Pre-show setup
What to broadcast before the show
Customers like to check their equipment is working before the show starts. Within the auditorium, it is helpful to have pre-show audio broadcast over Auracast that customers can listen to. Continuous speech, presented at a level that matches the volume level of dialogue in the show is ideal. Including a mixture of male and female speech is helpful for customers who need to adjust tone controls. If you have a stereo broadcast, including different talkers, panned left and right, is also beneficial.
Since this pre-show audio is not presented through the PA, it is important to ensure that it is muted when the show starts. This is straightforward to automate using show control software. If your venue cannot automate this, establish a robust process to ensure it happens at the right time, every time.
Once customers have checked that they are connected they will likely want to communicate with their companions. The Auracast signal can be turned down on the receiver, the customer’s app or by simply removing the headphones or neckloop.
Checking in with system users
An important capability of Auracast is that customers can turn up with their own equipment and use it independently. There is no need to tell anyone.
However, some people may need help, either because they need to borrow equipment or because they have not used the system before.
Look out for anyone who might be using the system and be ready to offer support if needed. Some people don’t like to ask for help but if you start a conversation they may feel more able to share any challenges they are facing.
For customers who inform you of their desire to use the Assistive Listening system, consider how and where to support them in setting up their equipment. This will look different depending on your venue and you could try different approaches to see what works for your customers. Some examples include:
- Front-of-house team radios the duty manager of where Assistive Listening guests are sitting so the usher team can watch and intervene if necessary
- Front-of-house team accompanies user into auditorium and assists with setup
- Customers are given a pager device with a button they can press to request help.
Audio expertise on-hand
From time to time, customers will have questions or encounter issues that are beyond the expertise of front-of-house staff. A sound engineer or other members of the technical team may be able to diagnose a fault, so it helps if they are on hand. Even if the problem cannot be resolved, it is helpful to capture details of the issue with sufficient technical detail such that it can be documented and investigated later.