Induction Loop and Portable PA System guide 2017

Sound Reinforcement & PA System guide 2017

Induction Loop

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Induction Loop guide 2017

Audio Visual Guides


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InductIon loop, soundreInforcement and pasystem guIde 2017 copyrIght © 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017 marK a. adams lInda s. adams all rIghts reserved. this edition published in great Britain 2017

SigNET portable induction loops

permission is granted for this publication to be given away to colleagues and business associates, provided that this publication is not amended in any form whatsoever. this publication is not to be sold under any circumstances.

disclaimer: the purpose of this guide is to give a general overview and acts as a guideline only. Information, to the best of our knowledge, is correct at the time ofwriting. however, changes do occur with some models being discontinued whilstnewer models and features come onto the market. We accept no liability, therefore, as to the accuracy of completeness of the information provided here. e. & o.e.

no claims arising from this guide can be accepted. It is a guideline only.

Induction loop, Sound Reinforcement and PA System guideThe aim of this guide is to give you an overview of induction loops,

sound reinforcement and PA systems for commercial applications in

classrooms, offices, boardrooms, hospitals and large events such as

military marches and airshows.

In classrooms and training rooms it is important that students and

delegates can hear what is being said clearly and, without the need

for the lecturer to raise his or her voice, in other words, to speak

normally. There are a range of loudspeakers and microphones for

a variety of applications, for example, headset mics for aerobic and

dance instructors; conference room microphones for boardrooms,

etc.

Induction loop systems can installed into rooms or where

appropriate, portable loop systems enable people with hearing aids

to hear clearly.

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Induction loops and sound reinforcement

Before we look at what an induction loop is and why you should make this provision in your establishment, let’s just say that ignoring it, especially as its UK Law, may cost you a lot of money, not to mention legal hassles

According to the Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the Royal National Institute for the Deaf), over 10 million people, that is one in six of the UK population, are deaf or hard of hearing. An estimated 2 million of these people have hearing aids.

Legalities aside, it shows you care when you ensure that your establishment or business is helping people with special needs to use your facilities or service. People buy a variety of products and use services every day, from shopping, eating out, paying for petrol, attending courses, public spectator sports, going to the theatre, cinema or their local library. And that’s without any facilities that are needed at work.

A person in a wheelchair will find it easier to enter a building when there is a ramp. For the hard of hearing, a portable or counter induction loop may enable them to use a service, such as banking or buying tickets.

Lobbying by such organisations has led to increased awareness of the difficulties faced by hearing impaired people and as such numerous UK Standards, Acts and Schemes make recommendations for the provision of auxiliary aids such as induction loop systems for the hard of hearing.

The purpose of this guide is to give you an overview of what is available and it is strongly recommended you check out the legalities for yourself. Copies of the Acts and regulations can be obtained from the appropriate organisations. Brief extracts, courtesy of SigNET, give you an overview of recommendations and legal requirements in regard to induction loops. SigNET’s free AFILS guide http://signet-ac.co.uk

Please note: This guide provides information on induction loop systems, sound and voice reinforcement, PA systems and other communication aids. However, it should not be used as a substitute for the standards and/or any other regulatory or legislative documents that exist. It is intended as a guide only.

Overview of induction loops

SigNET counter induction loop kit


SigNET induction loops



http://signet-ac.co.uk/

Please note: This guide provides information on induction loop systems, sound and voice reinforcement, PA systems and other communication aids. However, it should not be used as a substitute for the standards and/or any other regulatory or legislative documents that exist. It is intended as a guide only.


In the UK, the installation of induction loop systems is governed by BS7594 (The Code of Practice for Audio-Frequency Induction Loop Systems) and EN60118-4 (Magnetic field strength in audio frequency induction loop systems for hearing aid purposes), copies of which are available from the British Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Web: www.bsigroup.com

