Hance Auditorium is like other digital classrooms with some additional functionality. Foremost among the differences are a set of microphones used solely for this auditorium.
Hance Projection
Hance has one dual boot Mac Mini. The Crestron is in the top drawer on the right as you face the computer. The lights are controlled via a combination of controls on the wall and on the Crestron. The window shade controls are at the top of the opening page of the Crestron (If the window shade is stuck open or closed, please report the issue to Physical Plant).
Hance microphones
The microphones are designed to work with or without the use of the Classroom AV system (the computer/projector/screen system), so even if you do not turn the AV system on, the microphone sound system will still be available to use. If you would like to use these microphones for an event, please email the T&I Service Desk at ti@davidson.edu and we will provide you with the access code.
There are 4 microphones available - 1 wired and 3 wireless - kept in Hance, stored in a digital lockbox at the AV/Computer cabinet. The wireless mics require one (1) 9-volt battery. New batteries are also stored in the lockbox and should be changed out as needed. Please discard old batteries in the proper trash receptacle.
*Please Note: As of August 2021, only one (1) microphone currently works in Hance Auditorium. We will continue to investigate the issue to see if the problem with the other microphones can be resolved.
If when using the microphones the sound levels seem too low or distorted, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
- First, make sure the microphones are clear from obstructions (do not cover with your hands or clothing).
- Second, make sure you have the microphones at an acceptable range/placement. Microphones that are too low can not properly pick up your speech, making the sound inaudible. Microphones that are too close cause distortion. Handheld microphones should be placed chin level, held by the base or bottom of the microphone. Lapel mics should be attached near the center of the presenter/speaker to clothing; button-up shirts work the best for this. Attaching lapel mics too far off-center results in less than desirable audio if the presenter/speaker turns their head in the opposite direction of the microphone.
If you have done these checks and still think there is an issue, let T & I know so we can evaluate the system with Professional staff and/or our AV Vendors. Do not attempt to adjust settings within the system.
When you are finished using the system, make sure all the mics are returned to their proper bags and placed back in the lockbox.
Hance wired microphone
- Hance has one wired microphone. The wired mic can be placed on the mic floor stand in the room. A long wired cable remains plugged into the amplifier at all times and is coiled on the back side of the teaching podium. Plug the loose end of the cable into the base of the microphone, then turn put the switch on the microphone to the "On" position (This microphone does not require batteries to work). When finished, turn the microphone off and detach the cable from the bottom of the microphone and coil the cord back to its place.
Hance wireless microphones
- We have two handheld wireless microphones and one Lavalier lapel wireless mic. The wireless mics work by turning the switch on the individual mics to "On". They are preset to the proper settings. Each wireless microphone has a battery life indicator to let you know when the battery has reached its end of life. When finished, turn the switch to "Off" to conserve battery life - and to disconnect the mics from the system.
- Should you need to change the batteries: turn the microphones off, then unscrew the bottom section of the microphones (or removed the battery covering on the lapel mic) to access the battery. Once the battery is replaced and covering/casing re-secured, you can turn the mics back on and continue use.
*Please Note: As of August 2021, only one (1) microphone currently works in Hance Auditorium. We will continue to investigate the issue to see if the problem with the other microphones can be resolved.
Important note:
The Lavalier lapel microphone and handheld wireless mic # 2 share the same frequency so only one can be used at a time.