Hardware for Schools
Campus Communication Hardware
for Schools and Universities
Simpleway's hardware ecosystem, combining nnounce audio devices with digital signage controllers, gives academic campuses reliable centrally managed infrastructure that handles both. Routine scheduling runs automatically. Emergency scenarios activate instantly. And everything connects back to the same platform your team already manages.
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Browse by Device Type
Audio Infrastructure for Academic Campuses
Schools and universities coordinate communication across environments with very different needs. Classrooms need scheduled bell tones and period changes, front offices need live paging capability, gymnasiums and outdoor areas need broad coverage for weather alerts and athletic events, and every zone must be reachable the moment an emergency scenario activates.
Our network design guide covers planning considerations for academic facilities of any size: zone configurations for classrooms, common areas, athletics, and outdoor spaces; redundancy planning for emergency and life-safety communication.
Explore Our Audio Devices
Reliable Campus Amplification
When the Bell Rings, Every Room Needs to Hear It
Running audio across a school building is a different challenge than most facilities face. You have classrooms that need precise scheduled tones, cafeterias and gyms that need significantly higher output, and outdoor areas that require weather-resistant coverage, all managed from a single system. Our amplifiers are built to handle that range, with redundant power supplies and automatic failover so a hardware issue during the school day doesn't take down a zone.
ampnode4
4-channel amplifier, 600W
ampnode4LS
Life-safety amplifier
ampnode4
The ampnode4 packs 600W of flexible power into a compact 1U half-rack enclosure. Four channels share power as needed - allocate more to high-demand zones, less to quieter areas. Auto-setup optimizes speaker settings. Built-in neural processing enables ambient noise compensation and speech-to-text. AES256 encryption, 2.5 ms end–to–end latency in AES67 mode, secure boot. Connects to Simpleway CX out of the box. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
ampnode4LS
The ampnode4LS delivers 4×500W with the redundancy life-safety applications demand. Dual power supplies and built-in 1:3 self-backup mean if one channel fails, another takes over automatically - no spare amplifier required. Designed for EN54-16 voice evacuation compliance. Phantom-powered inputs connect ambient noise sensing microphones for automatic volume adjustment. Auxiliary bus ports support low-cost paging stations throughout your facility. Built-in neural processing, AES256 encryption, 2.5 ms end–to–end latency in AES67 mode. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
Front Office and Administrative Paging
The Front Desk Runs the Building
School office staff make more announcements, handle more interruptions, and coordinate more moving parts than almost any other role on campus. These paging stations are built around that reality, giving staff a single 8" touchscreen to manage both PA announcements and display content without switching between systems. Pre-scheduled messages run on their own, and live overrides are a single tap away.
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micnode2h
The micnode2h combines an 8-inch WUXGA touchscreen with a handheld microphone on an extendable cable - preferred for shared workstations, standing announcements, or when operators move between positions. The touchscreen runs your choice of interface: Simpleway CX applications, custom HTML5 tools, or Q-SYS UCI controls. Built-in neural processing handles text-to-speech and speech-to-text for visual paging. AES256 encryption, 2.5 ms end–to–end latency in AES67 mode, PoE-powered. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
micnode2g
The micnode2g pairs an 8-inch WUXGA touchscreen with an elegant gooseneck microphone - ideal for desk placement, operations centers, and fixed positions where the mic stays in place. The touchscreen runs your choice of interface: Simpleway CX applications, custom HTML5 tools, or Q-SYS UCI controls. Built-in neural processing handles text-to-speech and speech-to-text for visual paging. AES256 encryption, 2.5 ms end–to–end latency in AES67 mode, PoE-powered. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
Quick Live Paging
One Button Per Zone, No Navigation Required
Security staff and administrators don't have time to find the right screen when something happens. Programmable physical buttons map directly to the zones that matter, whether that's a specific wing, the parking lot, or the whole campus. The compact wall-mount design keeps these stations accessible at the front desk, in the security office, and anywhere else fast access is part of the job.
