In times of COVID-19, the way we relate and communicate must be rethought. Fortunately, advances in technology have created a number of audio solutions that facilitate remote communication and safer meetings.
Public events: megaphones, public address systems and compact public address systems
If you need to organize a public event, indoors or outdoors, you may find it more difficult to be heard by the same number of people: when everyone is about two meters apart, everyone is further away.
There are several solutions to this problem, and your needs and prices will help you determine the best option for you.
Megaphones are the least expensive option and are perfect for crowd management. Some models even include a siren feature to attract the attention of the crowd.
At a slightly higher price, loudspeakers can cover greater distances with better fidelity than megaphones. Loudhailers are great when you can mount them on a vehicle or structure, as they are less portable than megaphones. If you need to communicate with a widely distributed group of people in an outdoor setting and you need something under $600, a speaker may be your perfect choice.
Finally, if you need more amplification than a speaker or megaphone can provide, or if you’re looking for something portable that can be used both indoors and outdoors, you’ll probably want to consider a PA system. Public address systems can differ greatly in price, power and ideal use, but they all have three things in common: an amplifier, speakers and microphone. Audiolinks.com sells a variety of PA packages that include everything you need to get started – just plug them in and start using them!
The workplace: intercom systems for social distance communication
The workplace has become one of the main culprits in the spread of COVID-19. Factories and warehouses are particularly vulnerable to the spread of disease, as noisy environments force workers to speak loudly to each other in close proximity.
However, two-way intercom systems can eliminate the need to shout or stand close to co-workers. The systems allow colleagues to speak at a quieter volume (spraying fewer droplets that may contain a virus) from socially safe distances.
Two-way Listen Talk systems, in particular, offer clear communications from a top manufacturer. Just press the button to talk to your coworkers and wait for their response.
Noise-cancelling headphones provide even more clarity for noisy work environments where it can be difficult to hear the sound of machinery.
Even in non-Covid times, these systems are extremely useful in allowing colleagues to talk more easily over greater distances, saving time, protecting vocal cords, and helping to slow the spread of more mundane viruses like colds and flu.
Meetings: Social distance meetings beyond Zoom
As the spread of the coronavirus slows and regulations begin to ease, it may make sense to hold in-person meetings again, but it’s still likely not safe for groups to gather close together and sit next to each other of others
Conferencing systems can help bridge that gap, literally and metaphorically. Conferencing systems allow clear communication between a group of people during meetings and conferences. Each participant has a microphone that amplifies their voice, and a moderator has access to a central control unit so they can control who speaks when and facilitate the flow of the conversation.
Conferencing systems are scalable and can work for groups as small as five people up to a hundred!
And, if you need a conference system for a short period of time, Audiolinks can rent a system for you – we offer delivery, set-up and sanitization of all equipment before use.
Times are tough right now, but the right audio equipment can make social distancing easier and keep everyone safer. Call us to help you determine the right solution for you.