This proposal covers the development of audio processing technology that enables improved communications capability among first responders. The goal is to improve the SNR of the audio signal that is input to the radio or other communication system when the user is in a noisy environment. The technologies to be investigated include the use of multiple microphones for acoustic beam-steering, new techniques for Voice Activity Detection (VAD), and an improved residual noise suppressor. The result will be to reduce the subjective effect of acoustic background noise in the audio signal being input to the communication system and thus increase communicability among first responders. The technology solution will also address the VOX problem that exists in high noise environments based on the new VAD techniques to be developed. The technology solution will be modest in size and cost. The proposed solution should allow integration into existing radio communication systems in a straightforward way
