Testing Loops

Because you cannot listen to the sound on a loop without a hearing aid, it is difficult to really know that your induction loop is working without asking someone with an aid to inform you, which is often embarassing.

There are a number of devices which allow you to listen in on the loop as if you have a hearing aid, and others which give you the "field strength" of the loop. We recommend that you have a loop listener or field strength meter to ensure that you are putting the right sound onto the loop, and that you really are helping those in need.

ChurchPA supplies a good selection of loop equipment, and we would be delighted to discuss your needs.

Tim.

Induction Loop Amplifier v.s. Audio Amplifier

Ocassionally in older churches, a "normal" audio amplifier is being used to drive an induction loop for the hard of hearing. This is the "way it was done" when purpose built induction loops did not exist. However, these days, it is NOT really acceptable to continue to do this....

We do not recommend using a standard audio amplifier to drive an induction loop as they really are not designed for this job. Having said this, they do work and are able to drive a loop, but it is very taxing for the amplifier to drive a low impedance loop and often the sound quality on the loop is much lower than that from an induction loop amplifier. You are also at risk of damaging the amplifier. Induction loop amplifiers are designed to drive the high current needed for a loop, they also have built in compressors to ensure that even if the source signal gets quieter or louder, the signal provided to loop users is of a consistent level, ensuring that they have a comfortable sound level in their hearing aid.

We supply a full range of induction loop amplifiers for all sizes of room, if you plan to replace your audio amplifier with a dedicated loop amplifier, we will need to know the dimensions of your room to be able to specify the correct amplifier.

Also check before re-using your existing loop cable that there is just a SINGLE turn around the room. To increase the impedance of an old loop they used to take several turns around the room (this was to prevent the audio amplifier overheating). It is not acceptable to have multiple turns with a modern loop amplifier.

***** Visit us online at www.ChurchPA.co.uk *****
***** Phone 0845 430 9486 *****

Royal PA

Hello everyone!

Just got back from the most amazing experience - providing a PA for Royalty! To be specific, we provided PA for the Gypsy Moth IV re-dedication on the Cutty Sark in London and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne was present for the dedication.

This was a real honour for us, and I think, the first time that our equipment has been checked by a sniffer dog. What an amazing world!

Well - we hope to post photographs soon.

Bye for now.

Tim