Introduction to the TOA RM-200MS and its key features
TheTOA RM-200MS Remote Paging Microphoneis a purpose-built desktop/remote microphone station designed to work with TOA VM-2000 and VM-3000 management amplifiers. It brings reliable, high‑quality paging and announcement capabilities to commercial, educational, healthcare and industrial environments where clear voice communication is essential. Key features include multiple assignable paging keys (commonly 11), a unidirectional electret condenser microphone with local volume control, a built-in compression circuit to reduce distortion, and a Cat5 STP (RJ45) connection for neat, easy cabling. The unit operates from 24 V DC (operating range 14–28 V) and provides a 600 Ω balanced audio output for robust system integration.
- Assignable paging keys:Typically 11 keys (10 freely assignable plus common keys in many variants) let an operator call zones, groups, or issue all-call announcements quickly.
- Built-in compression:The compression circuit helps keep announcements intelligible at high levels without introducing distortion, which is especially important in noisy or reverberant spaces.
- Balanced 600 Ω output:A professional-level audio interface that reduces noise over long cable runs and integrates easily with management amplifiers.
- Simple cabling:Uses Cat5 STP (RJ45) for audio and control to VM series units; a 3 m link cable is included for immediate installation.
This product record lists a cost price of 287.45 (currency not specified) and a suggested retail price of 365.00 in the same currency units. Confirm the currency for final RRP and any required conversions, and verify the exact RM-200M variant you are purchasing since features and accessories vary by model and region.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The RM-200MS packs a set of technical specifications tailored to professional paging applications. Below are the principal specs with the benefits each delivers to installers and end users.
- Power supply:24 V DC (operating 14–28 V) — flexible tolerance simplifies power provisioning from compatible management amplifiers and local supplies.
- Current consumption:≤ 100 mA — low current draw helps when deploying multiple units on a single power bus.
- Audio output:0 dB (1 V), 600 Ω, balanced — professional line-level interface for long cable runs with low noise.
- Distortion:≤ 1% — ensures voice clarity even at higher output levels; critical for intelligible paging and emergency announcements.
- Frequency response:100 Hz–20 kHz — broad response captures the necessary midrange for speech clarity while retaining top-end detail.
- Signal-to-noise ratio:≥ 60 dB — quiet background and clear announcements across systems.
- Microphone type:Unidirectional electret condenser — focused pickup minimizes ambient noise pickup and improves speech intelligibility.
- Function keys:Commonly 11 keys (10 freely assignable) — flexible routing and rapid selection of zones/groups.
- Connection:Cat5 STP (RJ45), with 3 m link cable included — standardized wiring reduces installation complexity.
- Finish & dimensions:ABS resin case in bluish grey, 190 × 76.5 × 215 mm (gooseneck excluded), approximately 0.75 kg — compact and durable desktop footprint.
- Reliable, low-noise audio:Balanced 600 Ω output and solid SNR make the RM-200MS a dependable choice where long runs or electrically noisy environments are present.
- Speech clarity:Built-in compression and a unidirectional condenser capsule help preserve intelligibility, especially for short, critical messages like safety instructions or emergency directives.
- Flexibility:Assignable keys let administrators tailor paging zones to building layouts and operational needs without hardware changes.
- Installer-friendly:Cat5 cabling and included link cable streamline installation and reduce custom wiring tasks.
- Scalability:Support for multiple RM units per management amplifier (system dependent) enables gradual expansion of paging infrastructure.
Use cases and scenarios where the RM-200MS excels
The RM-200MS is well-suited to environments that need clear, dependable voice communication and zoned control. Typical deployments include:
- Store and shopping centre PA systems where staff need to call specific areas or announce promotions without broadcasting to the whole complex.
- Schools and universities use desk mics for administrative announcements, class changes, and targeted messaging to buildings or wings.
- Hospitals and clinics require high intelligibility for paging medical staff to precise zones while avoiding disturbance to other areas.
- Production floors and warehouses benefit from the RM-200MS’s directional mic and compression for audible messaging in noisy spaces, and the robust cabling suits longer runs.
- When used with compatible VM-series amplifiers, the microphone can be part of emergency broadcast workflows (note that emergency key/features vary by variant).
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the RM-200MS, it helps to compare it across three axes: dedicated paging console features, integration and cabling, and audio performance.
- TOA offers several RM-200M family variants (for example, units with emergency/talk keys or with different accessory bundles). The RM-200MS focuses on a balance of keys and essential features without additional bundled power supplies — ensure you pick the variant that matches your system requirements.
- Many budget desktop paging mics provide basic all-call functionality but lack built-in compression, balanced outputs, or professional cabling. The RM-200MS’s compression and 600 Ω balanced output typically yield clearer, more reliable speech, especially in larger or more acoustically challenging spaces.
- IP paging systems offer flexible routing and software-driven features, but they require network infrastructure and IT integration. The RM-200MS, paired with VM management amplifiers, provides a simpler, lower-latency, and audio‑centric solution that can be more resilient in environments where a dedicated audio system is preferred.
Customer feedback and installer notes
Publicly available and anonymized user feedback for this class of TOA paging microphones highlights a few consistent themes:
- Clarity and intelligibility:Installers and end users commonly praise the unit for clear announcements and minimal distortion, particularly when compression is active.
- Durability and fit:The compact ABS housing and professional finish suit everyday use in front-desk or control-room settings.
- Ease of use:Assignable keys and local volume control streamline routine operations; technicians appreciate the Cat5 link simplifying wiring runs.
- Variant confusion:Several buyers note the need to verify the exact RM-200M variant (RM-200MS vs RM-200MPS / RM-200MAL, etc.) because emergency key functionality and included accessories differ by model and region.
Note: Specific customer quotes are not included here to avoid misrepresenting individual testimonials; the above points summarize common themes reported by installers and system integrators working with TOA paging hardware.
- Confirm the VM-series management amplifier firmware and hardware compatibility before purchase.
- Verify the RM-200M variant to ensure required emergency or talk keys are present if your application needs them.
- Use shielded Cat5 STP cable as specified for best noise immunity, and keep cable runs within recommended limits stated in the VM-series documentation.
- Account for power provisioning and the number of RM units per amplifier (system-dependent limits apply).
Conclusion: Why the RM-200MS is a strong choice
TheTOA RM-200MS Remote Paging Microphoneis an effective, professionally specified desktop paging solution for environments that require clear, zone-based announcements. Its combination of assignable keys, built-in compression, balanced 600 Ω output, and Cat5 connectivity makes it a solid choice for installers who want dependable speech intelligibility, simple cabling and integration with TOA VM-2000/VM-3000 management amplifiers. While IP-based and other branded paging systems have their place, the RM-200MS excels where a direct, audio-focused approach with proven hardware is preferred.
Before purchasing, confirm the exact variant and regional markings (CE / UKCA where relevant), check accessory inclusion, and validate warranty and supplier terms. With those checks completed, the RM-200MS can deliver reliable, intelligible paging across a wide range of commercial, educational, healthcare and industrial settings.
