We are big fans of Auracast-enabled microphones: they make it much easier for people who need assistive listening solutions to navigate the world around them.
For example, the ReSound MultiMic+ is part of our kit bag because it works so well, and is compact and discreet.
The same applies to the Audeara Audio Transceiver and Lapel Microphone. It is about the size of a commemorative postage stamp and a really nice piece of kit. In fact, it’s a bit of a Swiss Army Knife in terms of functionality.
As such, there are some differences between the MultiMic+ and the EarisMAX microphones, which we have previously reviewed.
First, it comes with a clip-on microphone, complete with an additional plug-in microphone with a windshield. No, that’s not a misprint: the device will function as a microphone on its own, but if conditions demand it, the add-on will enhance clarity. The microphone will work perfectly fine without it, but this offers a more directional focus, picking up the voice far better, especially in windy conditions.
As it plugs in, its position is fixed and cannot be changed. This could be a limitation. However, as far as we are aware, this is currently the only portable Auracast microphone that offers this capability.
The range is up to 50 metres, depending on the environment.
To show what the sound quality is like, Audeara’s Dr James Fielding recorded a YouTube video explaining its features while wearing the microphone.
The second difference is something we think is quite significant.
It is both a receiver and a transmitter. In the latter mode, people can plug in headphones or a portable loopset and pick up the Auracast. The advantage is that, say, a school could purchase a set in which the teacher wears a transmitter microphone and the pupils wear their devices as receivers.
Flipping between the two modes is easy: there is a switch on the side: TX makes it a transmitter, and RX a receiver.
By placing the TX/RX switch in the middle, it can work as a Bluetooth Classic transmitter or receiver. Audeara says that this could be used to connect to a home stereo to receive music from a smartphone, or to transmit television sound to a Bluetooth-enabled pair of headphones.
Essentially, all bases are covered by this ingenious device.
On the front of the microphone is a small button that changes functions depending on how it is pressed. A triple-click will put it in Auracast Broadcast mode. Audeara says the device can automatically search for and broadcast audio to Auracast-enabled devices within range.
To connect to an Auracast in receiver mode, again, a triple click sets it up and running.
We tested the microphone in several environments, including outdoor settings and noisy rooms. We also tested it on a two-hour car journey. It worked incredibly well, with the speech coming through with clarity. This makes it good for tours, small groups, barn dance callers and lecturers. In the car, the microphone picked up both the listener and the speaker, but this was not too distracting.
The price point makes this great value: it is AU$149, roughly £78 in sterling. It’s currently sold out due to high demand, and a wait list is in place.
As with the Audeara Audio Broadcaster, the kit looks good, feels good, and comes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. It offers an impressive solution to entering the Auracast world.
For more details, log on to: https://audeara.com/products/lapel-microphone
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