Building Regulations Part M1 : Access to and use of buildings (2013)Current building regulations for England and Wales state that newly erected or substantially reconstructed non domestic buildings should make reasonable provision for people to gain access to and use their facilities(Requirement M1). In particular, the regulations state that reasonable ‘aids to communication’ should be provided for the hearing impaired in auditoria, meeting rooms, reception areas, ticket offices and at information points. One of the aims of Requirement M1 is to ensure all people can participate in proceedings at lecture/conference facilities and entertainment, leisure and social venues. According to the regulations, aids to communication will satisfy (part of) this requirement if ‘a hearing enhancement system is installed in rooms and spaces designed for meetings, lectures, classes, performances ... and at service or reception counters whenthey are situated in noisy areas or behind glazed screens’ (section4.36/4.36b). The regulations acknowledge that a person with a hearing disability needs to receive a signal that is amplified in both volume and signal-to-noise ratio and that induction loop, infrared, radio and sound field systems can provide this advanced level of sound (section 4.35, Design Considerations). In larger spaces, provision needs to be made for a permanent system, but in small meeting rooms, a portable induction loop system would be acceptable.Building Regulations, Part M1 can be viewed at:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-communities-and-local-government

BS 8300 (2009) British Standard BS 8300 is the code of practice for the design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. The standardrecommends that ‘a hearing enhancement system, usinginduction loop, infra-red or radio

transmission, should be installed in rooms and spaces used for meetings, lectures, classes, performances, spectator sports or films, and used at service and reception counters where the background noise level is high or where glazed screens are used’ (9.3.2). It pinpoints the followingareas for consideration: seated waiting areas; ticket sales and information points; fitness suites and exercise studios; churches; crematoria and cemetery chapels, educational, cultural and scientific buildings. Copies of BS 8300 can be purchased from the British Standards Institute at:www.bsigroup.com

The Equality Act (2010)The Equality Act (2010) aims to protect disabled people including the hearing impaired. Under the Act (which combines and replaces previous discrimination legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act), all serviceproviders and those providing goods and facilities in Great Britain are required to make changes, where needed, to improve service for disabled customers or potentialcustomers. There is a legal requirement to make reasonable changes to the way things are done, to the built environment and to provide auxiliary aids and services (such as providing information in an accessible format, an induction loop for customers with hearing aids, specialcomputer software or additional staff support when using a service).Employers must also take measures to ensure that employees are notdisadvantaged in the workplace.For more information, visit the Government Equalities Office at:https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/equality The Human Rights Act (1998)The Human Rights Act guarantees everyone, including the hearing impaired, fundamental rights and applies to public authorities including government departments, local authorities, courts, schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, prisons, public libraries and many more. If a deaf person believes their rights have been denied, they may be able to bring a case under the Act. For more information, visit www.equalityhumanrights.com

Care Standards Act (2000)The Care Standards Act demands that care homes in England provide certain adaptations and equipment for residents, including:- ‘facilities, including communication aids (e.g. a loop system), and signs to assist

the needs of all service users, taking account of the needs, for example, of those with hearing impairment, visualimpairment, dual sensory impairments, learning disabilities or dementia or other cognitive impairment, where necessary.’(standard 22.6). These requirements apply to all care homes providing accommodation and nursing or personal care for older people in England. Regular inspections and enforcement of the legislation isnow carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). For further details visit the Care Quality Commission’s website at www.cqc.org.uk

Installation and performance standards BS 7594 (Code of practice for audio-frequency induction loop systems) gives recommendations for and guidance on the design, planning, installation, testing, operation and maintenance of an audio frequency induction loop system intended for communicating speech, music and/or other signals. The performance requirements of an induction loop system is specified in BS EN60118-4 (Magnetic field strength in induction loop systems for hearing aidpurposes).

SigNET loop amplifiers

Aids to Communication Aids to Communication for the hearing impaired are:

• Pen and paper• Lip reader• Sound reinforcement

systems (sound field)• Infrared assistive listening /

learning systems• Audio-frequency induction

loop systems (AFILS)



Voice reinforcement - soundfield systems

Soundfield systems are mini PA systems and options include a soundfield system ‘hidden’ in an Armstrong ceiling tile, wall or ceiling mounted systems and in-wall amplifier systems...

Armstrong i-ceilings soundfield systems for meeting rooms, court, council chambers, boardrooms and classrooms have ceiling loudspeakers ‘hidden’ in Armstrong ceiling tiles

Soundfield for suspended ceilings i-ceilings use NXT™ flat panel speaker technology to provide a loudspeaker system which matches Armstrong’s range of ceiling tiles, combining their existing aesthetic and passive acoustic qualities with the audio benefits provided by this revolutionary sound technology.

