Using Microphones

>Meetinghouse Technology > Audio Video Distribution

Audio is one of the most fundamental elements of any meeting. In order to help everyone in attendance understand what is happening, it is often necessary to amplify the voice of the speaker—be it a teacher sharing a lesson, a priesthood holder performing an ordinance, or a member bearing testimony.

Built-in microphones and portable microphones are available in most meetinghouses. This article will teach you how to ensure that microphones function as needed. While most audio systems use the same standard inputs and outputs, each meetinghouse will use different brands of equipment. Adjustments to these instructions may be required.

STEP 1: ADJUSTING THE PULPIT MICROPHONE SETTINGS TO BEST SUIT THE SPEAKER

1. Turn on the sound system by pressing the on/off button on the control panel.
2. Adjust pulpit height according to the height of the speaker.
   • The microphone should be positioned just below the speaker’s chin and within four to six inches of his or her mouth.
   • No objects that could jam the lifting mechanism should be placed under the moving portion of the pulpit.
   • The edge of the pulpit should be set at elbow height of the speaker.
3. Adjust volume as necessary.

Note: Children should be taught to not blow into the microphone or otherwise abuse it. To discourage theft and abuse, microphones should be removed from the pulpit and secured in the library after each use.

STEP 2: USING ADDITIONAL MICROPHONES

1. Locate an additional microphone input jack (XLR).
2. Using a microphone cable, connect the microphone to the input.
3. Adjust the volume as necessary. Note the following:
   • The volume levels of each microphone are not independently adjustable. They are all controlled together.
   • The more microphones are connected to the sound system, the more likely the system is to create a loud screeching sound known as feedback. Feedback can be suppressed by turning the room volume down or turning microphones off when not in use.

WIRELESS MICROPHONES

Wireless microphones may be included in meetinghouses, depending on local standards. Where appropriate, your local facilities management group (FMG) may be able to lend your stake additional microphones. Purchasing wireless microphones is coordinated through the stake physical facilities representative (PFR) and the FMG. Where wireless microphones are approved, local units have a choice between lapel microphones (left) and handheld microphones (right).

SETTING UP WIRELESS MICROPHONES

1. Ensure that the receiver is on a specified channel.
2. Plug the XLR cable into the sound system.
3. Tune the wireless microphone to the corresponding channel of the receiver.
   • Each wireless microphone requires its own receiver.
4. Adjust the volume level of the wireless microphone.
   • On the back of the mic’s base station is a control for the discrete volume level of the microphone. Before using the mic, adjust this level until it is approximately the same volume as any other microphone connected to the system.

Note: Wireless microphones require batteries. Poorly functioning microphones may be the result of malfunctioning batteries.