Clear-Com's HelixNet Gains New Capabilities Boosting its Flexibility

Clear-Com has further enhanced the HelixNet digital network partyline system to do more within the small yet highly-dense, all-digital system during live performances. The latest changes to HelixNet include a six-fold increase in I/O ports, direct connections to Agent-IC mobile app, VoIP telephony, and binaural functionality in its beltpack -- all made possible through HelixNet's connection to the latest LQ Series IP Interfaces.

"Using LQ devices with HelixNet is a beautifully simple and cost-effective way of increasing your audio connections while providing network flexibility and retaining audio quality," says Stephen Sandford, product manager, Clear-Com.

By simply connecting LQ devices to the HelixNet Mainstation via an Ethernet module, users can gain up to 24 audio I/O ports assigned to any of the 12 or 24 intercom channels in HelixNet. These additional ports supplement the HelixNet ports for interfacing with 2-wire and/or 4-wire intercom or audio devices, effectively creating a much higher density digital partyline intercom system. Since HelixNet and LQ are linked over LAN and WAN IP networks, users have the flexibility to move these extra audio connections anywhere they need them, even to the other side of an arena Signals from any remote devices are routed over IP to the assigned HelixNet end point(s).

Through the LQ interface, any user on the HelixNet system is now able to communicate with users on Clear-Com's Agent-IC mobile apps running on smart iOS or Android devices over WiFi, as well as users on VoIP phones via SIP connection. This ability is especially useful in applications where core production team members on the HelixNet system may need to add a few extra intercom positions at additional locations; or for the production member to switch their comms connection to their smart phone or a VoIP phone in order to step away from their assigned position momentarily. This option is now possible and cost-effective with LQ.

New to the HelixNet HXII-BP-X5 Beltpack is the binaural (Split ear) functionality to enable program feed from one channel to one ear, while the feed from the intercom channel is heard in the other ear. Adding to the existing capability of mixing audio from both channels in both ears, now they can be segregated for more listening options.

Clear-Com's LQ Series of IP interfaces and the HelixNet digital partyline system will be on display at LDI 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Booth #1122.