Microphone Guide¶
This page lists every microphone, what it is used for, and which channel it lives on at the QU-5D mixer. This is the page to check when someone asks "which microphone is that?" or "why can't I hear the pulpit?".
Microphone list¶
| Channel | Microphone | Type | Used for | Battery? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lectern Sennheiser condenser | Wired condenser | The person speaking at the lectern | No |
| 2 | Handheld radio mic | Wireless handheld | Roving / guest speaker, readings | Yes |
| 3 | Handheld radio mic | Wireless handheld | Second roving / guest speaker | Yes |
| 4 | Headset radio mic | Wireless headset | Service leader, hands-free | Yes |
| 5 | Pulpit Sennheiser condenser | Wired condenser | The person speaking at the pulpit | No |
| — | Stereo pair of Rode M5 | Wired condenser pair | Choir and organ | No |
Condenser vs radio — in plain English
- Condenser microphones (Channels 1 and 5, and the Rode M5 pair) are wired. They never need batteries and are always ready.
- Radio microphones (Channels 2, 3 and 4) are wireless. They run on batteries and must be switched on.
Each microphone explained¶
Channel 1 — Lectern microphone¶
A Sennheiser condenser fixed at the lectern. Used by whoever is reading or speaking from the lectern. Always available — no battery, no on/off for the operator. Just raise fader 1.
Channel 2 — Handheld radio microphone¶
A wireless handheld mic that can be carried anywhere. Used for guest speakers, interviews, children's talks or readings away from the lectern. Needs a battery and must be switched on.
Channel 3 — Handheld radio microphone¶
A second wireless handheld, identical to Channel 2. Use it when two roving microphones are needed at once. Needs a battery and must be switched on.
Channel 4 — Headset radio microphone¶
A wireless headset worn on the head, leaving the wearer's hands free. Usually used by the service leader or preacher who moves around. Needs a battery and must be switched on.
Channel 5 — Pulpit microphone¶
A Sennheiser condenser fixed at the pulpit. Used by whoever is preaching or speaking from the pulpit. Always available — no battery. Just raise fader 5.
Choir / Organ — Rode M5 stereo pair¶
Two Rode M5 condenser microphones set up as a stereo pair to capture the choir and organ. Wired, no batteries. They give the livestream and room a fuller sound during music.
How to bring a microphone up¶
- Find the fader with the matching label on the QU-5D.
- Make sure its MUTE button is not lit.
- Slide the fader up to a normal speaking level.
➡️ More on the mixer controls: QU-5D Mixer.
How to know which radio mic to hand out¶
- For a single roving speaker → Channel 2 handheld.
- For a second roving speaker at the same time → Channel 3 handheld.
- For a hands-free leader → Channel 4 headset.
Always check the battery first
Before handing out a radio mic, check it is switched on and the battery is good. A flat battery is the most common reason a radio mic "doesn't work". See Battery Replacement.
Radio mic receivers need the power strip on
The three radio microphone receivers are powered by the top power strip (Startup Step 7). If that strip is off, none of the radio mics (Channels 2, 3 and 4) will work, even with fresh batteries. See Sunday Startup — Step 7.
Avoiding feedback (the loud squeal)¶
Feedback happens when an open microphone hears the speakers and loops the sound back on itself.
To avoid it:
- Only open microphones that are in use. Lower faders for the rest.
- Keep handheld mics pointed at the mouth, not at the speakers.
- Do not turn a fader much higher than normal to chase a quiet talker — ask them to speak closer to the mic instead.
Quick troubleshooting¶
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Can't hear lectern (Ch 1) | Fader down or muted | Raise fader 1, un-mute |
| Can't hear pulpit (Ch 5) | Fader down or muted | Raise fader 5, un-mute |
| Can't hear a handheld (Ch 2/3) | Mic off or flat battery | Switch on / replace battery |
| Can't hear headset (Ch 4) | Mic off or flat battery | Switch on / replace battery |
| None of the radio mics work (Ch 2, 3, 4) | Receiver power strip off | Switch on the top power strip (Startup Step 7) |
| Mic works in room, not online | Not in livestream mix | See Livestream Mix |
➡️ More help: No Sound.