Company Background and Expertise
S&L Integrated is a premier A/V systems contractor in the American Southeast, serving government and corporate offices, schools, hospitals, and houses of worship from its three locations in Georgia and Tennessee. Director of Operations Gage Helton has expertise with courtrooms, having designed audio systems for almost 150 courts in the region. In this context, it is crucial to maintain accurate records and ensure that all parties can hear each other without misunderstanding. The quality of audio is paramount, and S&L Integrated relies on Audix MG18 and MG18HC gooseneck mics with ATS1 base units and ADX60 boundary microphones.
Key Features of the MG18 and MG18HC Microphones
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- MG18 and MG18HC gooseneck condenser mics
- ATS1 heavy-duty tabletop base with XLR input
- ADX60 boundary microphones for remaining speakers
Why Choose Audix for Courtroom Audio
According to Gage Helton, the most important person in the room is the witness. The second most important is the judge, and then the jury. To ensure that all parties can hear each other clearly, S&L Integrated uses column array speakers, tunes them, and then uses the MG18 mics in most places. However, for positions closer to the arrays, the MG18HC is preferred due to its hypercardioid pickup pattern.
“From an audio perspective, the most important person in the room is the witness,” he begins. “The second most important is the judge. Then, obviously, you need to be able to hear the jury. Many contractors that do general-purpose installations don’t make things audible enough when they do courtrooms, or there’s feedback because they didn’t EQ the room. For this reason, we tend to use column array speakers, tune them, then the MG18 mics in most places. But for positions closer to the arrays, we’ll opt for the MG18HC, which is essentially the same mic with a hypercardioid pickup pattern.”
The ATS1 Base Unit
The ATS1 base unit is a key component of the Audix system. It accepts gooseneck mics via an XLR input and provides a solid foundation for the sound. According to Helton, the ATS1 is built like a tank and deadens table vibrations, making it an ideal choice for courtrooms.
- ATS1 base unit with XLR input
- Deadens table vibrations
- Physical button with tactile feedback
- Detachable cable XLR output jack
The Benefits of Using Audix Microphones in Courtrooms
Helton explains that the MG18, MG18HC, and ADX60 microphones are used because they don’t require much maintenance or adjustment. They are simply plug-and-play, and S&L Integrated uses them for all their courtroom installations.
“We like them because we don’t have to think about them. They just do what they’re supposed to do. We’ll have the witness and jury foreman mics on shock mounts, and everything else on the ATS1 bases. Then, the ADX60s go on surfaces like the prosecution and defense attorneys’ tables, for sidebar conversations, which also need to be on the record,”
Additional Considerations
Helton notes that S&L Integrated uses multiple microphones in some installations to ensure accurate transcription and to provide a press feed for reporters. The ADX60 boundary microphones are used to capture the audio of remaining speakers, and the MG18 mics are used for the witness and jury foreman.
- Using multiple microphones for accurate transcription
- Providing a press feed for reporters
- Using ADX60 boundary microphones for remaining speakers
Audix Customer Service
Helton praises Audix customer service, citing the responsiveness and quick resolution of issues. He notes that the company’s customer service has been instrumental in ensuring the success of S&L Integrated’s installations.
“I also want to give a shout out to AUDIX’s customer service,” notes Helton. “Guys like Lofty [Whitaker, eastern regional sales manager] have been fantastic to deal with. Our local rep, Richard Hembree with Griffith Sales, makes sure we always have the most current information about products that might solve problems. Every time we’ve ever needed any kind of service from AUDIX, they’ve been quick and responsive, so we love those guys. We love AUDIX products because they’re freakin’ bulletproof. They. Just.