These soundfield ceiling panel kits, designed for installation into a suspended ceiling, can be used in a variety of applications, for example, in a supermarket, sound panels throughout the store ensure customers can hear in-store marketing and PA announcements.

Soundfield ceiling tile systems

1) Teacher-worn infrared pendant microphone 2) Infrared microphone receiver3) i-ceilings sound panel loudspeaker and integrated amplifier

1

2

3

1

i-ceilings Soundfield Pack C with PRO AMP sound panel, IR mic and accessories





In retail stores, for example, the loudspeaker ceiling tiles broadcast background music and profiled marketing to give customers an enjoyable shopping experience. Examples of usage in the leisure industry is installation of large format displays (LFD) and ceiling tile sound panels to reproduce sports commentary (in a cricket ground bar for instance), and provide foreground and background music at functions and events. As the sound panel is ‘hidden’ behind a ceiling tile, it also helps deter theft of loudspeaker equipment. The soundfield system kits include a powered sound panel (which fits behind an Armstrong ceiling tile), an infrared microphone and accessories, for room coverage of 60m² or 120m².

Soundfield wall and ceiling systems

Soundfield Pack F has an IRX2 IR rec/amp, 4 wall mounted speakers and IR mic

In-wall amplifiers An AVID3BT in-wall stereo amplifier, for example, is a discreet 2 x 15W stereo amplifier for in-wall or dado conduit mounting. It also allows fast and simple wireless connection of Bluetooth enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, iPhones, iPads, etc.

An AVID3 and AVID3BT (Bluetooth) are available as an in-wall amplifier with either 2 or 4 wall mounted or ceiling mounted loudspeakers. You will also need a microphone, either hand-held, tie clip, head worn or pendant microphone.

Wall mounted soundfield systems These may comprise a wall mounted infrared receiver/amplifier, four wall mount loudspeakers and an infrared pendant transmitter microphone, plus infrared sensors and drop-in charger. Ideal for classrooms and meeting rooms, to give even voice coverage.

The Vision CS-1800P active Bluetooth ceiling speakers have a powerful 60W amplifier built-in to eliminate the need for an external amplifier, ideal for classrooms and meeting rooms where a discrete audio solution is required. With a Bluetooth input, you can connect directly from your phone or laptop wirelessly.



Powered speaker monitors are small and lightweight, making them popular for classrooms and in boardrooms.

Powered speaker monitors are speakers with built-in amplifier, and can normally be mounted on a stand, rack, on an audio visual (AV) cart or trolley or placed on a shelf or on an exhibition stand. With a microphone, you can use a powered speaker monitor for voice reinforcement or to play music.

Powered speaker monitors

Anchor powered speaker monitors

UK Government’s Better Learning Environment Programme Schools are looking to audio technology to better improve learning spaces. In many schools, class size is increasing and, as a consequence the environment is becoming more noisy. More open plan classrooms and teaching spaces results in teachers not being able to be heard clearly or equally by all pupils in the class. Teachers are having to speak day in and day out at unnaturally high voice levels which can easily result in teacher illness, stress and strain and absence.

Soundfield introduces a low level audio system into the classroom or training room environment and raises the teachers voice so that you get a constant coverage throughout the entire class space. This ensures that every student in the room hears the lesson no matter where they are at the same level, so there is no hiding at the back row for example. A soundfield system is basically a mini PA system which can be installed or portable to be carried around classrooms. It consists of an amplifier, loudspeakers and dependent on the classroom size and environment, a wireless microphone which is worn by the teacher.

Various microphone options are available for the teacher or presenter including a hand-held microphone which can be cumbersome for a teacher who needs hands-free ability, so the hand-held microphone is probably only used to pass around the classroom to the students to use. Teachers options can include a tie clip mic, a head set mic, a neck worn mic or a pendant mic which can be worn around the teacher’s neck. Information courtesy of Cie Group.