micnode mini6
6-button paging station with OLED
micnode mini3
3-button compact paging station
micnode mini6
The micnode mini6 puts six programmable zone buttons with LED indicators and an OLED display (2,42", 128x64 Dot Matrix) right at staff fingertips. The display confirms zone selection and shows status - operators see exactly where their announcement will go before speaking. Each button triggers zones or actions as configured. Fits standard US 3-gang boxes for wall mounting or sits on a desk stand. PoE-powered, AES256 encryption available, and connects to Simpleway CX out of the box. Compatible with Q-SYS.
micnode mini3
The micnode mini3 puts three programmable zone buttons with LED indicators at staff fingertips. This compact push-to-talk station lets operators select specific areas instantly - no menu navigation when seconds count. Each button triggers zones or actions as configured. Fits standard US 2-gang boxes for wall mounting or sits on a desk stand. PoE-powered, AES256 encryption available, and connects to Simpleway CX out of the box. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
Zone Controls for Any Area
Put Controls Where the People Are
Not every announcement needs to go through the front office. Teachers managing classroom volume, custodial staff in utility areas, and coaches running practice all have different needs at different times. Wall-mounted panels with physical buttons and rotary controls give the right people direct access to their zone without requiring software training or network access.
controlnode
Modular wall control panel
controlnode
The controlnode is a modular wall control system that puts room management at staff fingertips. Mix and match control units: 3-button panels for zone selection and presets, rotary encoders with LED indicators for volume. Daisy-chain up to three control units from a single PoE Ethernet cable. Fully programmable: adjust audio levels, switch display content, manage lighting, and send control signals to third-party systems (lighting controllers, relays, AV switchers) to trigger actions across your space. Fits standard US gang boxes and Decora faceplates for clean installation.
Connecting to Your Existing PA System
Works With the Infrastructure Already in the Building
Most schools aren't starting from scratch. There's already a PA system in the building, speakers in the ceilings, and amplifiers in the closet. Education CX integration devices connect directly to that existing infrastructure, adding scheduled announcements, text-to-speech, and emergency scenario triggers without pulling cable or replacing hardware that still works.
ionode4
Audio integration device
ionode4
The ionode4 bridges existing PA infrastructure to modern network audio and cloud systems. Four balanced inputs and outputs connect to your current amplifiers and audio sources. The device converts between analog and AES67 network audio, adds encryption to prevent eavesdropping, and enables cloud connectivity to Simpleway CX. Built-in DSP processing and neural engine add capabilities like ambient noise compensation and speech-to-text without replacing existing equipment. Relay I/O integrates with building systems. Wire two units in parallel for high availability. Compact 1U half-rack, PoE-powered. Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA compatible.
Integrate With Confidence Beyond CX
Platform Integration
nnounce Ecosystem Power
All nnounce devices integrate with Q-SYS through officially Q-SYS Library Verified plugins. For airports already running Q-SYS, nnounce paging stations, amplifiers, and controllers appear as native components in Q-SYS Designer alongside Education CX. Your team configures, monitors, and controls the full audio infrastructure from a single environment. Plugins are available directly from Q-SYS Library.
For airports running Bosch PRAESENSA, nnounce devices integrate fully into the existing system. Combine PRAESENSA's audio management capabilities with Education CX features without replacing your current infrastructure.
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Q-SYS Integration
Easy configuration through approved plugins
Q-SYS Integration
All nnounce devices integrate via approved Q-SYS plugins available in the Q-SYS Library and nnounce Download Center. Configure any nnounce device within the Q-SYS ecosystem - micnode2 stations can use Q-SYS UCIs or simple paging setup with built-in dashboard.
Bosch PRAESENSA Compatibility
Protected communication across all channels
controlnode Display Integration
Full compatibility with Bosch PRAESENSA systems for comprehensive airport audio management.
Explore Our Digital Signage Devices
Display Controllers
Content That Keeps Up With the School Day
A school day moves fast. Bell schedules change, buses run late, lunch menus get updated, and emergencies happen without warning. Display controllers keep every screen on campus current without manual updates, pulling from schedules and live data feeds so hallway displays, classroom screens, and cafeteria boards all reflect what's actually happening. When an emergency scenario triggers, every display switches immediately.
