IBC 2016: Clear-Com to debut first-ever integrated-fibre wireless intercom system
At this year’s IBC, Clear-Com (Stand #10.D29) will unveil FreeSpeak II-Base II, the new FreeSpeak II wireless base station, and the new fibre capable FreeSpeak II Splitter box (FSII-SPL). These new FreeSpeak II components complement the recently-released beltpacks and transceiver antennas to provide improved coverage, flexibility and reliability for virtually any broadcast production requirements.
The FreeSpeak II-Base II wireless base station
FreeSpeak II-Base II features a Base Station for digital signal transmission over 1.9GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands with an intuitive cascade menu and a browser-based Core Configuration Manager (CCM) for system configuration and real-time system changes. It also supports up to 25 full-duplex wireless beltpacks and covers a large production area with up to 10 distributed-antenna transceivers and two transceiver splitters spanning up to 20,000 metres from the base station over fibre connection.
The FreeSpeak II-Base II can be used with a headset as a Master Station for operators to communicate with anyone wired or wireless on the system. It features two built-in optional SFP fibre connectors for enabling either a native single-mode or multi-mode fibre link between base stations and the new FreeSpeak II Splitter (FSII-SPL). Other features include multiple 2-wire and 4-wire ports are also available to connect with any industry-standard analogue partyline and 4-wire audio devices, respectively, as well as 7kHz wideband audio for natural, digital sound.
The new FreeSpeak II Splitter (FSII-SPL) connects up to five FreeSpeak II transceiver modules from one of two antenna ports on the FreeSpeak II-Base II via the SFP fibre connectors; it offers five RJ45 Ethercon connectors, LED status indicators for each connection, and a DIP switch for setting CAT5 or fibre operation. It can be mounted into the 1RU Splitter Rack, which holds up to two splitters, or on a microphone stand or against the wall. The box is IP-54 rated, approved for outdoor use, so water-protective housing is not required.
“The new FreeSpeak II-Base II and splitter box enhance the entire system with expanded functionality, improved interfacing and ease of use through real-time browser configuration and monitoring,” says Craig Fredrickson, Product Manager for Clear-Com. “FreeSpeak II has rapidly become the wireless intercom solution of choice among the world’s distinguished audio professionals and installed for use in the most demanding production environments. With the inclusion of fibre, broadcasters can cover very large sites and sporting events with ease.”
Visitors to Stand #10.D29 at IBC 2016 will be able to see the new FreeSpeak II family and the complete Clear-Com line of new and enhanced products.