Powered speaker monitors


Projectors normally have built-in loudspeakers, some with 10W or even 20W loudspeakers, which may be loud enough for a classroom or meeting room, depending on sound and acoustics. Where you need additional sound there are loudspeakers available, such as Sahara slim wall speakers, designed to be mounted either side of an interactive whiteboard. Also popular are soundbars, which are horizontal loudspeakers that fit below an interactive whiteboard or large format display screen. SMART SBA-UK loudspeakers can be mounted to the SMART Board or wall mounted as desired. Vision’s range of loudspeakers and amplifiers are ideal for classrooms and meeting rooms, and includes a sound bar which is a simple way to add quality audio to professional flat-panel screens which do not have speakers integrated.

Adding sound to interactive whiteboards

Sahara slim wall speakers installed down the side of an interactive whiteboard

Vision sound bar

Infrared assistive listening / learning systems

Infra~Hear IR assistive listening receiver

An infrared assistive listening system transmits audio to neck loop receivers or headphones using infrared light, to give secure hearing assistance to people with hearing impairment. The modulator/radiator (transmitter) is compact so can be discreetly placed in a classroom or courtroom, for example.

Facilities for people with hearing impairments are required by both the building regulations document M and by the DDA (Disabled Discrimination Act) in places where the public need to hear information, or where customers are separated from staff by a glass partition. An induction loop amplifier will satisfy the requirements of both pieces of legislation.

How this all works is an infrared transmitter takes audio from microphones or other audio sources, for example, mixing desk, CD player, and processes the audio using a compressor limiter to ensure that the sound has a fixed dynamic range so

that quiet sounds are amplified and loud sounds are attenuated to prevent amplifier overloading.

The processed sound is passed to an output stage which then coverts the audio to a frequency modulated infrared light beam.

This light then passes to dedicated receivers worn by the user. This receiver converts the light to either audio for headphones, which is good for people with hearing loss who do not have a hearing aid, or to an induction loop coil for people who use T coil equipped hearing aids.

Some manufacturers put together tour guide systems which can be given to visitors as they tour round cathedrals, art galleries and museums. Volume level can be adjusted to suit different people’s hearing abilities with a stop/start button to control the taped recording.

The downside to these is the management of receivers, collection, return and battery charging and replacement.

However, the advantage is that visitors can make their own way around a building at leisure and don’t have to wait until the time of the next tour for a guide to give them the relevant information.

Alternatively, a battery powered portable public address system, such as the Anchor TourVox, which has a dual shoulder and wrist strap and headband mic for crowds up to 100.



Although you will have seen the ear symbol with the let-ter ‘T’, on stickers in restaurants, bank counters and other public areas, you may not have been aware of any legal requirements.

Audio-frequency induction loop systems allow hearing impaired people to hear more clearly. Most hearing aids have a T or MT switch allows them to pick up the electromagnetic field generated by an induction loop system. The hearing aid converts this signal to a sound suited to the user’s specific hearingrequirements.

Any person with a hearing aid positioned within or near the loop can hear the loop signal by switching their hearing aid to the correct position, allowing them to participate more effectively in general conversation, ordering goods or services, listening to public performances, etc.

An induction loop system comprises the following main elements:

Audio-frequency induction loop systems (AFILS)

In addition to the many benefits for hearing aid users, induction loop systems can also be used for other limited area broadcasting applications such as museum ‘walk through’ guided tours.

Some induction loop systems may require additional audio sources such as multiple microphone or line level inputs. To facilitate this, for example, many of SigNET’s PDA range amplifiers include a patented ‘Outreach’ socket which allows the connection of multiple inputs via a range of specially designed single gang audio connector plates.

There are various types of induction loops available; portable induction loops; counter loop systems; audio bridge system with loop facility and installed induction loop kits.

• Audio source - typically a microphone, television or other audio input (sometimes more than one)

• Induction loop amplifier• The loop - typically one or two

turns of wire usually run around the perimeter of the room or a special counter loop fixed to the underside of a table or desk

• Receiver(s) - any hearing aid with a T or MT switch or a specially designed loop listening device.

The main elements of an induction loop system, pictures courtesy of SigNET




Audio-frequency induction loop systems (AFILS)


SigNET induction loop system for a place of worship

Counter induction loop kits installed at a service counter We all use local services where there is a counter and glazed screen between us and the person who is delivering the service, such as in banks, post offices, railway and bus stations and ticket offices. As several people, everyday, use these services, then a counter induction loop system may suit your business requirements.

