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about Optogate
Every once in a while, along comes a neat little trick that makes live sound work a bit more fun...
by Mike Crofts for Sound on Sound Magazine
In this case it’s called the Optogate: a handy little plug-on microphone mute switch, which has been around for a while now, but somehow I’ve never seen one until the other week when a couple arrived in the post for me to take a peek at. Based in Germany, Optogate is a company that specializes in making a wide range of useful audio add-ons. Presumably starting with the Optogate device itself, but now including products such as cable testers, a mains over-voltage protector, and even a motorized attachment for raising and lowering mic stands remotely during a performance.
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A Solution has Arrived
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01.
Optogate PB-05
The PB-05 is ideal for lead and back-up vocals, acoustical instruments and talk-back mics. Optogate products are by far the best and easiest solution for the most common problems in live audio applications. The PB-05 senses if someone is in front of the microphone and will switch on. The microphone will be switched off automatically if no one is in front of it.
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02.
Optogate PB-06
The Optogate PB-06 is our microphone gate for fixed installations, i.e. Tables, Lecterns and Podiums. This unit is ideal for Churches and Houses of Worship. The PB-06 is equipped with an infrared sensor and senses if someone is in front of the microphone in order to switch on the microphone.
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03.
Optogate PB-07
The PB-07 has a front facing flat IR sensor and mounts vertical on mic stands, (Please be sure that the PB-07 is correct for your application). It is ideal for talk-back mics, lecterns and podiums or where a gooseneck microphone is used, (Adapter may not fit all mic stands). Great for lead and back-up vocals, acoustical instruments in this vertical configuration where you do not want it in-back of the mic such as a PB-05.