Communication between crewmembers is essential in live shows. Wired production intercoms have existed since the days of ill-fitting Western Electric telephone operator headsets. Handy talkie radios allowed for freedom of movement, but were difficult to integrate with existing wired intercoms.
Pliant Technologies has a wide range of professional wireless intercoms. Built on the CrewCom family platform, with the same proven RF technology, the new CrewCom CB2 has exceptional operating range and audio quality. Designed for smaller applications, the CB2 is easy to set up and use without the complexity or cost associated with higher-end systems.
Offering two selectable intercom channels, CrewCom CB2 supports up to six wireless Radio Packs per BaseStation system and two systems can link for up to 12 wireless users. Each Radio Pack provides full duplex audio communications with 150 Hz to 7 kHz audio range for excellent voice quality.
In North America, the CB2 is available in the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz band versions, and both use Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) to maximize available bandwidth. Typical operating range under normal conditions is approximately 500’ with up to 1,500’ in line-of-sight situations.
The 1U BaseStation has a front-panel LCD status display, local headset connector with volume control and talk button, “Home Button,” navigational controls and two USB ports for firmware updating/Radio Pack pairing. The detachable +2 dBi omnidirectional whip antenna uses a RP-TNC connector; several antenna options are available. A “Sync” port links two CB2 BaseStations or links the CB2 to another CrewCom system. An aux input can route program audio to wireless intercoms; an aux out jack sends intercom chatter to other destinations, such as local monitors.
The system can also interface with external 2-wire or 4-wire intercom systems. XLR connectors with loop-thru provide 2-wire connectivity; RJ-45 ports can connect to 4-wire systems. Built-in echo cancellation helps reduce echo from the external wired connections. An auto-null function can automatically optimize the hardware in the BaseStation to match the line impedance on a 2-wire system.
A Stage Announce output lets specific wireless users page over an external sound system with the press of a button. A Stage Announce relay connection can activate cue lights or other devices when the “Stage” button on a Radio Pack is pressed. All external I/Os are transformer-isolated; the aux input, output and Stage Announce use balanced line signals with adjustable gain.
The Call and Stage Announce buttons can be disabled and the RP can be set to access a single channel only or let users select the desired channel. The talk button can be set to momentary or latching operation.
The BaseStation LCD displays Radio Packs’ status, including Active Channel (A or B), Talk Status, radio signal strength, link quality, Radio Pack ID, battery level, and if call or Stage Announce is active. Hardwire intercom port status, local headset active channel and talk are also displayed. A secondary operating screen can display more info about the connected Radio Packs, including remaining battery life.
If needed, system setup is accessible via the menu button and navigational controls. An easy-to-navigate menu tree lets users set up the wired intercom interface, change Radio Pack settings, configure RF operation and display system information.
The Radio Packs
The rugged, lightweight CB2 Radio Packs (RP) feature intuitive controls, active channel indicators and belt clip. Operating up to 10 hours on a Pliant rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery pack, the RP can also run up to five hours using standard alkaline AA batteries. Integrated charging contacts let the RP drop into an optional 6×6-bay charging station.
A 4-pin XLR headset connector supports a wide range of headsets. Pliant offers several sturdy, comfortable headsets including single/double over-ear models and a lightweight single on-ear style. Available with dynamic or condenser mic elements, the over-ear headsets collapse for easy storage, have field-replaceable cables and padded earcups and headbands. Pliant’s ambidextrous SmartBoom design allows right/left side mic positioning, and raising the mic boom mutes the mic.
With the RP located within range of the BaseStation, users can access the RP’s setup menu, quickly configuring channels, button behavior, mic gain and sidetone level. Paired to the BaseStation via USB, Radio Packs are assigned a Pack ID number (01 – 06). The RPs don’t display their ID number, but the RP has a large surface for a label. I simply labeled each radio pack with the user’s name so they could claim it from the charging station at the gig.
