by Tyrell Team | Sep 22, 2025 | Audio & Intercom, News
Clear-Com Unveils Major Updates at IBC 2025
At IBC 2025, Clear-Com showcased significant updates across its Arcadia, HelixNet, FreeSpeak, and Eclipse lines — further strengthening its reputation as a leader in intercom innovation.
Arcadia
Earlier this year, Clear-Com introduced the ability to add their V-Series IrisX matrix panels directly to the ever-growing Arcadia platform. Arcadia 4.0 supported the intercom panels connecting over their own IP standard to the system.
At IBC, Clear-Com were demonstrating Arcadia 4.1, which isn’t due until the new year. This early showing gave us the chance to see what’s coming down the line. Two features stood out: the ability to create and assign IFBs, bringing more matrix capabilities to Arcadia, and the ability to connect V-Series IrisX panels via AES67 to the Arcadia base.
Tyrell’s Take: Connecting V-Series panels over the internet or LAN with zero latency — combined with IFB support — positions Arcadia as more than just a partyline system. It’s becoming a true matrix solution.
HelixNet 4-Channel Belt Pack
It’s been a while since we’ve seen new hardware for the HelixNet platform, but this year Clear-Com announced a new 4-key belt pack. Available from November, it connects over PoE or the legacy Powerline 3-pin XLR connection.
The belt pack features four assignable keys, each with its own volume control. To benefit from all four keys you need to be using this belt pack with Arcadia version 4. It can also be used with the original HelixNet Master Station, but in that case it is limited to 2-key mode.
Tyrell’s Take: It’s great to see Clear-Com keeping HelixNet relevant and supporting both modern PoE connectivity and the legacy 3-pin XLR format.
FreeSpeak II Price Reductions & Promo
It’s a rare day when a manufacturer reduces the cost of their products, but Clear-Com have done exactly that. They have reduced the cost of the FreeSpeak II Base 5 and Base 25 systems, while also introducing a new 10-user FreeSpeak II.
This now brings the FreeSpeak product range to:
FreeSpeak Base II Base 5 – 5 wireless users, reduced in cost
FreeSpeak Base II Base 10 – brand new system supporting 10 wireless users
FreeSpeak Base II Base 25 – 25 wireless users, reduced in cost
FreeSpeak Edge Base – 16 wireless users
Arcadia – 64 wireless users, including intercom panels
In further celebration of the new FreeSpeak Icon belt pack, Clear-Com have launched special promotions running until the end of 2025:
Eclipse EHX 14
The most significant release that Clear-Com announced is with their Eclipse Matrix EHX 14 software, which introduces full SMPTE 2022-7 capability for both the E-IPA interface cards and V-Series IrisX panels. This allows every user panel and each IP card in the matrix to connect to both a red and blue network.
Tyrell’s Take: SMPTE 2022-7 capability, alongside Clear-Com’s original trunking, makes for the most redundant intercom network on the market.
Want to know more about Clear-Com’s latest innovations? Get in touch with the Tyrell team today to schedule a demo or learn more.
Email: sales@tyrellcct.com
Tel: +353 (1) 888 1118 or +44 (0) 207 148 6201
by Tyrell Team | Jul 17, 2025 | Audio & Intercom, News
Clear-Com’s EQUIP Boosts Ride Efficiency, Safety, and Communication at Merlin Theme Parks
Clear-Com recently celebrated the successful implementation of its EQUIP intercom system at Merlin Theme Parks, enhancing ride operations, safety, and guest satisfaction through improved team communication. As a long-standing trusted technology partner, Tyrell introduced Merlin to Clear-Com’s EQUIP system, a hands-free, full-duplex intercom solution designed to streamline real-time conversations between ride operators, loaders, and platform staff. From the outset, Tyrell worked closely with both Merlin and Clear-Com to scope the technical requirements, facilitate product demonstrations, and ensure each deployment was tailored to the unique footprint of individual attractions.
Kieran O’Connor, Continuous Improvement Lead at Merlin Theme Park, highlights the communication challenges the park faced:
“We needed a hands-free, full-duplex communication system without the need to press a button or pick up a phone. After evaluating several suppliers, Clear-Com’s EQUIP system hit everything we were looking for.”
Clear-Com Equip
The EQUIP system’s integrated battery life lasting a full operating day, and natural full-duplex conversation capability have revolutionized communication for the teams.
The results have been remarkable:
- Up to an 18% increase in ride throughput by reducing delays and improving seat filling efficiency.
- An average improvement of 8-9% across multiple rides, one of the largest gains from recent operational changes.