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DDC Gen4
4K display controller
DDC Gen4
The DDC Gen4 drives up to three displays from a single compact unit. AMD Ryzen processor with 8GB RAM handles dynamic FIDS content, video, and rich media around the clock. Three video outputs (2× HDMI 2.0, 1× DisplayPort 1.4) deliver 4K resolution to any commercial display. Fanless aluminum construction means zero noise and no dust ingestion—critical for public spaces and equipment rooms. Dual Ethernet ports enable network redundancy. Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro with Simpleway CX ready to deploy. Built for 24/7 operation in demanding environments.
Multi-Modal Control
Audio and Screens Respond Together
During a lockdown or severe weather alert, the PA announcement and the on-screen message need to go out at the same time. These stations connect both systems so administrators aren't making two separate actions under pressure. The same interface that handles routine daily operations handles the full emergency response, with no mode-switching or system-juggling required.
micnode2h
The micnode2h combines an 8-inch WUXGA touchscreen with a handheld microphone on an extendable cable - preferred for shared workstations, standing announcements, or when operators move between positions. The touchscreen runs your choice of interface: Simpleway CX applications, custom HTML5 tools, or Q-SYS UCI controls. Built-in neural processing handles text-to-speech and speech-to-text for visual paging. AES256 encryption, 2.5 ms end–to–end latency in AES67 mode, PoE-powered. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
micnode2g
The micnode2g pairs an 8-inch WUXGA touchscreen with an elegant gooseneck microphone - ideal for desk placement, operations centers, and fixed positions where the mic stays in place. The touchscreen runs your choice of interface: Simpleway CX applications, custom HTML5 tools, or Q-SYS UCI controls. Built-in neural processing handles text-to-speech and speech-to-text for visual paging. AES256 encryption, 2.5 ms end–to–end latency in AES67 mode, PoE-powered. Compatible with Q-SYS and Bosch PRAESENSA.
controlnode
Modular wall control panel
controlnode
The controlnode is a modular wall control system that puts room management at staff fingertips. Mix and match control units: 3-button panels for zone selection and presets, rotary encoders with LED indicators for volume. Daisy-chain up to three control units from a single PoE Ethernet cable. Fully programmable: adjust audio levels, switch display content, manage lighting, and send control signals to third-party systems (lighting controllers, relays, AV switchers) to trigger actions across your space. Fits standard US gang boxes and Decora faceplates for clean installation.
Why Schools Choose Education CX Announcement System
Education CX handles the full range of campus audio communication, from automated bell schedules to live emergency broadcasts, in one integrated system.
Automated Communication
Bell schedules, bus arrivals, and morning announcements run without staff involvement.
Zone-Specific Targeting
Messages reach the right areas without interrupting the rest of the building.
Audio and Visual Together
Announcements display simultaneously on campus screens, meeting ADA accessibility requirements.
Simple for Any Staff Member
Live broadcasts and scheduled messages require no technical training to operate.
Synchronized Audio & Visual
Let's Discuss Your Requirements!
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Frequently Asked Question
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
nnounce devices are built alongside Education CX, which means the integration is native rather than configured around third-party equipment. Features like direct PA control from a touchscreen, simultaneous display and audio updates from a single paging station, and automatic failover during emergencies work without complex setup because the hardware and software are designed as one system.
Not necessarily. Education CX connects to existing PA infrastructure through several paths. For example, the ionode4 integration device adds scheduled announcements, text-to-speech, and emergency scenario triggers directly to your current setup. Schools running Q-SYS can integrate through approved plugins. For systems built on Bosch, Biamp, Honeywell, TOA, or other established PA platforms, integration options are available depending on your specific setup. Contact us to discuss the best path for your building.
There is no universal answer. Zone requirements, building construction, outdoor coverage areas, emergency response needs, and existing infrastructure all affect what is appropriate. We provide an audio network design guide to give you a starting framework, but every campus deployment is evaluated individually. Contact us to have a conversation about your specific facility.