Product Focus: ClearCom FreeSpeak

Digital wireless intercom that blends digital matrix technology with a locally distributed wireless network.

A licence-free system operating in the 1.8-1.9 GHz frequency band, FreeSpeak® combines DECT and wireless roaming technologies to allow the user to move freely in a production environment without fading or losing connection to the communications system.

The FreeSpeak beltpacks are designed to offer an unprecedented level of clarity, sophistication and connectivity, capable of working with FreeSpeak, a standalone intercom base station, or with FreeSpeak Integra, a seamless approach to integrating FreeSpeak beltpacks directly with Clear-Com Eclipse Matrix Systems using an E-Que Card.

FreeSpeak can operate as a standalone system, with up to 20 full-duplex wireless beltpacks connected to one base station; as an integrated solution where beltpacks are seamlessly connected to a Matrix frame, up to 40 user connections can be achieved. Active Antennas can enable beltpack-to-base station distance range up to 3,200ft (1,000m). The system has 4-wire and partyline intercom connectivity, program feed input, stage announce, IFB, up to 5 wireless partyline groups and partyline call alert functionality.

Orbital Sound supplied a Clear-Com FreeSpeak digital radio comms system, configured with twelve fully duplex multichannel beltpacks and six antennas. The system, which uses multiple linked reception "cells", has enabled coverage around the whole theatre – connecting this largescale venue's communications comprehensively for the first time.