An audio bridge system, which you may have seen installed in banks, has a speaker and gooseneck microphone either side of the glazed screen. This means both the customer and the person serving can speak and hear clearly, especially if one or both have softly spoken voices which would appear muffled through a glass partition.

Portable induction loops

Induction loop kitsInduction loop kits and loop amplifiers are available for various applications, including small room loop kits, TV lounge kit, domestic induction loop kit, meeting room kits for loops at ceiling or floor level, lecture room kit, waiting room loop kit, retail unit loop kit, place of worship loop kits with choice of handheld or lavalier microphone, health and fitness club loop kit, vehicle induction loop system for cars, taxis, buses and other private or commercial vehicles, as well as freestanding, rack mount and professional loop amplifiers.

The simplest and cost effective way to provide a service for the hearing impaired, especially on a one to one basis is to use a portable loop, which is placed between the two people speaking.

This is ideal for hotels, offices, receptions, doctors surgeries and 1-2-1 meeting areas. However, you have to remember to keep the loop charged, or otherwise when it’s needed, the battery will be run down.

SigNET portable induction loop



Phased-array induction loop systems

SigNET DLR Dual induction loop amplifier kits for Phased Array loops

What is a phased-array induction loop system? A phased-array induction loop system works by producing two AFILS signals that are 90º out of phase with each other. These signals are connected to two induction loops laid out in a special overlapping pattern (see picture above). The resultant magnetic field is evenly spread within the covered area and the field strength falls off very quickly outside the loop.

SigNET DLR Dual induction loop amplifier kits are designed to simplify the installation of a phased-array induction loop system. Suitable for areas up to 200m2, 500m2 or 1000m2 (depending on the model), each pre-wired DLR kit features two PDA Pro-Range induction loop amplifiers, an APPS Phase Shifter and two outreach plates providing one XLR mic and one dual phono input, all in a 4U height enclosure. Ideal for use in high-profile professional AFILS applications where minimal overspill and consistent loop coverage is essential.

Before designing a system you may like to answer the following questions which will help in finding the correct solution...

• What is the area used for (reception, meeting room, lecture theatre, etc)?

• Do you require an audio input from a TV/video?• Do you require an input from an existing PA system?• Do you require fixed or mobile microphones?• Do any rooms next or close to the area require a

separate system?• What are the dimensions of the area - length, width

and height?• Where can the loop cable be installed - ceiling / floor

void, in floor screed, under floor covering or wall?• What is the ceiling height and how is it constructed?• Is there any steel or other metals around the building?• Does it need to be a ‘secure’ system with little

overspill?





Induction loop testers

SigNET counter induction loop kit

Induction loop testers are available that allow you to test that a loop is working properly. Locating the loop at ear height can cause an uncomfortably strong signal for the user when they are too close to the loop cable.

Loop cable is normally run round the perimeter of a room, either at ceiling height, ideally 2.5 – 3m from the floor, or can be run under the carpet. It all depends on the room, acoustics and application. The loop doesn’t have to cover the whole room, just an area, as in a church or a bowling alley. Where there are doors or windows, try to run the loop cable at one level above or below the obstruction and if this is not possible ensure the amplifier has

Magnetic field strength meter

Outreach platesWall mounted, ceiling or desk mountable single gang audio input plates are specifically designed to increase the audio input capability of an induction loop system. Covering most of the common variants of audio

connector, they work by mixing the signals from various input sources into one balanced line level input which can be fed into the line input of a compatible amplifier.

SigNET induction loop receiver/tester

sufficient coverage to compensate for wasted power. A competent loop installer will advise on the best way to install your loop kit and test it after installation. SigNET induction loop receiver / tester kit picks up audio signals through a pair of headphones and allows the signal quality to be assessed for testing purposes. It is designed to allow installers and non hard of hearing people to test and assess the quality and availability of a loop system. The RXTi2 may also be used in non hard of hearing applications such as multilingual translations, museum talk-through systems and stage talk-back systems.

Mountable on 25mm back boxes, each Outreach plate features a built-in mixer, pre-amp, input level control and balanced output. As they can be installed at the most convenient point on an installation overcomes the need for long and potentially hazardous microphone or audio leads. Typically, any mix of up to 10 Outreach plates can be daisy chained to one balanced line level input with cable lengths of up to 100m easily achievable using standard two-pair audio cable with no recognisable degradation of audio signal quality.