In the Field
I reviewed a CrewCom CB2 system with BaseStation, six Radio Packs, drop-in battery charger and an assortment of headsets. The system had been set up at the factory; all six Radio Packs were paired to the BaseStation and the included quick-start guide makes it easy for non-comms users to get the system up and running.
In talk and listen tests, everyone liked the Radio Packs’ form factor and control layout. The audio quality was clear and articulate. A couple users with larger heads commented that the headset felt tight. I’m guessing it was because the headsets were brand new and, after some use, would loosen up.
I left the system powered up with several RPs in latched talk mode. After a day of operation, the batteries were still going strong. Pliant sent a second set of rechargeables so I could keep a set in the charger and second set in the Radio Packs. The drop-in charger charges six RPs and six batteries at the same time.
Connecting program audio to the BaseStation, I sent intercom audio out to a powered speaker. The audio quality was much better than I expected.
Having worked with consumer gear with less-than-desirable pairing processes, I unpaired the Radio Packs and started from scratch. I connected each RP to the BaseStation, and waited for its settings to load. The display showed “Pairing Complete” and I was good to go. Using the menu, I configured an RP for Stage Announce and Latching Talk — a quick, easy process.
Gig #1 — P.A. and Live Stream
I used the CB2 as a standalone wireless intercom. Along with stage monitors and FOH sound, we had a three-camera live stream. As stage manager, I could make announcements and introductions over the P.A. from wherever I was on stage. The audio from the Radio Pack sounded clear and articulate. I set three RPs to access only channel “B,” so camera operators were on their own channel, but kept the video switcher, FOH audio and mine set to access both channels. Everyone liked the audio quality, and I had no RF issues as I roamed the entire gig site.
Gig #2 — Wireless and Wired
I also used the system in a facility with an old 2-wire intercom. For this gig, I connected channel “A” of the BaseStation to the house wired intercom. I connected the systems together, initiated the BaseStation’s “Auto-Null” function and with a slight level adjustment between the CB2 and wired system, we were good to go. The folks on stage appreciated the freedom to move about while on comms. Again, the audio performance on the CrewCom system reigned supreme to the venue’s wired intercom.
Other Gigs
I’ve been doing a lot of larger livestreams lately. The CrewCom CB2 system spoiled my camera operators. They liked the clarity of the director calls and the comfortable headsets that seal background noise. As director/switcher, I liked the headsets’ SmartBoom feature. With my RP set for Latching, I could keep both hands free while talking. And I could mute my headset simply by raising the mic boom. With a 10-hour battery life, I could do several shorter gigs without having to recharge batteries, and the ability to operate on standard AA batteries could be a lifesaver if someone forgets to recharge.
It’s a Wrap!
Good intercom is essential to a successful event, even smaller ones, and being wireless frees personnel to do their job unencumbered. The ease of setup and intuitive operation makes the CrewCom CB2 ideal for community theater, churches and smaller venues that depend on non-technical volunteers to run the show, while its interconnectivity and extensive configuration capability offer an excellent wireless solution to complement existing wired intercom installs. With its extended 7 kHz audio range and robust RF performance, CrewCom CB2 is an affordable, yet powerful wireless intercom solution.
At a Glance:
A Powerful Wireless Intercom Solution
Pliant Technologies’ new CrewCom CB2 wireless intercom, which is built on the CrewCom family platform and makes use of the same proven RF technology, provides users with an exceptional operating range and audio quality while remaining a cost-effective option for smaller applications.
PROS
- Easy setup
- Excellent audio
- Configurable Stage Announce
- 2-wire and 4-wire interfacing
CONS
- BaseStation has external power supply
- Inability to rename Radio Packs on BaseStation display
- Headsets can be a bit tight on larger heads
STATS
- RF Frequency: 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz (North America)
- Comm Channels: 2 (selectable)
- Transmission Range: 500’ typical; 1,500’ line of sight
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Street Pricing: BaseStation, $3,486; Radio Packs, $1,064/each
Manufacturer: Pliant Technologies
More Info: www.plianttechnologies.com
