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Category: Audio & Event Production

Read time: 7–9 minutes

Best for: Conference organisers, MCs, venues and event teams.

Layout note: Import into the existing post to keep the original publish date and featured image.

Testing 1, 2, 3

Every presenter is different. Some speak loud, some speak softly. Some talk fast, others slow. Some have strong accents, some pronounce their “p’s” more sharply, and some have unique ways of projecting their voice that need a little extra attention to capture clearly.

The only way to get it right is to match the mic to the speaker, the room and the moment. Speaker placement is vital too. Put a mic in front of a speaker box and you risk screeching feedback unless you know exactly what to adjust.

That is why our audio visual technicians do not just plug in and hope. We listen. We test. We adapt. Whether it is a Hunter Valley conference or a national virtual event, we deliver sound that fits the space, the speaker and the budget.

Let’s talk mics

The unsung heroes of every event are, without a doubt, the microphones. Here is a practical rundown of the main types we use at Bax AV, what makes them work and the little things that can make or break the sound at any event or installation.

Lectern Microphones

Best for: podiums, lecterns and speakers who stay put

These are the long-necked mics you will often see attached to a podium. Designed to pick up sound from a fixed position, they are brilliant at capturing a clear voice while minimising background noise, but only when used correctly.

Some are omnidirectional, meaning they pick up sound from all directions. That can help in certain setups, but it also makes them more sensitive to ambient noise. If the speaker turns their head or moves too far off-axis, clarity drops fast.

That is where we step in, adjusting placement and coaching speakers to keep their voice front and centre. And whatever you do, do not touch the mic once it has been set. You could undo the tech’s precise setup and they may need to interrupt your speech to fix it.

Handheld and Stand Microphones

Best for: MCs, live music, walk-and-talks and audience Q&A

Think of the classic mic you hold in your hand or see on a stand at live events. These are dynamic microphones, built tough to handle loud voices and noisy rooms without creating unnecessary feedback.

Wireless mics require batteries. Cabled or corded mics do not, which can make them more reliable for live sound. They are less sensitive than condenser mics, but that is exactly why they work so well in busy, unpredictable environments.

That said, how you hold them matters. Too far away and the sound drops out. Too close to the grille and the speaker’s voice starts to muffle or pop. We coach every speaker on how to hold it just right. It is a skill, not just a grip.

Condenser Lapel Microphones

Best for: presenters who want to move around hands-free

These tiny clip-on mics, also known as lapel or lavalier mics, offer clear, natural sound when worn correctly. As condenser microphones, they are more sensitive than dynamic mics and pick up far more detail, making them ideal for capturing voice in a polished way.

That sensitivity comes at a cost. They need phantom power or batteries, they are more delicate, and they do not cope well with loud environments or being placed near speaker boxes unless you have a skilled audio tech managing the setup.

Worn incorrectly, they can pick up everything you do not want, including rustling clothes, jangling jewellery and muffled audio from a mic tucked under a collar. That is why we do a proper sound check with the speaker talking, not just tapping the mic.

Headset Microphones

Best for: energetic presenters, panel discussions and soft-spoken speakers

These mics wrap around the ear with a boom arm near the mouth, keeping a steady distance so the sound stays consistently clear. You will recognise them from speakers who walk and talk on stage.

Because they sit close to the mouth, they do not need to be turned up as loud, which means there is less risk of feedback compared to other mic types. But they can still get too loud or “hot” without the right adjustments, especially when switching between speakers.

That is where our tech team steps in, keeping everything balanced so every word lands clearly.

Catchboxes

Best for: fun, interactive Q&A sessions and breakout groups

Yes, you can actually toss them. These purpose-made boxes are built with microphones inside and made for interactive speaker participation. They are perfect for audience engagement without awkward mic passing.

We prep the crowd on how to use them and have technicians ready to smooth out levels. We love using catchboxes at events to spark energy and connection. Just do not throw them like a football. They are microphones, not dodgeballs.

The little extras that prevent big problems

• Pop filters and foam windscreens: reduce popping sounds and breath noises, especially on handheld and headset mics.
• Mic clips and mounts: keep lapels steady and stop rustling noises.
• Real-time EQ adjustments: allow live audio operators to adjust tone and volume based on the speaker’s voice and the room.

What is at risk without the right setup?

• Feedback screeches during keynotes.
• Panelists sounding faint or going unheard.
• Popping and muffled sounds ruining recordings or losing whole sentences.
• Distracted speakers and disengaged audiences.
• Lost live streaming content or unusable event replays.
• Missed information and loss of key speaker understanding.

This is not just annoying. It damages your brand, your speakers’ confidence and your message, especially in high-stakes conference production.

Bax AV Approach

We test, listen, brief speakers and manage levels live, so the audience hears the message instead of the problems.

We hear what others miss

We do not just provide AV equipment hire. We offer planning, insight and technical know-how that protect your event from the most common and most avoidable audio disasters.

What you get from Bax AV:

• Custom audio planning tailored to each speaker and session.
• Real-time technician support on the day.
• Fully tested and EQ’d microphone setups.
• AV services for conferences and events across Australia.
• A partner who knows conferences inside and out.
• A partner who understands effective speaking and how to match the right technology with the right voice and event.

“We don’t just test the mic. We listen to the presenter’s voice, habits and energy and then build the setup around them. We brief them, place the audio speakers for full-range, clear audio throughout the room and make sure there’s no feedback. That’s what good AV should do.” — Dale Bax, Owner, Bax Audio Visual

Make mic mistakes a thing of the past

Microphones are your frontline for sound. When they are chosen, placed and managed properly, your speakers shine and your audience stays locked in.

When they are not, you risk feedback, frustration and failure.

Need the right mic for the right moment? Talk to us today. Let’s get your sound sorted. Mic-drop — the good kind.

info@baxav.com.au

Talk to Bax AV about conference production, gala dinners, hybrid events, venue support and technical planning.