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Upgrades for church sound system? Auracast? Anything else?

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In reply to @user990

The relevance to the administrator (which is what this topic is about) is that the administrator doesn’t need to know anything about you or even that you exist. Ok, it’s semantics. To people who’ve been around networks for a while “log in” means to begin an interaction with a computer using an account that’s being logged. That’s not what’s happening when you take a private broadcast. It’s a pointless sidetrack to the discussion though.

We have been implemented the Homespot BA210 V2 broadcaster in our Church, and it is working well for hearing impaired people. However we are using the Homespot headphones, and various brands of Bluetooth Auracast earbuds. We are still waiting for some hearing aids to get firmware updates, and a few people are getting ready to update their hearing aids.
We transmit Auracast in SQ unencrypted mode.
The size of the worship space is 65” x 100” , 20m x 30m, and receivers tested work in this area without problems. With the headphones and earbuds, you can go out to the café or out to the rest rooms which are 125” / 38m away through walls, and still receive the signal fine.
The transmitter is simply plugged into the back of the mixer, dangling down behind a wooden door. I found it was not needed to place it out in the open.
Already the response has been great from the people using the headphones and earbuds. A number have said it’s the first time they have clearly understood the jokes in the announcements, finally understanding all that is spoken through the sermon and readings. Up to now the hearing aids have not coped well the echo that is present in the worship space. The Church has purchased 4 Homespot headphones so far for use in addition to any privately purchased headphones.
We believe this is a better solution than trying to get people using a loop.
Desperately waiting for hearing aid manufacturers to hurry up to extend the range of Auracast enabled hearing aids though.
I even use the earbuds now for listening at the mixing desk rather than the corded headphones (we have a second broadcaster running with a different mix for the bands)
I will post some photos which show the location of the BA210 V2 and the general worship space. Rest rooms are located through a door in the far distance of the photo.

PXL_20250628_232653853_Ed
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In reply to @Wilbur09

This is amazing — thanks so much for sharing! Why are the Brits always ahead on this stuff? :smile:

By the way, we also have a clip-on hearing receiver that works well with the Homespot transmitter:
:point_right: https://avantree.com/products/as70p-bluetooth-adapter-for-headphones27

Some churches here in the US pair it with disposable earbuds to make it easier for senior members. Just thought I’d share in case it’s helpful!

Edited

@PhoebeY I didn’t know he is from Britain!!!

Are the clip on receiver , couldn’t see in the website.
Also, is this to make headphones Auracast compatible, aka receive Auracast stream?

Does the Homespot BA210 V2 stream using calssic bluetooth, if yes, how many hearing aids can connect to it?

Thx

The BA210 does both classic Bluetooth (with the standard limitations), as well as , which has no known limitations on the number of receivers listening to the Auracast stream.

Can I connect my Phonak Naida Lumity with classic bluetooth to those, and if yes, how many hearing aids with classic bluetooth can connect to one box at a time?

Thank you

No，Phonak device is not -enabled yet unfortunately. So you cannot connect it to Auracast audio transmitter yet. If you connect via classic bluetooth, that’s a one to one connection.

In reply to @Wilbur09

Thanks for sharing! Have you registered the location with Bluetooth SIG? That might put some pressure on hearing aid manufacturers and get them to deliver on their promise of enabling their products with .

Auracast Location Registration | Bluetooth® Technology Website12

Auracast Thank you for supporting Auracast™ broadcast audio, a new Bluetooth® capability that can deliver life-changing audio experiences for people visiting your location. Backed by Bluetooth®…

You are absolutely on the right track thinking about for a church upgrade. It is ideal for bypassing church acoustics and broadcasting audio directly to newer hearing aids and cochlear implants.

We (Avantree) have developed a solution specifically for this exact scenario called the AuraPlex MX. It’s designed to plug straight into the church’s existing soundboard and be running in under 10 minutes, providing reverb-free audio to anyone in the congregation with compatible devices (or our receivers).

We know churches need proof before spending budget on new tech, so we offer a 90-day free trial for venues. You can install it, run services for a few months, and get real feedback from your members before committing.

It sounds like the exact upgrade pathway you are looking for.

Auracast Venue Program | 90-Day Free Trial - Avantree23

Apply for a 90-day free trial of the AuraPlex M3 Auracast Kit. Perfect for churches, schools & conferences. Upgrade your venue's assistive listening risk-free.

Installed the Avantree AuraPlex MX system. Used headphone out jack to be able to match levels well. Postioned transmistter on balcony rail and have complete coverage of Sanctuary, choir loft, narthex and lobby. Works very well. Many comments from congregants on clarity of signal. Those with Oticon Intent’s were able to get broadcast straight to hearing aids. Working with a member who has the Resounds to get them working. Recievers furnished with MX system are very good and produced the most amplification for the hardest of hearing. The huge plus for those able to use the straight to headphones was the ability to mix the stream from the system with the actual sound in the room right from the app. Enabled the Live feeling of the service. This system by Avantree was by far the best way to enter. Our old system was RF based. First Presbyterian Church, Vancouver WA. Th

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Joe — this is incredibly helpful for other churches considering .

If any other churches or venues here have tried similar setups, we’d love to hear your feedback as well.

In reply to @Baltazard

The HomeSpot BA308 works BUT you will get a latency issue because you are going from AURACAST to the phone than to classic BLUETOOTH, classic bluetooth latency much higher due to send and recieve. AURACAST works best going straight to AURACAST device. Can not discern a latency issue. The number of AURACAST devices to one receiver is unlimited, range of 300ft is only issue.

To activate and start listening:

  1. Pair your Auracast receiver with your phone via Bluetooth.

  2. Open Bluetooth settings and tap the :gear: icon next to your paired device.

  3. Toggle on the option

  4. Tap “Listen to Auracast Broadcast.”

  5. Turn on your Auracast transmitter.

  6. Select a broadcast from the list to join and start listening.

  7. Remember to save the broadcast(swipe left) so it is stored and don’t have to scan next time just tap on it.

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