Conference room acoustics - What's not okay?

[Kerry F]

Just wondered if anyone has noticed that conference rooms seem to be noisier these days?

Seems like I hear a lot of lobby noise in the depo room, or the rooms next door and then add a loud fan....and a soft spoken witness.  Seems like it's getting more frequent to me, even in the nicest law firms.  

[Mary Ann Payonk]

It can be bad.  But I take a small mixer with me to all deps, and when no videographer, use that instead.  Used to use the Radio Shack standard but prefer my mixer.

M.A.

[Kerry F]

Mary Ann,

Tell me about mixers?  I've heard of them but not sure how they would help with background noise.

At least it won't help my naked ears when I have to hear to read back, would it?

[Bill Parsons]

Hi Kerry,

 

Check out http://www.courtreportersmuseum.info/amplifier.htm for info on Radio Shack amplifier.

 

Mary Ann, I too am interested in info on the mixers.

 

Bill

[Kerry F]

I've got really good audio between my laptop recorder and the mic I use.  But how does a mixer help me at the depo live to hear better?  And I have great hearing, too.

[Judy]

I just ordered a mixer last night.  I'm having gawd awful problems with my audio on my main computer.  I've tried all kinds of USB thingies, all of them were junk (but very expensive!) as far as I was concerned.  The only thing I've had luck with on my Sony was a line-in mic, which the cord must be getting frayed because it was cutting in and out.  (and MA, I did purchase another that looked just like it at RadioShack and it was a piece of junk.  I returned it)  I was telling my husband (who fancies himself as a musician) and he said, "You need a mixer."  I searched a while, and with his input and mine (I preferred not having to use adapters for my mics), I purchased this AZDEN CAM-3 On-Camcorder Mini Audio Mixer.  I'll let you know how it goes once I get it.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  My audio is so hit-and-miss now-a-days that I purchased a tiny Olympus recorder that I set next to my computer that has better sound than my computer does.  I've used it over my regular audio I think three times in the last month.    

[Kerry F]

Judy,

What kind of laptop are you using?  Doesn't sound to me like it's a problem with your mics

[Judy]

I have a Sony VGN-SR240.  I do think it's my computer, which is why I've purchased the USB sound adapters (I have a black one, blue one, green one, one I purchased directly from Andrea (that I put back in the box after I tried it but can't return it b/c a "no return" policy). 

Yesterday I went back to my "tie-clip electret condenser microphone" that goes directly to my line-in jack, and it sounds like we're in a soda can. 

My next depo is Friday and I'm going to purchase all needed components so I can have the videographer give my computer a direct feed from his unit.  (Fun stuff, going into RadioShack.  I think I'd rather go to the dentist.  I hate the way they constantly push batteries, cell phones, etc., etc., and then want your name, address, phone number... enough already!)

[Judy]

Update.  That mixer is a dud.  Do not buy it.

But what I also purchased was a Sony PC Mic ECM-PC60.  That thing is wonderful.  I might not even need the mixer now.  Plugs into my line-in jack (not a USB mic) and NO battery.  Small little thing with a tie clip that I clip to the back of my laptop screen. 

[Mary Ann Payonk]

The mixer I take every day looks to be about the same size as Judy's, but I can't tell.  It's all packed up in the car, but I'll try to remember to post the info tomorrow.  Here's the thing.  You can get a mixer wherever, but it's the mics that make the difference.  I use boundary mics, and yes, they're at GuitarWorks or some music store.  I also have a large mixer that I use for arbitrations, because the rooms usually suck sound-wise.  That mixer is g-r-e-a-t, because I can control bass, treble, this-n-that - it's awesome.  The smaller one I carry around is fabulous, because of the mics.

M.A.

[Judy]

The unit I purchased is 3 ounces. 

I have a union as a client.  I do their arbitrations.  We always have them in a VERY large room at the Hotel del Coronado.  We've got our couple tables set up in the middle of this gigantic room.  Nasty, nasty acoustics.  

My husband gave me a larger mixer last year.  The thing's so big (about the size of my Mira) that I refuse to bring it to depos.  I really should consider bringing it to those arbs though. 

[Kerry F]

Just wondered when we get to say "uncle" to change depo rooms.  Had someone drilling and hammering on the roof above us.  I was on the 30th (top) floor of a building downtown.  Could hardly hear over it.  Taking attorney says, "I hope this doesn't last too long, it could get annoying."  Hah!  It lasted all morning.  There were ten other empty conference rooms on this floor?  Couldn't we have moved?