Voice Amplification for Presentations While Wearing Masks

The Challenge

Some presenters naturally have softer voices or face challenges projecting their voices effectively in large lecture halls with 250+ students, particularly when dealing with poor built-in speakers or inadequate microphones. While masks are often assumed to be the issue, they generally do not significantly muffle sound. Instead, the root of the problem often lies in the need for better amplification systems to ensure clear communication in large or acoustically challenging spaces.

Below, WHN provides a range of professional and budget-friendly options as a service to those who might find them useful.

Disclaimer: WHN has no relationship with the companies mentioned and has not directly tested this equipment. These recommendations are based on information from trusted sources.

Solutions

1. Presentations Using the Room’s Audio System

For setups where the built-in audio system is reliable but requires better microphones:

• Professional Option: Shure GLXD14+ Wireless System with Countryman E6 Microphone
  • What It Includes:
    • Shure GLXD14+ Wireless System:
      • Includes the GLXD1+ Bodypack Transmitter (with TA4F connector) and the GLXD4+ Receiver, which connects to the room’s audio system via XLR or 1/4-inch inputs.
    • Countryman E6 Omnidirectional Microphone:
      • Lightweight, ear-worn microphone designed for clear and consistent sound quality.
  • Why It’s Recommended:
    • Provides professional-grade clarity and mobility, superior to handheld or desk microphones.
  • Cost:
    • Shure GLXD14+: ~$549 (includes transmitter and receiver).
    • Countryman E6 Microphone: ~$350–$400.
  • Total Cost: ~$899–$949.

• Budget Option: Audio-Technica System 10
  • What It Includes:
    • Wireless microphone system with bodypack transmitter and receiver.
    • Compatible with clip-on lavalier microphones or headset microphones, which are better suited for lecturers than handheld or desk microphones.
  • Why It’s Recommended:
    • Provides reliable audio for smaller classrooms but lacks the advanced features and range of professional systems.
  • Cost: ~$300–$350.
  • Total Cost: ~$300–$350.

2. Presentations with a Portable Speaker

For situations where the room has poor built-in speakers or portability is required for use in different spaces:

• Professional Option: Bose S1 Pro+ with Bose WT-XLR Wireless Transmitter and Countryman E6 Microphone
  • What It Includes:
    • Bose S1 Pro+: A compact, portable PA system with integrated wireless functionality, providing high-quality sound for large rooms.
    • Bose WT-XLR Wireless Transmitter: Connects wirelessly to the Bose S1 Pro+ and interfaces with any XLR-compatible microphone.
    • Countryman E6 Omnidirectional Microphone (Recommended):
      • A lightweight, ear-worn microphone designed for mobility and consistent sound clarity, even while wearing a mask.
  • Why It’s Recommended:
    • Portability: The Bose S1 Pro+ works anywhere, making it ideal for instructors teaching in multiple rooms or solving the problem of poor built-in speakers.
    • High-Quality Sound: Delivers professional-grade audio amplification independent of room systems.
  • Cost:
    • Bose S1 Pro+: ~$699.
    • Bose WT-XLR Wireless Transmitter: ~$149.
    • Countryman E6 Microphone: ~$350–$400.
  • Total Cost: ~$1,198–$1,248.

• Budget Option: WinBridge WB001 Portable Voice Amplifier
  • What It Includes:
    • A small, wearable amplifier with a headset microphone.
  • Why It’s Recommended:
    • Affordable and easy to set up for smaller classrooms or as a temporary solution.
  • Cost: ~$50–$100.
  • Total Cost: ~$50–$100.

3. Systems Supporting Both Use Cases (Hybrid Setup)

For lecturers needing flexibility to work with both room audio systems and portable speakers:

• Professional Option: Shure GLXD14+ with Bose S1 Pro+ and Countryman E6 Microphone
  • What It Includes:
    • Shure GLXD14+ Wireless System:
      • A bodypack transmitter (GLXD1+) with TA4F connector and a receiver (GLXD4+) that connects to house audio systems via XLR or 1/4-inch inputs.
    • Bose S1 Pro+: A portable speaker system offering high-quality audio and portability for rooms with poor built-in speakers or when room systems are unavailable.
    • Countryman E6 Omnidirectional Microphone (Recommended):
      • Lightweight, ear-worn microphone for mobility and clear, consistent sound, even while wearing a mask.
  • Why It’s Recommended:
    • Dual Functionality: Use the Shure system with the house audio system for fixed setups, or pair it with the Bose S1 Pro+ when portability or higher sound quality is needed.
    • Professional Sound Quality: The combination ensures reliable amplification in any setting.
  • Cost:
    • Shure GLXD14+: ~$549.
    • Bose S1 Pro+: ~$699.
    • Countryman E6 Microphone: ~$350–$400.
  • Total Cost: ~$1,500.

• Budget Option: Audio-Technica System 10 with JBL EON One Compact
  • What It Includes:
    • Audio-Technica System 10 Wireless System.
    • JBL EON One Compact Portable Speaker.
  • Why It’s Recommended:
    • Cost-effective hybrid option with decent portability and audio quality.
  • Total Cost: ~$650–$750.

Key Notes About Microphones

• Headset Microphones (Preferred): The best choice for lecturers, ensuring consistent sound clarity and freedom of movement.
• Lavalier Microphones (Clip-On): Suitable for smaller, quieter rooms but less reliable in large or noisy environments.
• Handheld or Desk Microphones (Not Recommended): Not practical due to limited mobility and inconsistent sound quality.

Takeaways

• Room Audio Systems: Wireless systems take the signal from the microphone and transmit it to the built-in speakers.
• Portable Speakers: Not only provide portability but also solve challenges when there are poor built-in speakers.
• Hybrid Systems: Combining a wireless microphone system with a portable speaker offers flexibility for a variety of teaching environments and can transmit to the built-in speakers when they are of good quality.