Outreach plates

Flat copper cable for induction loop systems



Portable PA systems

There are so many terms to describe sound systems that it can become quite confusing. Products may be referred to as sound systems, voice reinforcement, sound reinforcement, soundfield and portable PA systems. PA systems mean different things to different people. Ask a supermarket customer services manager what a PA system is and you’ll no doubt be informed it is the public address system they use, where the ALL button (to broadcast across all zones) is pressed and you speak into the microphone and ask the manager to come to customer services.

Ask an airport announcer what a PA system is and you will probably be told

similar with perhaps added info that there is a choice of zones that can be paged, perhaps to alert people in the shopping zone of today’s promotional offer, or to ask certain passengers in the departure lounge to hurry to a gate as the plane is due to leave in five minutes.

A factory worker may think of a hand-held megaphone, which is used to make announcements that have to be heard above the noise of machinery.

School sports day may see the PE teacher using a weather resistant, portable PA system in the school field, to make announcements about the next race or to give instructions to pupils and announce the winners, so that pupils, teachers and parents can hear what is going on.

PA stands for public address and simply means you want to announce

something, be it at a school sports day, a village fete, gymkhana event or an air show with a 5,000 crowd, or simply to be heard across a football pitch.

Portable PA systems are those, as the name implies, that are designed to be moved from one place to another. Aerobics or dance teachers are likely to use a portable PA system, comprising of the combined speaker and amplifier with either a lapel or headset microphone rather than a hand-held wired or wireless microphone. Small hand-held portable PA systems are also in use in church graveyards so that people attending a burial can hear the service clearly. Voice reinforcement is raising the volume of the natural speaking voice so that anyone in the room can hear clearly what is being said, without the teacher or presenter having to raise their voice or shout.

For example, the teacher talks naturally to the class, whilst his or her wireless lapel or pendant microphone picks up the sound of their natural voice, which is amplified and comes out through the loudspeakers into the room. Voice reinforcement systems may be referred to as PA systems, and often comprise loudspeakers, amplifier, or powered speakers with in-built amp, and a wireless microphone, either hand-held, collar, headset or lapel mic. Sound reinforcement is the use of amplifiers, mixers, loudspeakers, microphones and signal processors that makes the sound louder, be that of a live band, orchestra, etc., and distributes the amplified sound to a much larger or more distant audience. Some people use the term sound reinforcement to mean complex sound systems, such as might be used in a large arena, for example, in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Other people use the term sound reinforcement to mean a portable PA system comprising a microphone which is connected to an amplified loudspeaker. Soundfield is term normally associated with schools. In the USA, for example, schools and colleges have long had PA systems around the campus for school announcements.

Portable PA systems

Chiayo range of portable PA systems

Portable PA systems



A survey was undertaken in the USA which proved that pupils grades increased by up to 45% when the teacher’s voice could be heard clearly, especially by pupils who sat towards the back of the classroom and also those who had some form of hearing difficulty. Even having a bad cold can cause some temporary hearing loss. Also, teachers benefited from being able to use their normal voice, which was amplified within the classroom or school hall, without having to raise their voice or shout.

I can only assume here, that the term soundfield was derived to mean a field of sound around a classroom and to distinguish it from the PA systems which were already in use. When the school receptionist wanted to remind students throughout the school about an after-school activity or to inform parents to make their way to the school hall for the PTA meeting, then the PA system would be used, and this would be different from the loudspeakers, amplifier and microphone used in each classroom by individual teachers. However the term soundfield came about, legislation was introduced in the UK as a result of Health & Safety concerns over teachers voice fatigue and children under performing, as a result of not hearing teachers clearly, especially those pupils sitting at the back of the class.

The legislation in the UK requires specific levels of acoustic performance. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is via sound reinforcement. However, acoustic performance can also be improved through passive conditioning such as non-reflective materials, for example, carpets, or acoustic ceiling tiles, or even double/triple glazing to reduce external ambient noise.

