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Sound Systems: Panel Discussions
In sound recording or reinforcement, one of the most difficult tasks is providing good sound for a panel or group discussion. There are many challenges to produce quality sound and too often the results are disappointing for the sound person - as well as the listeners. This article covers some of the challenges and offers some solutions. The Situation The illustration below shows a typical panel format with eight panel members. Sound reinforcement is needed for the seated audience and for the video recording. Of course, feedback needs to be avoided, the sound should be clear and distinct, and the video people don't want to see any microphones.  Challenge Areas People: The operator must deal with panel members who may not know how to use a microphone. The members may turn and speak to each other rather than into the microphone. Or, one talker will be too far away and his voice too soft. The next talker may move within centimeters of the microphone and blast the audience away (usually with distorted sound). Feedback: If too many microphones are turned on, feedback is a risk. The audio feed to the video recorder will also be noisy and unclear. One solution is to use only two or three microphones and pass them around. While this may solve the feedback problem, it introduces other distractions: The time lag as panel members pass the microphone can certainly be detrimental to the creative exchange of ideas. It is also irritating to the audience to hear the microphones being bumped and banged around as they're moved. Site Lines: Because this panel discussion is video taped, the members' faces need to be in open site lines. Tall microphone stands will detract from the members being seen on the video. Intelligible Sound: Depending on the type of microphones used, certain microphones pick up paper shuffling because they are physically closer to the papers. Others microphones have a more-focused pick-up; however, they need to be on microphone stands which interfere with site lines. So what is the solution to our sound challenge? Unfortunately, there isn't an exact formula that provides 100% satisfaction in every situation. However, there are basic methods which provide a starting point. Sound Solutions Options Microphones: In order to provide clear sound with enough volume before feedback, ideally each panel member should have a microphone. An acceptable compromise is to use one microphone for each pair of talkers. This minimizes the need for passing microphones around, plus it brings everyone close to a microphone. However, with a panel of eight, that means four to eight microphones. And don't forget that if each microphone is turned on, feedback will certainly be a risk. One solution is to have a sound operator turning the microphones on and off. However, it would take a super operator to accomplish this without missing somebody's important comments. Automatic Mixer: An automatic mixer silently and accurately turns each microphone on only when it is needed! No more missed first words - and the sound quality is clean and distinct. The automatic mixer also lowers its output volume if more than one microphone is being used. This helps prevent feedback from occurring. Directional Boundary Microphones: Many factors need to be taken into account to determine the right microphone for the job. A directional boundary type microphone is very low-profile - the video people will love it! These microphones can provide great sound if they are used correctly. However, it is also easy for panel members to place their papers on top of the boundary microphone, which prevents high quality sound pickup. A boundary microphone is also more prone to picking up paper shuffling. Directional Microphones: Cardioid (directional) microphones can be mounted on short desk stands. This is certainly more visible. However, the directional characteristics of the microphone help control paper shuffling noise. A great alternative is to use miniature gooseneck microphones. These microphones provide low visual impact with great sound. Compressor/Limiter: One more piece of equipment can help the sound operator provide professional quality sound. The output of the automatic mixer should feed an electronic leveling device. This piece of equipment helps keep the dynamics under control. The soft-spoken talker will be brought up in volume and the loud talker will automatically be lowered. This protects both the speaker system and the ears of your audience. The Bottom Line Which exact pieces of equipment and microphones you should use are dependent on your particular application. The room in which the system will be used also plays an important role, as do the other sound system components. by Ron Huisinga © 1996 Internet Sound Institute (www.soundinstitute.com). This article is for personal use only. Any commercial reproduction is not permitted without permission. To obtain permission, contact ISI at hopi@soundinstitute.com
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