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Announce system using laptop

  • 26-08-2008 9:29am
    #1
    Glenman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭


    I need a cheap announcing system for a small function and I don't need the cost of hiring a speaker etc. I have two fairly decent speakers for playing music from my laptop and I also have a microphone for my laptop which I use for VOIP.
    Is there any software I can use so that when I speak into the microphone it is transmitted over the speakers?


Comments

  • #2
    euph
    Closed Accounts Posts: 89 ✭✭euph


    You don't need any extra software to do it.

    Open your windows volume control, and in playback devices set the microphones volume not muted and at a volume that doesnt cause feedback. It should just come out over the speakers.

    Works in XP anyway, presume it's the same in vista.


  • #3
    Glenman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭Glenman


    euph wrote: »
    You don't need any extra software to do it.

    Open your windows volume control, and in playback devices set the microphones volume not muted and at a volume that doesnt cause feedback. It should just come out over the speakers.

    Works in XP anyway, presume it's the same in vista.

    I am uing vista. I clicked on "Sound" in the control panel but the microphone is not an option in playback devices. Can I do the above quoted with vista?


  • #4
    Glenman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭Glenman


    Glenman wrote: »
    I am uing vista. I clicked on "Sound" in the control panel but the microphone is not an option in playback devices. Can I do the above quoted with vista?


    Can anyone help with this? I am using vista


  • #5
    Jackz
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,506 ✭✭✭Jackz


    It's not a GUI option. You need to edit the registry and the entry you need to edit depends on your hardware e.g. Link

    So search google for "monitor mic" or "monitor line in" and include your laptop or sound card make and model.


  • #6
    Glenman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭Glenman


    Glenman wrote: »
    I need a cheap announcing system for a small function and I don't need the cost of hiring a speaker etc. I have two fairly decent speakers for playing music from my laptop and I also have a microphone for my laptop which I use for VOIP.
    Is there any software I can use so that when I speak into the microphone it is transmitted over the speakers?

    Thanks guys for all your help. I managed to unmute the microphone and its now playing through the speakers.
    As you mentioned above, feed back is a big problem. How would I get the maximum possible volume without feedback? Have the mic as far as possible away from the speakers? Can I get an extension cable for my microphone?


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  • #7
    Anti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,401 ✭✭✭✭Anti


    Yeah you can get extenders:

    http://www.cables.ie/audio---video-cables/3-5mm-jack-audio/p50_3-5mm-stereo-extension-lead-coiled.html

    http://www.misco.ie/productinformation/~142895~WW~/Videk%203.5mm%20Stereo%20Jack%20Plug%20to%20Socket%203Mtr.htm

    I'd imagine peats and maplins have them too but i couldnt see anything when i had a quick look


  • #8
    humaxf1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 865 ✭✭✭humaxf1


    to be honest, PC microphones are cheap and nasty. they might sound ok over VOIP, but over a PA system through a buzzy laptop probably won't cut it.

    bite the bullet and hire: (it wont break the bank plus you won't be kicking yourself for not hiring it)

    a pair of powered speakers that has a mic level input and loop thru to the other speaker
    a PA mic like a shure or sennheiser
    long enough XLR-XLR mic cables for the mic and to link the other speaker

    a 3.5m extension is a bad idea because it is likely to act as an aerial and pick up interference


  • #9
    Glenman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭Glenman


    humaxf1 wrote: »
    to be honest, PC microphones are cheap and nasty. they might sound ok over VOIP, but over a PA system through a buzzy laptop probably won't cut it.

    bite the bullet and hire: (it wont break the bank plus you won't be kicking yourself for not hiring it)

    a pair of powered speakers that has a mic level input and loop thru to the other speaker
    a PA mic like a shure or sennheiser
    long enough XLR-XLR mic cables for the mic and to link the other speaker

    a 3.5m extension is a bad idea because it is likely to act as an aerial and pick up interference

    I have bought the extension cable now, I have tried it indoors and the feedback is greatly reduced. I will try it outdoor at the weeken. If the system in not sufficient I will hire an announce system. It would pbobably not be loud enough for a small outdoors crowd. I was hoping to use the laptop system as I would be able to play music as well.


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