Audio Equipment for Large Rooms

[Janet]

 

A while back Janiece posted a discussion regarding a Martel recorder and microphone system.  It was the first time I had seen microphones that can be daisy chained to each other.  I ended up buying the microphones on eBay for $47 each.  They are well worth the price for large rooms.  I have been on an arbitration all week where they have me set up away from the arbitrators and the questioners, and I used these mics daisy chained down to where they were.  The audio on my computer sounds like they were right next to me.

 

VEC CM-1000 Omni-Directional Stereo Conference Microphone 3.5mm CM1000
Excellent audio clarity.
Full 360 degree omni-directional
Built-in echo cancellation and noise reduction
Mac and PC compatible.
Also great for portable recording devices.
Conference Microphone combines a sleek low profile with daisy chain capability and 360 degree pickup for exceptional sound quality and maximum coverage. Ideal for all PC, Desktop, and Handheld recording applications, Including Meetings, Interviews, Lectures and Public Hearings. Features * Excellent audio clarity. * Full 360 degree omni-directional. * Built-in echo cancellation and noise reduction. * Daisy Chaining capability. * Includes 5 ft. cord and 3.5mm stereo plug. * No external power required. * PC compatible. * Also great for portable recording devices.

The next problem I had was hearing the witnesses, even though they were closest to me.  For that, I ended up using my Radio Shack Amplified Listener.  This costs $39.99.

 

I used it with an extension cable and headphones.   I was actually able to hear people at the other end of the room through the headphones with the amplifier.  If you work in large conference rooms or court/arbitration, these items are well worth the investment. 

 

Here's the extension cable from Radio Shack.  You plug the male end into the Amplified Listener and plug your headphones into the female end.

 

 

20-Ft. Stereo Headphone Cable, 1/8" Jack to 1/8" Plug

Model:

42-2562

 | Catalog #: 42-2562

$12.99

 

[Judy]

That's pretty cool, Janet.  I love finding tools to make our jobs easier.

[Marge Teilhaber (TILE hobber)]

Great post, Janet!   So you plug the second mic into the first mic.  What if  the second mic is a different brand, say, the mini mic from SG?  How would that work?  And this mic requires no battery, huh?  Very interesting!   

 

So let's say you're using two daisy-chained mics, each in a different part of the table.   Rustling of papers near or on mic 2 will ruin the audio that's being captured on mic 1?  

 

Thanks for taking the time to post and explain.  VERY USEFUL!!

Marge

[Janet]

 

I don't know how it would work with a different brand of microphone.  I could try it with one of my Labtecs, and I'll let you know what happens.  I bought several of these mics to use daisy chained.  Each one of these mics has a wire out to your computer (or another mic) and a microphone in jack for another mic to be plugged in.  I placed them at the edge of the tables away from the people and didn't pick up paper shuffling.  I had the mic furthest away from me near the questioner and it picked up the arbitrators (5 to 6 feet away) and opposing counsel (10 to 15 feet away). 

 

I wouldn't use them daisy chained for a regular deposition.  It's not necessary.  When you add more parties, though, and larger rooms, it makes all the difference in capturing all speakers.

 

The Amplified Listener did, unfortunately, pick up paper shuffling since it really boosts the sound.  But I couldn't hear the witness without it.  He was an actuary/expert witness.  I would have been out of my mind without the volume boost.

[Bill Parsons]

Thank you, Janet,  for listing the Radio Shack amplifier information in the best manner it has ever been presented anywhere with pictures of the parts of the amplification system parts.

Here's an additional tip on using the Radio Shack amplifiers. 

I have used up to 3 Radio shack amplifiers when working in auditoriums.  I would run one amplifier to the speaker on stage.  I would run another amplifier to the podium for audience speakers.  I would run another amplifier to the table where the panel was sitting.

I use a headsets with the Radio Shack amplification systems. 

I can tell you it is hectic and frantic ripping off headsets for the 3 Radio Shack amplifiers in the different parts of the room.  I try to color code the headsets with colored exhibit labels and placing colored exhibit labels at the audience podium the speaker podium on the stage and the panel table.

What would really be fantastic is to have the extension cables in different colors so I could see where the cables are going, but that's impossible unless I were to cover them with different colored tapes for their entire length.

However, with all the frantic hectic switching of headsets, it sure as hell beats not being able to hear the speakers clearly.

Also a word of caution on using multiple Radio Shack amplifiers.  If you have the wrong headset on, you have big, big troubles because you will hearing only the voices near the particular amplifier you are connected to. 

Even when using only one Radio Shack amplifier, your hearing is limited to hearing to one specific spot in the room where the amplifier is located.  So if people away from the amplifier start speaking, sometimes you have to rip off the headset so you can hear the those people who are not near to and away from the amplifier. 

Thanks for sharing this tremendously important information about the Radio Shack amplifier because even if you are the best reporter, if you can't hear, you have trouble.

It is an awful shame so many reporters do not use these Radio Shack amplifiers because they make the jobs so much easier.  I won't work without the Radio Shack amplifiers whether it's a deposition, an arbitration or a public hearing.

One thing about me is that I have a lot of TIC, time in court, and I've picked up a few tricks that have enabled me to take what would otherwise be unreportable jobs without the few special tricks.

Bill

 

 

 

 

[Janet]

 

Thanks, Bill, for sharing that information.  :) 

 

I have used the Amplified Listener for sidebars also.  I'd place it at the corner of the Judge's bench and use the extension cable over to where I sit.  It picked up the sound better than I could over at sidebar listening without amplification.  I hate sidebars, anyway.  They tend to whisper so that the jury won't hear, but I can't hear them three inches from them!  The Judge I worked for would play Jazz music during every sidebar so that the jury wouldn't hear.  That just added to the stress.

 

I'm also not the most graceful person out there.  I worked on a trial where they had a huge piece of equipment that made semiconductor wafers placed right near sidebar.  I cannot tell you how many times I crashed into the thing, which made a big, loud echo throughout the courtroom. 

 

The other sidebar issue is that more than half of the time attorneys would resume questioning while I was still walking -- running back to my seat.  The Amplified Listener took care of that issue, too. 

[Lisa Moskowitz]

I would love to know how the Labtec sounds daisy chained into this.  I just bought one of these today after reading your post.  I have a couple Labtecs already.  If they sound good, I won't buy a second one.   Thanks for this post!

[Janiece Young]

I agree with Janet.  If you are in a large room these are great.  I have not used them in a deposition yet but I have tested them at home.  They really have great recording quality.