Various COVID-19 variants continue to spread throughout the world. As a result, many educational institutions continue to rely on a hybrid teaching model that combines both in-class and at-home learning. With this in mind, Adorama and PreSonus have put together a special hybrid education-focused audio package designed to cater to the specific needs of educators in need of a home teaching setup.
Most teachers already have plenty on their plate, very stringent budgetary limits, and aren’t audio technicians. Therefore, each component within this package is affordable and easy to use. Let’s have a closer look at each of the components that make up this bundle.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio MIDI Interface
At the heart of this bundle is the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio MIDI Interface. This compact USB 2.0 bus-powered audio interface is compatible with most recording software. It’s the central hub that connects the components within this bundle. In turn, it can connect to computers running live-streaming applications like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to facilitate hybrid instruction.
It also features a wealth of connectivity options including two combo mic/instrument inputs with internal high-performance, Class A mic preamplifiers, and two balanced 1/4” line-level output. It also has a MIDI input and output, and a headphone jack with level control and built-in analog mixer for zero-latency monitoring. This allows you to record at 24-bit resolution at 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sampling rates.
The PreSonus AudioBox can also provide +48V of phantom power. This makes it an ideal companion for the H&A lavalier and the PreSonus M7 microphones that come included with this bundle. For you’re looking to implement the PreSonus AudioBox into a stationary setup, it is 1/3U rack-mountable as well.
H&A Omni-Directional Lavalier Microphone (for the teacher)
Compact and unobtrusive electret condenser mics like the H&A HA-OML-XLR Professional Omni-Directional Lavalier XLR Microphone are the ideal choice for educators working in hybrid instructional environments. The omni-directional polar pick-up pattern and low distortion frequency response of the H&A lavalier allow it to pick up sound from all directions and give it a similar sound signature to those found in most stand or desk-mounted microphones.
The included mini lapel clip allows for easy attachment to ties, pockets, etc. Meanwhile, the shielded dynamic mono capsule contained within the lightweight CNC aluminum exterior help to minimize clothing noise. The H&A lavalier pairs nicely with the PreSonus AudioBox and other digital/analog recording devices. This is thanks to its integrated, industry-standard XLR 3-pin connector and lengthy 5.9′ cable. Best of all, the H&A lavalier mic is powered by the +48V of phantom power from the PreSonus AudioBox.
PreSonus Studio Condenser Microphone (for students attending class in person)
Sometimes, there are students attending class virtually who need to hear questions and answers from peers who attend in person. For this, an additional microphone is required: the PreSonus M7 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone.
The PreSonus M7 has a directional cardioid polar pattern to pick up sound in front of the microphone while ignoring those from other directions. This makes it an ideal choice to reduce noises that may be present within the classroom. It also comes with a mic stand, mic stand adapter, 10’ XLR cable, and carrying case.
PreSonus 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers
While they may be compact in size (5.6” × 6.4” × 8.3″), the PreSonus Eris E3.5 Active 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers deliver studio-quality sound that can easily fill most classrooms. This is thanks to its 25W per side Class AB power amplifiers.
Each speaker is powered by a 3.5” (89mm) Kevlar low-frequency transducer and a 1” (25mm) ultra-low-mass, silk-dome, high-frequency transducer. The power switch, volume control wheel, 1/8” stereo auxiliary input, and 1/8″ integrated stereo headphone amplifier output are conveniently located upfront. You’ll also find RCA and 1/4″ balanced TRS inputs around the back as well.
PreSonus HD7 Studio Monitoring Headphones
In multi-input audio setups such as this PreSonus bundle, where multiple microphones can connect, it’s important for each input to be balanced. Designed to accurately reproduce signals from audio inputs without any superfluous processing, studio monitoring headphones like the PreSonus HD7 are perfectly suited to pinpoint potential audio quality issues with ease.
It has a lightweight and ergonomic design, high-resolution neodymium drivers, and precision-tuned acoustic chambers. The PreSonus HD7 offers a comfortable and accurate listening experience as well.
PreSonus Package for Hybrid Teaching: What Else You Need to Know
This PreSonus hybrid education bundle gives educators the ability to broadcast their audio to students attending class in person and virtually. The H&A HA-OML-XLR Professional Omni-Directional Lavalier XLR Microphone serves as the main input for the teacher, while the PreSonus M7 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone functions as the “audience mic” for students attending class in-person. Each audio feed can independently adjust. This allows remote learners to hear instructions from the teacher and questions from in-class students. This all comes without the distraction of extraneous room noise or audio inputs from virtual participants.