Clear-Com unveils its next generation of wireless digital intercom

Its new advanced wireless intercom solution is designed to take advantage of the full capabilities of 5GHz and IP.

Clear-Com has announced the launch of FreeSpeak Edge, the latest addition to the family of digital wireless intercom solutions FreeSpeak.

The system offers the user more control and customization options, thanks to advanced frequency coordination capabilities and intuitive design features of the transceivers and communication packs.

Designed from scratch, FreeSpeak Edge is the result of extensive feedback from current FreeSpeak II users, incorporating recent advances in fundamental technology, which has resulted in a new 5GHz chipset which features a unique radio stack development that has been optimized for intercom.

It also takes advantage of cutting-edge developments from audio over IP in its architecture, utilizing AES67 connections between the transceivers and the host intercom frame for exceptional flexibility in deployment.

Bob Boster, president of Clear-Com, emphasizes that "FreeSpeak Edge is the future of advanced wireless communication. While some manufacturers are trying to increasingly improve existing solutions, we have taken a leap to the limit of what is possible with wireless intercom technology today, in preparation for the increasingly demanding requirements of tomorrow."

The 5GHz band is an ideal option for large scale communications, as it can be managed with frequency coordination to reduce interference and offers the widest range of RF channels available for exceptional scalability. Its higher frequencies mean there is more bandwidth for data, allowing for finer control, additional audio channels, more robustness, lower latency and better audio quality.

FreeSpeak Edge harnesses the full power of 5GHz technology to perform seamlessly in even the most challenging locations and high propagation environments. The system takes advantage of Clear-Com's unique RF technology that uses OFDM to provide a robust transport layer that is immune to most forms of interference. FreeSpeak Edge offers a 12kHz high audio quality with ultra-low latency and is highly scalable with the technology and bandwidth to support more than 100 beltpacks and 64 transceivers to accommodate the largest productions. It can be seamlessly paired with 1.9 and 2.4 GHz FreeSpeak II systems, providing three bandwidths in a single unified communications system.

FreeSpeak Edge transceivers and beltpacks offer more customization and control than ever before to accommodate increasingly complex communication needs. The ergonomic beltpack design includes asymmetrical concave/convex top buttons for at-a-glance identification and touch operation; eight programmable buttons; rotary controls on both sides; and a master volume control and flashlight on the bottom. Featuring a microphone and speaker for headset or desktop operation, the beltpack was designed with today's production needs in mind. Each ruggedized transceiver supports 10 beltpacks and includes attenuation and external antennas for custom RF zones, as well as wall and microphone stand mounting options. The system offers the robustness and reliability that customers expect from the award-winning FreeSpeak range.