Testing…One, Two - The Use of Throat Mics On and Off the Field
Author: Vermeeren Peter
Date Created: Feb 8, 2007 - 4:17:35 AM
Throat mics are the choice device for both tactical use and for play in Airsoft and paintball games for several reasons. First of all, walkie-talkies necessitate the use of hands that are better used in maneuvers - firing, reloading weaponry, etc. Also, these are loud and alert the opposition to you position much more easily. On top of that, a lot of static and background noise is received over the line, significantly diminishing communication abilities. While headsets could be used, they often are bulky and do not fit well inside a helmet, which is worn for most applications where such devices would be employed. Again, these will also pick up a wide range of background noise in listening for your voice. The throat mic provides an advantage for several reasons over both of these primitive devices, especially in gaming and combat scenarios.
In examining these advantages, it is important to first understand how a throat mic works. The device is worn around the neck as opposed to over the head, making it more comfortable to wear without worrying about it being tight beneath the helmet or falling off your head. Also, because the throat mic is not looking for sound, it doesn't pick up background noise and actually cancels out feedback. Instead of looking for sound, the throat mic is a device that looks for vibrations in the throat that activate the ear drum and process within the brain as clear, concise speech. This eliminates the need to talk loudly, decipher words spoken through severe static, or be concerned with background noise.
The technology is excellent for all sorts of outdoor activities that require the use of both hands and are vigorous, making it difficult to keep a headset in place. Hunting, horseback riding, four-wheeling, skiing, and other activities have greatly benefited from the use of throat mics, but even more so paintballing, Airsoft gaming, and even laser tag have found the benefit of employing the use of throat mics. In these games, it has become a great advantage to be able to use both hands to wield instruments of play (guns, shields, etc) and communicate without loud, static-ridden walkie-talkies that easily identify your position to the opposition. Also, it allows clearer communication between teammates.
More important than gaming, however, is the use of throat mics for military operations. Freeing up hands for tactical maneuvers is essential to the functionality of soldiers in combat. These warriors can't be distracted by picking up a walkie-talkie every time they need to contact another individual. At the same time, helmets are an essential part of body armor, and there is no real way to comfortably wear a headset underneath a standardized helmet. Not wearing a helmet puts the individual in danger AND allows the headset to slip out of place or even fall off with motion. Because the throat mic devices typically rest around the neck and balance there with adjustments to fit tight, it relieves the need to wear it on the head and also braces itself against jarring, meaning that soldiers in combat can move about freely without fear of losing communication ability, since it won't fall off.
The fact that a throat mic looks for throat vibration rather than actual sound waves also negates the need to speak loudly, which not only helps to secure the location of the soldiers by not audibly giving away position but also reduces the need for "code" speech, which can be difficult to process in the mind under pressure.
There are various types of throat mics, some of which detect only one side of the throat and others that are more sophisticated and sensitive, picking up vibrations from all vocal chords. Obviously, greater sophistication is more costly, and gamers tend to use a single mic, while the military, needing as much clarity as possible, will opt for a more sensitive double mic.
The use of throat mics has made gaming more fun and competitive and has increased the abilities of military personnel to safely perform covert operations. As technology becomes more efficient and provides further options for the military, the job the tactical forces perform can only get safer and easier to carry out.
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