Voice reinforcement system must be provided in all new school buildings, and I quote:

“Government Specification of Acoustic Performance in Schools: Section 1 of Building Bulletin 93, the Governments Specification of Acoustic Performance sets the standards for the acoustics of new buildings and explains the requirements and solutions to... provide acoustic conditions in schools that facilitate clear communications of speech between teachers and students. The key aim of a (speech reinforcement) system is to increase the loudness of the direct sound,

Chiayo Challenger portable PA systems offer built-in CD player, MP3 player and USB ports, the latter allowing you to plug in your USB memory stick of music files and play these without having to use another external device. Optional extension loudspeakers to extend the range of sound.

particularly for more distant listeners, whilst keeping sound as natural as possible. The distribution of loudspeakers and their directional characteristics is a key issue in achieving high speech intelligibility. For large teaching rooms and lecture theatres, loudspeakers can be distributed in the ceiling...” To recap, all new school buildings in the UK MUST include acoustic conditioning to provide high performance voice clarity. So what actually constitutes a speech (voice) reinforcement system? This seems to me to be a rather ambiguous area.

According to the extract above: ‘key aim of a speech reinforcement system is to increase the loudness of the direct sound’, seems to indicate the teacher would need some form of microphone to speak into, an amplifier and loudspeaker. It also says that for large teaching rooms and lecture theatres, loudspeakers can be distributed in the ceiling. We recommend that you check out regulations for yourself as this is intended to be a guide only.

Audio manufacturers have various solutions, sometimes referring to these as Soundfield systems, voice or sound reinforcement or simply portable PA systems. Portable PA systems normally come with a choice of hand-held microphone, belt pack transmitter with headset microphone or belt pack transmitter with lavalier microphone often referred to as a lapel mic or tie clip mic, and optional stand. Some models, such as Anchor Beacon or BigFoot, unfold, eliminating the need for a stand; the latter model can be heard across a football pitch.

Anchor Beacon in use for military and MOD for crowds of over 2,500

Portable PA systems

Anchor Go Getter for crowds of 500

Anchor RescueMAN reaches 100+



PA solutionsAmplifiers and mixers are available as separate units, however, you can also purchase mixer amps which are ideal with a pair of loudspeakers, for basic PA or background music for rooms catering for up to 30 people. For room sizes of 50 people and above, then most installations include a mixer amplifier, or a separate mixer and amplifier

InterM PAM480A mixer amplifier

A pre-amp is the signalling part of an amplifier and lets you plug in sources such as a tuner and CD player, as well as allowing you to change volume, treble and bass settings. The power amp is the section of the amplifier that drives the loudspeakers. Here we give you ideas for PA solutions based on audience sizes. There are numerous manufacturers of audio equipment and Wedgwood AV are able to obtain most makes and models to suit your individual needs. For larger installations, businesses may employ the services of an audio consultant, sometimes costing several thousands of pounds.

We would like to thank SigNET for their contribution in this guide on induction loops; CIE Group for information on the UK Government’s Better Learning Environment Programme, and manufacturers such as Anchor, Chiayo, InterM for their images to bring this guide to life.

Lecterns are in daily use in houses of worship, hotel conference rooms, university lecture theatres, council chambers, military speeches and speaking engagements. Lecturers and presenters may use hands-free microphones, part of an installed sound system. However, there are lecterns on the market that are designed to hold portable PA systems, such as Anchor’s Admiral Lectern, which conveniently fits an Anchor Liberty Platinum or Go Getter portable sound system into the oak cabinet space, which has tilt and roll castors.

Anchor Admiral lectern with Anchor portable PA system and mic

Where portability is required, Anchor Acclaim Lectern, which won an award at infoComm 2017, reaches crowds of around 500. Its base doubles as a portable transport case. Optional companion speaker.

