Conference Mics

[TonyMitchell]

We have a job coming up where the client has specifically requested 20 microphones, to be placed around a conference table for 40 delegates (one mic shared between 2 delagates).

 

Our brief is to amplify and record the event. To avoid the problems commonly associated with multiple open microphones, I'm considering using PA Paging microphones with a "press to talk" button.

 

For example:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/level5/module.j...=cpc/517241.xml

 

This particular mic is wired XLR which will be ideal for running via a multicore, most mics in this category are jack or din, which is less than ideal.

 

Any tips, comments & suggestions invited, plus alternative microphone suggestions would be good.

 

Cheers guys & girls,

 

Tony

[pisquee]

I'd be wary of using a mic like this that wasn't designed for live sound reinforcement, certainly without lots of testing first to see how its pickup pattern is, how it is feedback wise, what it sounds like for live and recording quality etc etc

 

Is the conference just the 40 delegates around the table that need the mics to hear each other - or is this a top table on stage with 100s of delegates in the auditorium needing to hear?

 

IF a staged event, then is there a running order script for the sound operator to know which mic needs to be on when?

[TonyMitchell]

Is the conference just the 40 delegates around the table that need the mics to hear each other - or is this a top table on stage with 100s of delegates in the auditorium needing to hear?

 

Just the 40 delegates in one meeting room, no audience.

The main objective is to provide a recording for the client's later transcript purposes, rather than a broadcast or mastering quality mix - therefore a few pops & clicks or variances in level won't be a showstopper.

 

IF a staged event, then is there a running order script for the sound operator to know which mic needs to be on when?

Unfortunately not, I believe it's primarily going to be Q&A. Where we've done this before, with larger delegate numbers, roving UHF mics work perfectly, however this client does not want roving mics and has specified one mic to be placed between every two delegates.

 

At first I thought about using 58s in 4 groups x 5 mics per group and insertng a DS201 on each group, however straight away there would be at least 5 open mics, which would increase to 10 if a delegate from say group "2" talked over someone in group "1"

[david.elsbury]

You'd be better to use mics with no switches, and gate/downward-expander them (downward expander is more of a "soft off" than the hard cut off of a gate) to make sure that there are as few mics open as possible. If possible gate per pair of mics or indivdually.

 

It would not be my suggestion to use mics where the delegates have sole control if it is on or not. I can guarantee that at least once one of the mics will be forgotton to be turned on... if this is being amplified then they may realise, if it's being recorded only where the delagate won't know then it's unlikely you'll be able to fix the mistake.

 

Let us know what you end up doing :huh:

David

[revbobuk]

If it's round a conference table, and for recording rather than sound reinforcement, I'd be inclined to use PZM/Boundary layer mics - very discreet.

[pisquee]

If the event is just 40 people around a table - I don't see why any amplification would be necessary, which if you can get the client to agree, will save cost, set-up, and turn the tech side of things into just a mics/recording gig.

[bruce]

Something like the Shure SCM810 would do the job. It's a 8 channel mixer, daisy-chainable to 400+channels, which detects which mic is "live" and mutes/dips the others.

 

We've been here before - have a search for Shure SCM810 or Shure AMS

[TomM]

I would specify a system similar to this: http://www.simultaneousinterpretation.com/dcn.html

 

PM me and depending on your location I may be able to arrange a hire for you (or recomend a local supplier).

 

Tom

 

PS - This is neither a recomendation or suggestion for Simultaneous Interpretation, I have never dealt with them, they were just top hit on Google!

[dan slv-tech]

Hi

 

can I suggest the JTS conference system- have worked with it and sounds like what you want at a fraction of the cost-

can have a deligate mic, a chairman mic what ever you want. and you can set certain mics to chop in front of others, or to stay on for a period of time.

you can have the whole system connected to a speaker system also, as well as interfacing a telephone hybrid unit.

Fairly simple, runs on 7 pin din between each station and master station.

JTS is distributed by Proel UK (0208 761 9911) or contact a dealer.

 

 

 

Dan

[Stan Hope-Streeter]

We have a job coming up where the client has specifically requested 20 microphones, to be placed around a conference table for 40 delegates (one mic shared between 2 delagates)

 

Sounds like they are expecting a typical Philips / Bosch / Brahler type of system. We have hired these in from AT Sound in South London in the past, with no complaints. I'm sure there are plenty of other suppliers who also supply this kit, but they won't be the usual PA hire companies as it is a specialized market.

 

Each box has a mic, PTT button, and speaker. They all daisy chain together and the master station has outputs for recording etc. Make sure you get a user guide with it, and spend half an hour familiarizing yourself with how it works and setting the levels.

[stu00c]

Tony,

 

I would agree with TomM and Stan that you should be looking at using a conference mic system made for the job.

 

The most up to date systems connect via Cat 5/6 and configuration with the exception of setting global levels is automatic, so set up time will be pretty darn fast. These specialist systems handle all the mic mixing, cueing etc so usually no real need for a tech to run the system. Although it will cost you money to hire in a system instead of trying to make do with what you have at the moment, the job will be simpler and look more professional.

 

As Stan says, most of the suppliers of this kit are specialists in the area, although one of our rental partners who keeps DIS DCS6000 in their inventory is Autograph Sound Recording whom I would consider to be a proper sound company.

 

Details of companies that you can rent our DIS products from can be found here... DIS Rental Partners.

 

Stu

[rgye]

We do this a lot, and have permanently installed systems including Beyer Dynamic, Brahler and Bosch. For hire I suggest you try Eurosis.com, Brahler-ics.co.uk or Abercrombie (ais-ltd.net)

[TonyMitchell]

Some post-event feedback...

 

The JTS system was a strong contender which we seriously considered, the only thing against it was the 7 pin din link cables to daisy chain the delegate units are only available in 1m lengths, which doesn't work with one mic shared between 2 delegates, so would have meant using 40 delegate units.

 

In the end, (after some experimentation & testing in the office) we went with SM58s and Beta58s on desktop stands, three groups of three and the remainder on individual channels of DS201 or 1066, giving a maximum of 3 open mics at any one time. All worked to plan, 2 x Q7s about 7 metres away from the meeting tables (1 per side), no acoustic feedback whatsoever and a good quality recording.

 

As always, thanks to all concerned for the help & suggestions.

 

best,

Tony

[dan slv-tech]

The JTS systems do have extension cables available- but never mind

 

dan