I know it doesn't solve all your issues but I've heard that some teachers are using a small speaker/microphone combo that hangs around your neck. Something like this is what teachers are using to breach the volume issues.
I am spoiled and have a mic system in my classroom - we've had them for years actually.
They sell portable ones on Amazon for $35-40. Well worth the money. https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Amplifier-Microphone-Waistband-Presentation/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=headset+microphone+and+speaker&qid=1595116960&sr=8-2
(And for the record, I do have concerns about masks learning wise. I'm trying to find clear masks.)
Do you get noise when you plug in at a different outlet in your house or whatever? It could be ground loop interference. It might be worth getting a ground loop isolator. They are pretty cheap on Amazon. Here is an example - disclaimer it could be a different issue.
Pyle Hum Noise Filter Eliminator Destroyer Stop Hum Noise with TRS Inputs and Outputs 2-Channel For Guitar Pedals , Speakers Ac Adapter No More Hum (PHE300) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bjhxybGVYMEGB
yea, that PA horn should work fine, no specs tho.
amazon sells a nice Pyle PA horn that tops out at 25 watts audio output
You're probably encountering a ground loop, it's a very common thing when running two amps. What you would need to solve that is a box that has an isolation transformer. This box on amazon claims to do such a thing, no experience with it personally though: https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW3I
A portable mic will change your life. After that you need to question why the kids won’t listen in the first place. Do the other teachers that can’t handle them have soft voices as well?portable mic from Amazon
This is my opinion, so take it as just that:
Are they hard to replace. No. Hell no. At least with a common lightbulb, there's screwing. Pull out. Push in. That's it.
AC15 particular tubes. Can't speak for certain, ain't got her. Just chuck in another set of what, el84s? hold on, googling. edit: indeed, el84s. So, if you're stateside...try: https://www.amazon.com/Tube-Complement-Vox-AC15-brand/dp/B00AOA6FXC
Not from amazon directly, but you can return it and eat the return shipping cost if it doesn't...alter anything. Or, ask around your buddies, maybe there's a nerd like me that has buckets of tubes lying around.
Match vs. unmatch refers to power section, handy when biasing. I'm an oddball that prefers unmatched tubes in the power section for harmonic effect, trust me, anything you read about here, the effect is going to be quite minimal.
A brief read: http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=714229 Expensive tubes worth it? No, not really. You'd see a bigger difference swapping out your speaker, or pickups. Tube changes make for pretty light if any noticeable sounds.
tldr; replace them :P
I had to buy something like this to get rid of USB hum in my system, worth a try they are very cheap https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW3I?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
Hi y’all, story is my mother has MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and her voice is getting weaker and weaker, plus she can only move her face muscles. Whilst looking for an amplifying solution for her, I tried different devices but found them not too useful as none is designed for her special needs.
So, our first choice was the: Portable voice amplifier But we found that any of the models/brands we’ve tried wasn’t sensitive enough to properly absorb her weak voice.
Our next option was same as this Throat Mic but meant for PTTs or mobile phones, even when I used a matching jack adapter/ connector - it wouldn’t work with any speaker.
Basically, am looking for a simple (sensitive) microphone+amplifier that can be attached to a speaker which will not require any Push-To-Talk or other physical gesture rather than just speaking. Hopefully, someone here can help us as we reached a dead end.
I remembered it being cheaper, but here it is for $35.
Best $35 I’ve ever spent in my life.
I bought this one. It works quite well. You can wear it around your neck (but dont, trust me) or on a belt, and it allows you to amplify your voice to a variety of levels.
THIS HAS SAVED MY VOICE!!! I had prenodules and after using a microphone, they are completely healed! This has held up for me for a long time. https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Amplifier-Microphone-Waistband-Presentation/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3VH0LOAIMTDKN&keywords=personal+microphone&qid=1650750502&sprefix=personal+microphon%2Caps%2C293&sr=8-5 My kids call it my Britney Spears mic lol.
Our school provided these and they seem to work well
ZOWEETEK Portable Rechargeable Mini Voice Amplifier with Wired Microphone Headset and Waistband, Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Singing, Coaches, Training, Presentation, Tour Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZTAW9SGG7M45YW92SZ86
I wore a full face pre-vaxx in NYC. I actually didn't get too much attention surprisingly and it was a rather "intense" one. But I honestly didn't like the look of it, so I covered it (pretty much the whole thing - around my head except the top) with an XL Coolnet Buff. I also added a surgical mask with a lanyard style ear saver once exhalations became a concern.
I actually got told off more recently by a group of protestors with a microphone while wearing a black KF94. The main person turned out to be a teacher. People on here should be able to give you good advice and already are when it comes to options. You might want to consider getting a portable voice amplifier, as you'll be harder to be heard in. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5CY7DG0ZBX4BRMHPA5GH
When it comes to looks this company made this white and built in an exhalation filter: https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/comfort-air-nxmd-half-mask-elastomeric-respirator-n95-filters-2/19222560
I'm honestly a little skeptical because it doesn't seem to have a silicone seal which tends to be more comfortable. Though I didn't do a deep dive on it.
Something to keep in mind is that you'll need to remove the filters and clean it each day. I just used a dunking method with a bucket.
I've included a bit of info towards the bottom of the NIOSH section here, but I didn't include that much since basically no one seemed to be interested in actually using one: tinyurl.com/maskinfo2021
I've included plenty of sourcing info for other NIOSH masks including N95s.
Something to keep in mind is what your workplace will actually allow you to wear. There are places that won't allow re-usable respirators or won't allow ones with unfiltered valves. And they are usually not returnable, so if it's not a good match for your face, you're out whatever you paid.