Anchor Acclaim lectern with up to two built-in wireless receivers with gooseneck mic and LED reading light

PA solutions



PA solution for up to 15 people

Mixer amplifier InterM 60 Watt compact, 3 inputs, 100v line and low impedance switchable, optional rack mount kit Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit Includes beltpack and lapel mic. UHF radio frequency. Handheld or headset options available. Pair wall mounted loudspeakers One pair of 2-way wall mounted loudspeakers in black or white, includes mounting brackets. Suitable indoor or sheltered outdoor, for example on a pub patio. OR Pair of ceiling mounted speakers


Mixer amplifier InterM 120 Watt, 6 inputs, 5-zone speaker selection, telephone input, priority telephone, mic 1, mic 2, chime and siren, optional rack mount kit Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit Includes belt pack and lapel mic. UHF radio frequency. Handheld or headset options available. 2 x Pair wall mounted loudspeakers Two pairs of 2-way wall mounted loudspeakers in black or white, includes mounting brackets. Suitable indoor or sheltered outdoor. OR 4 ceiling speakers 20 Watt 100v line ceiling speakers with support rails


2-channel amplifier InterM 480 Watt 6 input mixer amplifier, 100v line/ low impedance Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit Includes belt pack and lapel mic. UHF radio frequency. Handheld or headset options available. 4 x Single loudspeakers 60 Watt 5-inch wall mounted speakers OR 12 x ceiling loudspeakers 20 Watt 100v ceiling speaker with support rail, ideal for paging and background music

PA solutions



From December 2012 wireless microphone users in the UK had to vacate channel 69 as it was designated as part of a larger spectrum band that was re-allocated for new services. The UK regulator, Ofcom, confirmed that, as a replacement for Channel 69, an alternative TV band on Channel 38 was made available for wireless microphone use.

According to the Ofcom website, there are two types of UK microphone wireless licence: UHF (Ultra High Frequency): UK shared access to Channel 38 (606.500-613.500 MHz) internally or externally and licensed on a non-protected basis for either one or two years.

Users can typically achieve 10 radio microphones in this range operating in the same place at the same time. However this can differ case by case.

VHF (Very High Frequency): UK wide shared access to 15 spot frequencies in the range 175.250 to 209.800 MHz internally or externally and licensed on a non-protected basis for one year only.

These licences are popular due to the one off purchase with no requirement

to notify Ofcom of where or when these channels are being used. However, as the channels are shared, users must be prepared to retune to alternative frequencies if interference from other local users is experienced.

Access is not restricted to specific frequencies and users can re tune within the stated range to any usable frequency. Standard Licences are issued when a user wishes to access frequencies that are coordinated with other users or uses.

This licence is used for equipment such as radio microphones, in ear monitors or wireless cameras. Information courtesy of Ofcom’s website: http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/faqs/

Microphones

Revolabs Executive HD™ 4 and 8-channel wireless microphone system supports up to 8 microphones, for high end boardrooms and auditoriums

A wireless microphone has no cable connecting it to an amplifier/speaker or other associated equipment. Also known as a radio microphone, the radio transmitter is in the microphone body and this transmits a signal to the receiver.

Where the microphone is too small to include a transmitter, such as a lavalier (lapel) or headset microphone, a belt pack transmitter is required as well as a receiver. There are licencing issues associated with radio microphones. However, if you have an IR microphone system that uses infra red (IR) then no licence is needed for these.

Chiayo UHF Channel 38 wireless microphone system has 100 channel selection for greater resistance to interference - hand-held, tie clip or headband options

Sennheiser wireless vocal set for singers, speakers and presenters with choice of hand-held wireless mic or belt pack and headband mic

Microphones



Infrared (IR)Many people associate infrared with a TV remote control – direct / point and press. Infrared audio equipment uses many high-powered multi directional infrared LEDs which ‘bounce’ signals around to retain solid communication within the room – even without direct line of sight in some cases.

Pros:

• Infrared does not require licensing• As infrared cannot penetrate walls, you can run an unlimited amount of systems in separate, adjacent rooms without clashing • Your infrared microphone is not permanently paired to its receiver – this means if you walk into a room with any microphone, as long as there is not a microphone already switched on using that channel, it will workCons:

• Being line of sight, you do not have the freedom given with radio microphones• Strong direct sunlight may cause signal interference and, therefore, infrared is not suitable for outdoor use

Microphones

Wired microphones

Clockaudio twin cardioid gooseneck microphone

Clockaudio through-table shock mount and mic

Anchor CouncilMAN conference system comes in wired and wireless 6 person packages, extendable to 11 mics, reaches crowds of 150

Anchor Assistive Listening Systems cut through background noise. Lightweight belt packs for indoor or out.

Communication Technology single zone desk paging microphone



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Induction Loop and Portable PA System guide 2017

Devices & Hardware

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