Strabane-based audio consultant, Michael Kielty of MK Audio, who supplied AKG microphones for this inquiry, explained that the most awkward audio problem faced by the inquiry was that some witnesses - as in many courtroom scenarios - were showing a tendency to mutter their answers and statements, in such a way that they were virtually inaudible over the sound reinforcement system. This therefore called for microphones, which were sensitive and clear enough to pick up these quiet words, even when spoken well off axis to the microphone.
The solution was provided via Kielty's contacts at Arbiter and AKG. "AKG's Discreet Acoustics - GN30E with CK47 combination - absolutely did the trick," said Kielty. "In tests we muttered almost inaudibly at 90° across the axis of the microphone from over four feet away, and every syllable came through the speakers loud and clear! This type of clarity and reliability is absolutely essential, not only in an inquiry of this stature, but also in any court of law, where every word of every witness might hold the key to whether someone's guilty or innocent."
(Lee Baldock)
