Wireless Microphone Guide

The Learning Spaces Technology [LST] group provides consulting, design, installation, training, management and support for 300+ technology-equipped University Classrooms [UCRs] across campus and classrooms assigned to departments.

Classroom Updates

Beginning Fall semester of 2020, all UCRs will have webcams and microphones for use with UICapture software for lecture capture and podcasting, and Zoom software for synchronous classroom delivery:
•  Camera - Huddly Go, web conferencing camera, 150-degree wide-angle lens, USB HD webcam on flexible arm mount
•  Microphone - MXL AC-404 USB Conferencing boundary mic

Beginning Fall semester of 2021, all UCRs will have Solstice Pods for in-classroom wireless content sharing, and Zoom-compatible document cameras:
•  Wireless Presentation Device - Mersive Solstice Pod with unlimited connections
•  Document Camera - WolfVision vSolutions Cam document camera

Need Help? Contact ITS Help Desk

Phone: 319-384-4357 [HELP]

Email: its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu

University Classroom Technology Guide

Wireless Microphones

University classrooms utilize a variety of different equipment to help make a better learning environment. Currently, all UCRs have some type of microphone [typically a wired/USB boundary microphone] to capture in-room audio for lecture capture. Select classrooms and large lecture classrooms [typically learning spaces with capacity for more than 70] also have wireless microphones [Wireless Body Pack, or Wireless Handheld] to enhance audio for easier hearing. To see more information about a particular room and what is available consult the Classrooms website.

Below is a general overview of each type of wireless microphone.

Wireless Body Pack Microphone

This image above, is an example of the Audio-Technica Wireless Body Pack Microphone [the Shure Wireless Body Pack Microphone is also a common version installed in learning spaces]. In most learning spaces, this is typically located on a lectern surface, but may also be found within the microphone drawer of a room's A/V system rack, or alternatively on a rechargeable base atop lectern.

The following is a description of each part:

• Transmitter Antenna
  • This antenna transmits audio back to the in room receiver
• LCD Info Screen
  • Displayed on this screen is the specific frequency assigned to the room
  • It also shows battery status and/or if the microphone is muted
• Power / Mute Button
  • Holding down this button for three-seconds will turn the unit on/off
  • Pressing the button for one-second will mute the microphone [same will also un-mute]
• Microphone Cable
  • This cable connects the microphone element to the transmitter pack
• Cable Connector
  • Connection point between the microphone cable and the transmitter pack
• Belt Clip
  • This clip goes on the back of the pack. It clips the transmitter pack onto a belt or waist
• Battery Door
  • Door typically covers two-AA batteries [or 9-Volt battery] that powers body pack
    • To change batteries, slide door lock down to unlock batter door, then push the two arrows together to open door
    • Rechargeable batteries are typically located on battery charger, alkaline batteries are typically located within microphone drawer; if using rechargeable battery supplies, remember to replace batteries on charger, or if nearing end of battery supplies, contact ITS Help Desk for resupply
• Cable Lapel Clip
  • Lapel clip holds microphone element up near audio source
• Windscreen
  • Foam cover for microphone element used to temper excess noise due to air movement

Wireless Handheld Microphone

This image above, is an example of the Audio-Technica Wireless Handheld Microphone [the Shure Wireless Handheld Microphone is also a common version installed in learning spaces]. In most learning spaces, this is typically located on a lectern surface, but may also be found within the microphone drawer of a room's A/V system rack, or alternatively on a rechargeable base atop lectern.

The following is a description of each part:

• Microphone Element
  • This part of the microphone that receives auto signals to be transmitted 
• LCD Info Screen
  • Displayed on this screen is the specific frequency assigned to the room
  • It also shows the battery status and/or if the microphone is muted
• Battery Compartment
  • The bottom portion of the microphone unscrews to get to the battery compartment. The microphone is powered two-AA batteries [or alternatively, 9-Volt battery]
    • How to change batteries: Gripping the microphone element in one hand, grasp and twist the battery compartment counterclockwise while slightly pulling down with the other
    • Rechargeable batteries are typically located on battery charger, alkaline batteries are typically located within microphone drawer; if using rechargeable battery supplies, remember to replace batteries on charger, or if nearing end of battery supplies, contact ITS Help Desk for resupply
• Power / Mute Button
  • Holding down this button for three-seconds will turn the unit on/off.
  • Pressing the button for one-second will mute the microphone [same will also un-mute]

Battery Information

Learning Spaces [LST] supplies batteries for UCR microphones only. Alkaline battery supplies are typically stored in the microphone drawer with microphones; however, many select locations use rechargeable batteries, and are stored on the lectern's battery charger. An average battery life span for two-AA batteries in a microphone is about eight to ten hours. The LCD Info Screen displays the status of currently installed batteries. When a room's supply of batteries runs low, please let support staff know at: ITS-HelpDesk@uiowa.edu

 • Support Article

Visit the COVID-19: Classroom Experience site for additional information regarding University Classroom expectations for the 2021 Fall semester.

For information regarding the COVID-19 Operational Response for Custodial Services, Building Operations and Maintenance and/or the UI Operational Plan for Cleaning and Disinfecting of Building Spaces, please visit the Facilities Management.

For assistance with classroom technology issues, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 384-HELP [4357] or its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu