Bluetooth mics (loan kit)
1. What
Bluetooth wireless microphones for mobile phones are available for loan at the George Green Library.
This equipment is intended to help university members create higher-quality videos using their mobile phones.
Availability can be checked by visiting the George Green Library in person or through the library’s online catalogue.
Upon collection, verify that all associated parts are included and in good condition.
The equipment should look like this when collected:
Like this when removed from bag:
And like this when ready to use:
2. Preparing the equipment for use
- Unpack all components from the main pouch, and if required, the lightning adaptor for older iPhones from the side pouch.
- Microphones:
- Receiver:
- Lightning adaptor:
- Charging cables:
- Connect the receiver to the phone, using the adaptor if necessary.
- Switch on the microphones by pressing the button and confirm they are connected by checking for a continous green light.
- Flashing green and red light on the mics means they cannot connect to the reciever. If this happens, ensure the reciever is powered by the phone - it will power off if disconnected.
- The adaptor will flash red if no mics are connected. Once mics are connected this will stop.
- If there is no light on microphones, then plug them into a power source using the provided USB cables until the red light goes off (typically between 1-4 hours).
3. Testing the microphone setup
- Open the video recording app on phone.
- Phone settings can vary, depending on the phone and application, it may be necessary to manually select the new microphones instead of the built-in microphone.
- Instructions for changing the microphone used by a phone can be found online by searching the phone model and the phrase "select audio input" (e.g., “Samsung Galaxy S23 select audio input”).
- For example, you may need to find audio setting like these:
- Conduct a brief test recording and tap each Bluetooth microphone a few times, ensuring the phone is at least 1 metre away (so you can be sure the recorded sound is from the Bluetooth mics and not picked up ambiently from the built in microphone).
- Review the test recording to confirm that both microphones are functioning. Loud tapping sounds from both mics indicate proper operation.
- If no loud tapping then check phone mic settings and the microphone light - if no microphone light then charging may be needed.
- Proceed once testing has been successful.
4. Using the microphones
- Attach the microphones to clothing using the clip, position them as close to the mouth as possible, ideally in a central position, however, to the side may be ok - test to be sure.
- It's a good idea to do a quick test whenever changing things i.e. the location or personnel, to ensure the mics work well with the new environment and positioning.
5. Packing away
- Return the kit fully packed away as expected.
- Disassemble before packing.
- Most components go into the main compartment.
- The lightning adaptor goes into the side pocket.
- Notify library staff of any breakages to ensure the equipment remains functional.
Further Reading
List of Resources, Activities, and Links