-1200 AC6 |
| English Name | Directional Boundary Microphone FR-1200 AC6 |
| Model Number | FR-1200 AC6 |
| Contents | Microphone with new firmware, Software (Virtual Audio Driver, Control Application) |
| Supported OS | Windows 11 |
Product Lineup Comparison
The “FR-1200 AC6” expands NTT-AT’s intelligent microphone lineup, offering enhanced multi-directional audio control compared to its predecessor. The “FR-1200” is a stereo microphone ideal for 2-direction speaker separation. The “FR-1200 AC6” provides up to 6-direction control, composed of a new firmware microphone, virtual audio driver, and control application, targeting field and system administrators. For developers and SIers requiring up to 12-direction separation and deeper integration, the “Voice Compass” product, which includes the IM-ASTER library and SDK, is available. The FR-1200 AC6 is priced at 74,800 JPY (tax included).
Sales Information
Sales of the “FR-1200 AC6” commenced on July 10, 2026. The product is available for 74,800 JPY (tax included). For further details regarding sales, interested parties are encouraged to contact NTT-AT.
Future Developments
NTT-AT is committed to achieving high-quality audio communication and plans to continue expanding its lineup of highly directional compact microphones and related solutions in the future.
Please note: External connection devices such as personal computers are not included with this product. Please prepare them separately. Company names and product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The data presented reflects information as of the announcement date and is subject to change without prior notice.
Related Link: https://keytech.ntt-at.com/imic/index_fr1200.html
