Hey,
I'm researching some possible audio options. We have a group which holds monthly meetings in an irregular room. The meeting has seven to eight people participating in a semi-informal meeting -- anyone can talk at once. We record the meeting via a simple MP3 recorder.
About 20-30 other people attend as observers only. They don't speak. Unfortunately, a number of them do not hear well.
For formal meetings we setup a pair of speakers and have two wireless mics. However, this really slows meetings down to have to pass the mic around and only speak one at a time.
We are looking for some type of alternative for the informal meetings. I'm looking of any advice.
1. Conference Mics. I've looked at conference type microphones which could be put around the table, but these aren't designed for re-broadcasting sound into the same room. I'm concerned these would just lead to feed back?
2. Multiple stand-mics. This would be some type of individual mics -- one per speaker setup around the table. I know stand mics should be less susceptible to background sound, but would this work?
3. Wearable mics. Such as those used in theatre performances. However, prices on these seem expensive and I'm not sure how disconcerting it would be if the speakers were outputting sound within 10' of you or if this would work? Cost also seems to climb with such systems.
4. Individual headsets. I.e. just give them to those with hearing problems. However, I haven't really seen any system which broadcasts to multiple headset systems?
5. Directional hearing systems. Headphones with directional mics which those with hearing issues could simply point towards the speakers.
Does anyone have any experience with such situations? Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Brett
I'm researching some possible audio options. We have a group which holds monthly meetings in an irregular room. The meeting has seven to eight people participating in a semi-informal meeting -- anyone can talk at once. We record the meeting via a simple MP3 recorder.
About 20-30 other people attend as observers only. They don't speak. Unfortunately, a number of them do not hear well.
For formal meetings we setup a pair of speakers and have two wireless mics. However, this really slows meetings down to have to pass the mic around and only speak one at a time.
We are looking for some type of alternative for the informal meetings. I'm looking of any advice.
1. Conference Mics. I've looked at conference type microphones which could be put around the table, but these aren't designed for re-broadcasting sound into the same room. I'm concerned these would just lead to feed back?
2. Multiple stand-mics. This would be some type of individual mics -- one per speaker setup around the table. I know stand mics should be less susceptible to background sound, but would this work?
3. Wearable mics. Such as those used in theatre performances. However, prices on these seem expensive and I'm not sure how disconcerting it would be if the speakers were outputting sound within 10' of you or if this would work? Cost also seems to climb with such systems.
4. Individual headsets. I.e. just give them to those with hearing problems. However, I haven't really seen any system which broadcasts to multiple headset systems?
5. Directional hearing systems. Headphones with directional mics which those with hearing issues could simply point towards the speakers.
Does anyone have any experience with such situations? Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Brett
1. Expensive. Output from "Receiver" or "Control Unit" of the conference system can feed PA amplifier and loudspeakers. Feedback can be controlled by "feedback destroyers" such as Behringer Sharc DSP110.
2. Cost-effective, but needs 8-channel mixer and a operator. It will work well, especially with feedback destroyer unit.
3. Similar to 1.
4. Expensive. Look for "Tour Guide System", like
Sennheiser - Headphones & Headsets - Microphones - Integrated Systems
5. No!
2. Cost-effective, but needs 8-channel mixer and a operator. It will work well, especially with feedback destroyer unit.
3. Similar to 1.
4. Expensive. Look for "Tour Guide System", like
Sennheiser - Headphones & Headsets - Microphones - Integrated Systems
5. No!
Automated mixer (that turns on only the mic receiving the maximum level) and inductive loop system feeding everyone with hearing aids, no loudspeakers? 🙂
Loop system can work very well. We did one in our Church a few months ago. Feeds from mixed system. Not cheap.
If your hard of hearing guys are wearing hearing aids, set up an induction loop.
Place an omnidirectional mic on the conference table and use a 30Watt amplifier to produce the inductance.
Run a length of Twin and Earth household 1mm wiring cable around the room and wire red to amp output +ve, other end of red to black at start point, other end of black to earth and other end of earth to amp -ve. There you are an induction loop for everyone sat within the loop.
Probably no where near the correct impedance but most amps have a 4R tap and at low volume, should be OK.
You can now build upon the system to perfect it.
Place an omnidirectional mic on the conference table and use a 30Watt amplifier to produce the inductance.
Run a length of Twin and Earth household 1mm wiring cable around the room and wire red to amp output +ve, other end of red to black at start point, other end of black to earth and other end of earth to amp -ve. There you are an induction loop for everyone sat within the loop.
Probably no where near the correct impedance but most amps have a 4R tap and at low volume, should be OK.
You can now build upon the system to perfect it.
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