Overview: We have had the opportunity to use the Catchbox on a couple of shows. Here’s our review!
Technically: The Catchbox works exactly as advertised. The sound quality was very good and the foam cube protected the microphone well.
Audience Reaction: If you are looking for a fun way to engage Q&A this is a good product but it does need some set-up for the audience to fully embrace the concept.
On a couple of shows where the MC embraced the idea, demonstrated the use and encouraged the audience to toss the cube around, the reaction was positive. On another show where there really wasn’t any set-up the Catchbox seemed a little forced.
Breakout Rooms: We used the Catchbox in breakout rooms and the keynote speakers were able to easily toss the Catchbox into the audience. It worked very well.
Conclusion: For a general session application, the Catchbox can be a fun tool but needs to be targeted to the right audience. If the MC or main presenter buys in to the concept, it makes it easier for the audience feel comfortable with this tool.
Note: The Catchbox needs to be tossed from one audience member to another, or tossed to a moderator who then tosses it to the next person with a question. While the Catchbox is soft foam, if it is thrown with a lot of force it can knock water glasses off of tables.
Read part one of this post here for more background info on this product.