How to Prevent Microphone Issues from Sweat Exposure and Over-Usage

AV Now has spent years researching and understanding the best microphones for fitness instruction. One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to microphones is our sweat rating, which determines how much moisture from sweat exposure the microphone can handle during a workout. This rating is crucial because it directly affects the lifespan and performance of the microphone.

In this blog post:

• What is a Sweat Rating for microphones?
• Why is it essential to know the Sweat Rating before purchasing a microphone?
• Impact on Happiness, Attendance, and Performance
• How to Choose the Right Sweat Rating for a Microphone
• Where can I view the sweat ratings for products?
• Help resources for finding the right mic for your fitness classes.

The sweat ratings we have set for each microphone have been determined based on extensive research, testing, and customer feedback from our over 30 years of experience working with fitness professionals. Applying a sweat rating to a microphone is exclusive to AV Now and goes a long way in setting the proper expectation prior to making the investment. 

What is a Sweat Rating for Microphones?
A sweat rating measures the level of sweat resistance a headset microphone has. Sweat is damaging to electronics and can lead to internal corrosion and other damages, causing microphones to malfunction. Sweat ratings range from zero sweat protection to fully waterproof microphones. Facility management and fitness instructors need to look for microphones with a sweat rating that falls within their expected usage to ensure the longevity of the equipment.

Why is it essential to know the Sweat Rating before purchasing a headset microphone?
Purchasing a headset microphone with a sweat rating that does not meet your usage requirements can cause it to malfunction, leading to a negative experience for both the instructor and clients. If the proper microphone equipment is invested the result will be a reliable system that is capable of functioning properly throughout each day without issues or troubleshooting. 

Image above: Shure GLXD14+ Wireless Microphone System with SM31 Headset Microphone - Sweat rating: 1 fitness class per day.

Impact on Happiness, Attendance, and Performance
The wrong sweat rating for a microphone can negatively impact happiness, attendance, and overall performance. The frustration of a malfunctioning microphone can lead to a decline in participation rates and loss of revenue for the gym or wellness center. Furthermore, the instructor's performance can be affected, leading to lower job satisfaction and a decline in the quality of the class.

How to Choose the Right Sweat Rating for a Microphone
When purchasing a headset microphone, first determine how many classes per day the headset would need to be used for. Based on that, select a microphone or microphone system that is rated to withstand your expected class load. For example, if a studio runs 5 classes per day it would be best to select a microphone with a sweat rating greater than 5. Also, if your class load is higher than 3 per day it is recommended to purchase multiple microphones to alternate between classes to reach your usage requirements. This is often necessary in fitness facilities that run a heavy class schedule. 

Where can I view the sweat ratings for products?
We've made it easy for our customers to find the sweat rating information they need for our fitness headset microphones.

• You can check the sidebar filter on the microphone collection pages, where we list the sweat ratings to select from.

• Additionally, each product page contains the sweat rating information above the add to cart button, giving you all the necessary details to make an informed purchase.
• And for those who prefer visual aids, we've included a graphic on the product image that displays the sweat rating for each headset.

In conclusion, the importance of a sweat rating for microphones in fitness classes cannot be overstated. It's crucial to know the sweat rating before purchasing a microphone to ensure the longevity of the equipment and prevent performance issues.

Having the wrong sweat rating can:

• negatively affect happiness, attendance, and class performance
• leading to a decline in revenue and a lower quality experience for both the instructor and attendees.

Choosing the right sweat rating is:

• the key to success for fitness instructors, gym owners, yoga instructors, dance instructors, and wellness center owners alike.

Need help?
At AV Now, we understand that finding the right microphone for your fitness class can be a daunting task. That's why we've made finding the right sweat-rated microphone a breeze. Simply head to our website and navigate to the microphones section. From there, you'll find a wide range of microphones that are specifically designed for fitness environments. We've taken the guesswork out of selecting your new microphone, so you can focus on what really matters - providing your clients with an exceptional experience.

For assistance we are available via:

• email or our contact form
• scheduled calls
• live chat (available during business hours)
• phone calls (800-491-6874 M - F, 8 - 4 PT)