This just in from an astute reader...

Regarding the audio hum from the dais, Selection Committee Meeting last night.


"What seemed to be a low frequency hum was present last night as the Selection Committee met at City Hall.      Some of us use wide range speakers for computer playback, which amplify low frequencies.

It was particularly noticeable when residents were speaking, since the automatic  gain in the system was being suppressed by the hum, causing a slightly lower volume than we are accustomed to at home.    This hum can not be heard in the chamber.

Upon closer examination, it appeared that  Commissioner Mulvehill’s laptop was leaning directly against the microphone.

The end result was difficulty hearing the residents comments at the podium, since the auto gain lowered the usually crisp and clear statements by citizens of Lake Worth.

Five minutes before the meeting ended, the laptop was closed up, and the hum disappeared.    Simply, the cause was the fan running in the laptop.

This can be verified by viewing playback of the meeting.

It is recommended that Commissioners and guests pull their laptops away from direct contact with the microphones, in order to avoid this problem at future meetings."

This from a person who is a Life Member, Society of Broadcast Engineers “SBE”