Setting up zoom camera audio (old building)

[cameronmillett]

Just got called to setup the Zoom meeting stream each week. Currently, the bishopric is using a computer just setup right next to the pulpit with no mic attachment or anything. Audio cuts out all the time and is not great. The building I am in was built in the 70's and renovated a bit in 2002, so the tech isn't quite the best.

There is no plug under the pulpit for audio. Instead, the audio goes all the way to the back of the gym to the audio box in an attic (pictured below). I am hoping to use a wireless transmitter to plug that in to the transmitter box to send the audio signal to the wireless camera I am going to setup, plugging into the audio jack on the back of the camera.

Anyone do something similar to this? I am worried that the sound quality will be affected by the distance and wall of the attic the transmitter will have to travel through. Any tips are greatly appreciated. Still trying to figure everything out.

[russellhltn]

I'd look around some more. If this is a building with a clerk's table as part of the stand, the audio out may be located there.

Many times, the mixers are programmed. Unused outputs may be turned off.

What you might look into is trying to pick up the Assisted Listening audio. It's broadcast around 72 MHz. Receivers should be available (perhaps in the library or clerk's office). If no one knows where they are, a few should be ordered from FM.

[cameronmillett]

We don't have a clerks table unfortunately. I have looked around everywhere and not a single audio output jack or anything else there. The only thing they do have is this under the sacrament table which has one, but I have no clue what this is for... Could this be the transmitter you are referencing?

[russellhltn]

Williams sound is usually used for translation.

Comtek or Listen Technologies are usually used for Assistive Listening. However, both use the same radio service, so they're interchangeable. But that's not the standard frequency for Assistive Listening.

[cameronmillett]

Makes sense. This is the only one we have, but no one has used translation services for over 5 years so this must just be left over. I assume I could make this work though?

[russellhltn]

I'd find it odd that thing would have been abandoned for 5 years.

You could try using that, or using the wired output.

[CalS201]

This is a good low latency, hi resolution, stereo, long range wireless audio system that will easily reach from the sacrament table to the overflow area, even the back of the cultural hall !

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MCGQ8S2

[dave.swartz]

The chapel should have an ALS transmitter. These are very low powered transmitters so coverage can be a problem. If you can get one of the modern Listen receivers from FMG or a building in your stake the this can potentially be used. The receiver is attached to the Zoom PC's or camera's microphone input. Pay attention to the signal levels so you don't over drive the computer's / camera microphone input. The device out of the box is designed to detect when a headset is attached by looking at the resistance and power on. If you take a 3.5mm (M) to 3.5mm (M) cable then the resistance will be too low and the device will automatically power off. The receiver can be reconfigured using the software from Listen to not use the resistance to detect the headset and to instead use the power button to turn on and off the device. It is a very simple check box that you will need to toggle.

Listen tech support claims that their receivers have a built in antenna. The Williams AV receivers need to use the Williams headsets which have a tuned cable length to function as an antenna. If you have a Williams AV receiver the length of the interconnecting cable matters. This is just one of many possible options.


(Side note for the technically minded. We order the Williams headsets for both translation and ALS. That way if the receiver (Williams) needs the antenna great, if it doesn't (Listen) then the headset still works just fine. That way we only need to stock one type of headset. The stock Listen earpieces are plastic and very uncomfortable so we seldom have anyone that want's to use those. )

[daveg123]

The plug under the sacrament table is your sound system audio output (most buildings have only one). Historically it plugged into a cassette recorder, often in a drawer at that same table. From your picture it looks like someone plugged a translation transmitter into that output. Follow the black cable from the transmitter and you should find the audio out you're looking for.

I agree with all the suggestions in this thread. You have options.

Quality-wise, I would rank your audio options as follows:
1) Wired output from sacrament table. High quality, no latency, very reliable. (possible downside--running the cable to your Zoom rig)
2) The Amazon wireless kit in this thread (adds additional cost, and a little latency)
3) ALS/translation receiver (audio can sometimes sound a bit forced, but test and see)

As Dave mentioned, you may run into signal level issues with any of these options, depending on your audio capture device's front-end gain/headroom. You may need an attenuator inline to get the levels correct. Listen for overdrive, test and verify.

Also, a couple of Zoom tips to consider:
1) Use Zoom Webinars (not Meetings) for non-interactive meetings (sacrament, stake conference, etc).
2) Enable "Original Sound for Musicians: On" (disabling all the Zoom noise cancellation). This will sound much more natural, and allow the music/organ to get through unimpeded. See attached.

My .02, good luck.

Zoom Audio Settings.docx

Zoom Audio Settings

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