Calling all UTS teachers! The LX.lab Media Team now has plenty of Boya BY-M1 lapel mics available to help improve your pre-recorded video content. The microphones plug into a standard 3.5mm audio jack on your computer, mobile, or tablet, and will improve the sound quality of your recordings (see the demo below).

We’ll arrange a special mail-out to get one to you while you’re working from home.

If you’d like to loan a lapel microphone please fill out this form by October 27th. Microphones will be posted to your specified address, which can be your home address or a UTS location.

Note: since these lav mics require a 3.5mm headphone jack, and laptops require Windows 10/MacOS, some newer or very old devices may need an additional adapter. Likewise, these are intended for pre-recorded content, rather than live Zoom sessions – as these plug into a headphone jack, they can block sound coming out on some devices while in use. However, there are a range of adapters you can buy for these situations (links below).

If you’d like to see and hear an example of the improvement from using a microphone compared with the in-built sound of an iPad, be sure to check out this video (demo from the 30 second mark):

If you’d like more information on using video for remote teaching during COVID-19, take a look at this brand new video resource guide. If you have any questions, or would like some advice on making your video recordings, please get in touch with the LX.lab Media Team via ServiceConnect.

Note: if you do need a microphone for live Zoom sessions and don’t want to spring for an adapter, you might want to consider using the using the in-ear headphones (usually with an integrated microphone) that came with your phone. Otherwise, one of these adapters (bought separately) will provide additional compatibility. The LX.lab can advise you on what you need:

Microphone/headphone to 3.5mm
Microphone/headphone to USB-2
Microphone/headphone to USB-C

If you’re using these mics to help prepare you for this semester, perhaps you may also be interested in working with the LX.lab Media team to make Welcome Video for your subject. To request a Welcome Video, request a ticket via Service Connect and we’ll get in touch.

Feature image by Richard Clyborne of Music Strive

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