When audio is done well, it goes unnoticed. But when it’s done poorly, your attendees will let you—and possibly everyone in their social networks—know how annoyed they were. “We get caught up with audio’s sexy cousins, lighting and video,” says Midori Connolly, founder and principal of AVGirl Productions. “But if people can’t hear the message, it’s lost.” Follow Connolly’s tips for ensuring your sound comes through loud and clear.
1. Test the sound at the venue
Have someone talk into the microphone while you walk around the room to hear how it sounds from various locations.
2. If necessary, invest in reinforcements
That could include additional speakers to fill the room in weak spots.
3. Instruct your presenters where to stand to avoid feedback
Connolly suggests taping a “safe zone” on the floor.
4. Ask each of your presenters, “Will you have sound sources besides you just speaking?”
If you don’t ask, they may forget to tell you about the video or multimedia presentation they have to share.
5. Let your audio team know ahead of time how many channels you anticipate using for sound.
You’ll need some for mics and maybe others for DVDs, music, or computer presentations. If possible, leave at least one channel open for unexpected needs.
6. If the session is streaming online, make sure the transmitted audio is as clear as it is in the presentation room
Ask for a feed directly from the mixer or audio console into the Webcasting platform. “If people can’t hear the audio coming through their computer, they are going to tune out—often they aren’t watching anyway; they’re doing something else and listening,” Connolly says.
7. Anticipate the types of microphones your presenters will need
“A woman may be wearing some type of material that will not be able to hold a wireless lavalier microphone. So have a headset available,” Connolly says. Or, consider wired, handheld microphones to save money.
8. Verify that your audio vendor has extra microphones and batteries.
9. When placing wireless microphones on presenters, consider their positions on stage, particularly for a panel
“You want the microphone as close to center as possible, but also think about if the speaker’s head is turned,” Connolly says.
