A panel of audio specialists will explore why good microphone technique remains essential to clear, intelligible sound.

ISCVE has announced the panel for its Industry Forum, taking place immediately after the AGM at Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry, on Tuesday 16 March at 3pm, as part of ISCVEx 2027.

Titled “Mic Check: Why Good Microphone Technique Still Matters,” the panel will explore how microphone use affects sound quality and speech intelligibility, from everyday announcements to emergency communications.

The discussion will be chaired by Mark Bailey MInstSCVE, ISCVE Council Member and ISCVEx Committee Chair, with three panellists bringing complementary experience:

• “Brew” Breward MInstSCVE, Audio and Communications Specialist at The All England Lawn Tennis Club
• John Willett MInstSCVE, Managing Director of Sound-Link ProAudio, microphone specialist and recordist
• Jim Smith CEng MIET MIOA FInstSCVE, ISCVE President and Associate Director at Vanguardia, a Buro Happold company

Drawing on experience across stadia, live events, broadcasting, recording, voice alarm and safety-critical communications, the panel will explore what good microphone technique looks like and where problems commonly arise.

Topics will include microphone positioning, speaking pace and level, speech intelligibility, avoiding feedback and the extent to which technology can compensate for poor technique. Practical examples will cover routine and emergency announcements, interviews, paging and live event communications, including applications at The Championships, Wimbledon.

The discussion will also look beyond the microphone itself, considering how users can be given constructive guidance, whether basic training should form part of every system handover and how microphone use and system performance should be monitored following installation.

Audience participation will be encouraged, with opportunities to share practical advice, experiences and microphone “horror stories.” These contributions will help inform a wider discussion about how ISCVE and the industry can encourage better practice.

The AGM and Industry Forum will be followed by the ISCVEx Networking Dinner and ISCVE Awards that evening. The seminars and exhibition will take place on Wednesday 17 March.

ISCVEx 2027 takes place on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 March 2027 at Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry.

Find out more and register here:

ISCVEx 2027 – Register Here