Sealing up a surgical is infinitely worse than just wearing a good n95 or KF94.
Once a surgical mask is "sealed up", what will happen, is that the surgical mask will "collapse" or suck in on your mouth when you inhale. All of your inhalation pressure will be through the filter media the size of your mouth (small area) which makes it very hard to breath through (compared to what you are used to with a surgical).
When you wear a n95 or KF94, the mask stays more rigid and away from your face - thus increasing the filter media surface area that you are breathing through - which equal less resistance to breathing.
My reccomendation for a teacher (what my wife does) - KF94 and a voice amplifier
Better cables and I’ve never used this for guitar because I don’t get feedback but I have some mics and my record player hooked up to this guy and it cures all him
Compact Mini Hum Eliminator Box -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Highly recommend getting something like this to at least help with being heard. I have a pretty quiet voice and it has been a godsend.
If it’s hard for the kids to hear you while wearing an N95, try using a personal mic. Limited-time deal: ZOWEETEK Portable Rechargeable Mini Voice Amplifier with Wired Microphone Headset and Waistband, Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Singing, Coaches, Training, Presentation, Tour Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_EBT4MMABAFE19G2H1659?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Definitely invest in a portable voice amplifier. I've been using this one for $35 and it's been a game changer. As a music teacher, my voice pulls double duty in my class, both to sing and to give instruction. This allows me to use a normal speaking voice while still being heard across the room.
I have a similar situation to yours, but add in allergy drainage. When I learned that masks would be required last year, after teaching for a full week without a voice the previous year, I came to this very reddit and learned of this magical device: ZOWEETEK Portable Rechargeable Mini Voice Amplifier with Wired Microphone Headset https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_WQ148BJEQW7EF2QR7YCF
I will never teach without one again. I also invest a great deal of time into producing short videos of myself, on camera, demonstrating my content.
Students can move at their own pace, review topics that they misunderstood or lost out on due to absence, and I don't have to repeat myself so much.
First of all, you should be able to wear (at least) an N95 mask during a global pandemic. I don't see how they could force you not to wear a mask legally if you care about your health. Secondly, I'd also look into a portable <strong>microphone and speaker</strong>.
I got this one from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV9CCQ
Haven't tested in class yet because I start teaching next week but it seems to work well enough when I tested it at home. Many reviews are from teachers and for under $40 it seems to be worth it.
If you already have a Bluetooth speaker with AUX, you might get a better audio quality from that.
I HIGHLY recommend getting a portable mic and speaker like THIS. We were provided these by the district last year and they worked. They come with wired and wireless headphones. I used the wireless with the headband around my neck and the mic right in front of my mouth. I placed the speaker at the edge of my desk and students were able to hear me without me straining. Every teacher who has to teach through a mask needs something like this. Just remember when you want a more private conversation with a student to turn off the mic for a minute.
We bought this model, which has a wired headset, to eliminate the possibility of interference among multiple teachers using these at the same time. I've had to replace a couple over the course of the year, but since they were only about $30, it was still a pretty good deal.
I bought a hum eliminator on Amazon. Specifically this one Compact Mini Hum Eliminator Box - 2 Channel Passive Ground Loop Isolator, Noise Filter, AC Buzz Destroyer, Hum Killer w/ 2 1/4-Inch TRS Input and Output for 2 Mono / 1 Stereo Signal - Pyle PHE300 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RXH9VVENSFWKXB49PKE4
When I learned that I would be going back to in-person, I picked up one of these hip speakers. Historically, I get a sinus infection every Thanksgiving break and lose my voice the following week.
This year, no sinus infection, and voice is going strong. I might keep using this device even after masks are no longer needed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV9CCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7NH08J0WZMY49MFESA2D
I get that about line-in, but that's only one of the setups I tried. The cheap USB interface is made for guitars so presumably it's high impedance, and my amp input definitely is. I see a similarly massive volume drop in all 3 setups, so I'm skeptical that a RTC would be any different.
After searching around I found this hum eliminator which seem to be all I need, since I already have a pedal to do the splitting. So I'm going to try that.
It could be some kind of grounding issue as well. I've had a problem with this as well with computer audio/recording hardware. A grounding/hum eliminator took care of the problem for me.
Something similar to this...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_L1qXFbGZJSH0T
To expand a bit more: If switching to a laptop fixes your issue (as it did mine), then you can drop one of these in between your interface and monitors to effectively break the "ground loop" caused by the USB ground leaking current into your setup: https://smile.amazon.com/Compact-Mini-Hum-Eliminator-Box/dp/B00BARTW3I/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=hum+eliminator&qid=1603349557&sr=8-5
IIRC one other observation I noticed was that the humming would noticeably change when was using my computer (e.g. moving the mouse, launching a big piece of software). Inducing a big transient load on your CPU can cause the USB ground level to bounce around. Since the USB ground and mains ground can be at different voltage levels (depending on how your computer components were designed), this voltage difference causes an unintended current flow between your components, usually the interface and monitors. The monitors will pick up this current as a real signal, and amplify the noise.
Hope this helps!
This. I have the same prob and these eliminate the ground loop. The cheaper Pyle brand on Amazon work great too. No noise. Compact Mini Hum Eliminator Box - 2 Channel Passive Ground Loop Isolator, Noise Filter, AC Buzz Destroyer, Hum Killer w/ 2 1/4-Inch TRS Input and Output for 2 Mono / 1 Stereo Signal - Pyle PHE300 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BARTW3I/