The ability to communicate the message and vision to our attenders and children is one of our highest priorities. Microphones help us accomplish this by amplifying the communicator's voice so they can be heard clearly throughout the room. Microphones are also our most commonly broken piece of equipment, and they are not cheap. It is very important that we care for our microphones!.
You will find 2 types of microphones in the Loop and Konnect: handheld wireless microphones, and headsets (headset + wireless belt-pack). This article will discuss the different mic choices and their components.
Handheld microphones, or "Handhelds" are the most common wireless mic on our campuses. There are a few components to be aware of.
The Antenna:
The antenna is the most fragile component of the handheld microphone. We replace countless handhelds because the antenna has not properly been cared for. Here are some actions to avoid when handling or storing the handheld:
- Never hold or handle the microphone by the antenna.
- Never store the microphone in a way that will put pressure on the antenna
- If the antenna feels loose or wobbly, submit a ticket to Central Tech for repair or maintenance.
The Capsule:
The capsule is the component of the microphone that the communicator speaks into. It is more durable than the antenna, but can still have issues. These issues generally occur after the microphone has been dropped and landed on the capsule. The capsule's grill may be dented or the connection between the handle and capsule may be compromised.
There are microphone clips installed on the walls in the tech booths. Please store the handheld microphones in these mic clips. The most common issue we see is the handheld laid on the counter, where it eventually rolls of the counter and hits the floor. Storing the handheld in the provided mic clip will prevent many of these issues.
Headset microphones are great for communicators who need use of their hands. We see headsets used more in Konnect than Loop, as Konnect is typically more active and hands on for the leaders.
The Headset:
The headset has a capsule attached to a flexible microphone boom, a windscreen, two ear rests, and a cable that connects to the belt-pack transmitter. There are two major things to be aware of when handling the headset:
- The windscreen is the fuzzy cover that goes over the microphone capsule. This prevents loud plosive noises like breaths and hard consonances (T, P, B, S, etc.). Please do not remove the windscreen from the microphone.
2. The cable is another fragile piece. It is important to check that there are no knots in the cable and ensure the connector is in good shape and handled with care.
The Belt-pack Transmitter:
The belt-pack transmitter has an antenna, power button, mute switch, and a belt clip. Here are a few things to be cautious of when handling:
- Do not let the antenna bend.
- Do not sit on the belt-pack unit.
- Do not carry the pack by the antenna or headset cable.
- Do not take the belt-pack in the bathroom with you.
- Disconnect the headset when not in use.
Hopefully this article helps provide guidance on how to properly maintain and care for the microphones in LifeKids. If you notice any of the above issues with a microphone, please submit help desk ticket to the Central Tech team.