Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home audio system or add some gear to your AV production setup, an auction is the perfect place to find all of the equipment you need.
A recent auction for surplus AV equipment from rental houses PRG and Red Star Pictures saw new highs in several metrics, including the number of registered bidders and total buyers.
Sound system
Sound system auctions are an important part of any fundraising event. They allow auctioneers to speak clearly, so guests can participate in the bidding process. Using professional audio equipment can make a huge difference in how successful an auction is, and the extra money that goes into hiring professionals will pay for itself many times over in improved participation with your audience.
Unlike most hotel and country club banquet rooms where built-in sound systems are designed for one purpose (an after dinner guest speaker or a quiet social gathering), the speakers at an auction need to be loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room, while not being distorted by other noises such as scraping forks against plates. That’s why it is essential to use a benefit auction quality surround sound system when hosting your next fundraiser.
The most popular system used by auctioneers is the Anchor Audio MiniVox, but there are a few other choices, including Lectrosonics and AmpliVox. They all offer wireless operation, and most have a variety of inputs for music, CD players, etc.
Another thing that makes these sound systems ideal for auctions is their ability to eliminate feedback, which can be an irritation and distracting to the audience. Several factors can contribute to this: properly informed speaker placement, proper microphone handling and good equalization.
In addition, these systems are also great for helping the auctioneer’s voice stay clear of the background noise and voices of the crowd for long periods of time. This helps to keep the auctioneer from having to strain to talk above a very noisy room, and ensures that every bidder hears what the auctioneer is saying.
It is not uncommon for an auctioneer to have to raise their voice a little bit during the bidding portion of an auction, so a well-compressed sound system is a must for this activity. Compression for the human voice is especially important in competitive bidding, when it can become very loud.
For a large auction, you can also use a portable public address system, which is great for auctioneers who want to walk through the crowd or carry their system with them to wherever they need to go during the auction. All of these portable PA systems are battery powered, so you can easily move them around the room without worrying about finding a power outlet.
Microphones
A microphone is a device that records and transmits sound. These devices are often used by teachers, entrepreneurs, IT professionals and others to present information or videos. They are also used in concerts, music festivals and other events where sound is important.
The auction of portions of the broadcast spectrum has created an opportunity for wireless microphone operators to make a smooth transition from the 600 MHz service band, as long as they adhere to the regulations that have been put in place. These regulations are designed to minimize interference to television and 600 MHz service licensees, while protecting users from harmful operation of their wireless microphone systems.
In an effort to help ease the transition, the FCC has proposed a time period that allows users of 600 MHz wireless mic systems to continue operations on the band under certain conditions until July 13, 2020. During this time, the FCC will monitor the use of 600 MHz to ensure that the new operating rules are being observed.
For more information about the transition of microphone operation from the 600 MHz band, please review the FCC’s website and read through its FAQs section for more details. In the meantime, licensed audio engineers should coordinate with their video counterparts and ensure that they do not introduce any unlicensed wireless microphone systems into their workflow.
If your operation will involve using a lot of wireless microphones, you should consider purchasing a Part 74 license from the FCC to protect them from interference. These licenses allow for the registration of frequencies in a database that will provide interference protection based on a variety of criteria, including need and professional ability to operate in these bands.
This will help keep your microphones working properly in the future, as more and more white space devices (WSD) are in use in the United States. Currently, WSD are only polled on a 24 hour basis; but in the future, the FCC is proposing that white space database administrators will be able to “push” information to these devices, so that channels can be reserved in about 20 minutes.
Power amplifier
A power amplifier is a type of audio equipment used to increase the volume and clarity of sound. They are commonly found in home audio systems, speakers, televisions, mobile phones and other consumer electronics devices.
The global power amplifier market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. The growing demand for consumer electronic devices in developing countries is driving the growth of this industry. In addition, advancement in technology and the development of telecommunication equipment are also expected to boost the growth of this industry.
Companies in the power amplifier market are developing new products and technology to meet the needs of customers. For instance, NXP Semiconductors is expanding its product portfolio to include Class-D audio amplifiers to deliver high-resolution audio for voice-enabled and smart-home applications. Its strategic acquisition of Merus Audio in February 2018 is expected to boost the company’s growth in the power amplifier market.
Another company focusing on organic strategies to gain a competitive edge is Texas Instruments. Its technological innovations and capabilities in manufacturing enable the company to offer a wide range of power amplifiers for different application areas. It has been developing digital-input Class-D audio amplifiers for personal electronics devices such as smart speakers, sound bars, notebooks, TVs and projectors.
Asia Pacific is one of the largest markets for power amplifiers. The region has a large population, which is an important factor driving the growth of this industry. It is also the biggest market for power amplifiers for telecommunication equipment, consumer electronics and automotive.
Speakers
A high-quality speaker system is essential for the success of any audio auction, says Keith Fox, benefit auctioneer and professional DJ. It must be able to deliver the power and dynamic range music requires. It also needs to be capable of delivering the sound clarity and quality necessary for an auctioneer to command a room.
A wireless microphone is a big deal for auctioneers, since it allows them to transmit their voice to a large crowd from up to 100 feet away. Wireless systems have a transmitter that is either belt-clip style or plug-style and a receiver that receives the transmission.
Proper placement of the speakers is key, as well. For best results, the auctioneer should have each speaker positioned on a stand that goes up in the air at least 8 feet above the floor. This will allow the bidders in the back of the room to hear the auctioneer as well. This is especially true when the auctioneer is introducing items, as he needs to be heard in order to properly describe the item and make a proper introduction. Additionally, the speakers must be placed at the correct volume to allow the audience to hear the auctioneer without hearing background noise from tables and chairs.