View source for Use In-Class Microphones

{{AboxNew
| name = Use In-Class Microphones
| learning = 
| instruction = x
| community = x
| summ = How to use and setup in-class microphones for remote teaching
| maintained = DIS
| year = 2024-2025
}}
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=== Why Use In-Class Microphones? ===
In-class microphones should be used when deans or school administrators indicate a student is out for an extended period of time. Students are sometimes given the option to join a class through Zoom and participate in '''''remote listening only.''''' It is important to know how to set up the microphones. 

===Using In-Class Microphones===

==== Set-up Microphone ====
We have deployed a '''''Snowball microphone''''' on a height-adjustable stand to most Hill classrooms and teachable indoor spaces. The '''''Snowball microphone''''' has two distinct uses:

#'''''Vocal mic''''' for video voice-overs, Zoom sessions, and other occasions where your voice needs to be upfront, clear and crisp
#'''''Omnidirectional mic''''' for capturing class discussions

'''''On the back of the microphone''''' is a small switch found above the cable connection. Use the following settings depending on the type of class or desired recording: 

* '''''Position 1''''' is for close vocals
* '''''Position 3''''' for classroom and groups
[[File:SB_Switch.jpg|438x438px]]

==== Connect Microphone to Laptop ====
Once you've put the microphone in the correct mode, '''''make sure the microphone is plugged into the Anker hub'''''. Most classrooms have the same Anker Hub installed. Some classrooms may have a white Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, especially classrooms without Epson Interactive projectors. 

* Plug the '''''microphone USB cable''''' into the '''''Anker hub''''' or '''USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter''' (photos below)
* Plug the silver '''''USB-C cable''''' (from the Anker hub) or the '''''Digital AV Multiport Adapter''''' into your '''''school issued computer'''''
* Check the audio source settings on your computer in '''''System Settings > Sound > Input''''' tab and make sure the Blue Snowball microphone is selected
** In Google Meet, click on the '''''three vertical dots icon''''', click '''''Settings''''', and under '''''Microphone''''' check that the Blue Snowball microphone is selected
** In Zoom, under the '''''audio icon''''', click the '''''arrow''''' and select the the Blue Snowball microphone is selected

Read more about this technology on the [[Hybrid Classroom AV]] page.

== Current Riverdale Microphone Models ==
Here is an image of the model we're using at RCS. It is glossy black in color, and sits on a floor mic stand with a weighted base. When the mic is active and has power, the red LED at the top is illuminated. For vocal use, position the microphone a bit lower than mouth level, either standing or sitting. A 16' USB cable connects the  microphone to the Anker USB-C hub USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for use in class.

[[File:Glossy_Black_Snowball.png|177x177px]]

== Anker Hub and Multiport Adapter ==
[[File:Anker.png|left|thumb|Anker Hub. USB ports on the left side]]
[[File:AMPA.jpg|none|thumb|Apple Multiport AV Adapter. USB port on the right side]]
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