- Significant risk mitigation for teams working at height or in complex environments through instant, hands-free communication.
Clear-Com has partnered closely with Tyrell throughout the rollout, customizing the solution for each attraction’s unique needs. “Tyrell has been instrumental in making this project a success,” said Ben Turnwell, EMEA Regional Sales Manager. “They have been involved at every stage, from technical planning to on-site support and aftercare.”
“At each new attraction, Clear-Com visits our site, understands our operation, and makes bespoke recommendations on transceiver placement and cabling routes to optimize performance,” explained O’Connor.
A recent example is the rollout of the new Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park, where Clear-Com’s system ensured flawless communication from day one, contributing to peak throughput performance.
“Clear-Com has been great all the way through, providing excellent aftercare support. There’s always someone on the phone when we need to discuss ideas or troubleshoot. They consistently put boots on the ground to see us and understand our needs firsthand,” O’Connor added.
Clear-Com’s EQUIP system continues to empower Merlin Theme Park’s teams with reliable, real-time communication, helping create a smoother, more efficient and more enjoyable experience for guests.
Wan to fins out more about this install? Watch our interview with Kieran O’Connor
Get in touch
If you are interested in learning more about Clear-com’s EQUIP rage then get in touch with the Clear-Com experts at Tyrell.
Email: sales@tyrellcct.com
Tel: +44 (0) 207 148 6201 or +353 (1) 888 1118
by Tyrell | Jul 21, 2021 | Audio & Intercom, News
Clear-Com Releases Arcadia Central Station
Arcadia is the second significant hardware release from Clear-Com in a matter of weeks. Clear-Com do not release as often as we’d like but when they do, they do it really well. Arcadia looks like the FreeSpeakEdge Base Station that was launched a few weeks ago but this is a very different beast. So much so Clear-Com are deliberately going out of their way to label it as a ‘Central Station System’ and even have it sitting in its own product category on their website. It’s not just wired comms, it’s not just wireless comms. This is all encompassing.
What’s different about Arcadia? It’s a scalable IP platform for the next generation intercom/talkback installations.
Gone are the days where you purchase an intercom solution at its maximum capability. Arcadia is an evolution towards license-based features and I/O, which is available in banks of 16 ports license.
Incredibly it supports all generations of FreeSpeak (1.9 GHz (E1 & IP AES67 Transceivers), 2.4 GHz (E1 Transceiver) & the latest 5 GHz (IP AES57 Transceiver). This is amazing for existing users of FreeSpeak.
Other features include:
- 32 Belt Packs Supported
- 16 AES67 IP Transceivers Supported
- 10 E1 Transceivers
- Its I/O dense. Arcadia boasts up to 96 licenses ports and can be used as a master station itself.
- 64 DANTE ports
- 8 4-Wire ports
- 4 2-Wire ports
- HelixNet Integration in 2022.
- It has beautiful touch screens!
From a Tyrell perspective, we see Arcadia sitting in between a Clear-Com FreeSpeak Edge/HelixNet and an Eclipse matrix system. Arcadia is going to be perfect for theatre as it supports the traditional I/O of 2-Wire and FreeSpeak whilst facilitating a migration towards adding HelixNet IP Partyline and Dante. We also see Arcadia doing well for any Corporate AV and Broadcast installations that require Dante, 4-wire and a large deployment of Wireless users and want to avoid the need to step into the Matrix cost area.
by Tyrell | Jun 29, 2021 | Audio & Intercom, News
FreeSpeak Edge Wireless Base Station is the first of two hardware releases made by Clear-Com over the last few weeks- the second being Arcadia. Edge Base Station is the next evolution of the incredibly successful and longest standing member of the wireless intercom market and its release sees Clear-Com achieve several very strategic developments.
With this release Clear-Com is really onto a winner, as alongside a very sleek new physical design and user interface Edge Base Station also addresses several architectural requests from users.
The Edge Base Station brings the Edge 5GHz AES67 Transceiver and Belt Pack to a standalone base which was previously only available as part of the Eclipse HX Matrix and IP Interface card. Edge Transceivers and Belt Packs are significant for Clear-Com in this solution due to the 5GHz frequency, on board codec and an audio range of 12 kHz specifically engineered solution for stadium performance.
Edge also supports Clear-Com’s legacy FreeSpeak 1.9 GHz/2.4Ghz E1 transceivers as well as the current AES67 19 GHz transceiver. This is a major achievement as it allows a facility to migrate from old FreeSpeak to new and take advantage of available rental inventory.
Technical specifications:
- 8 DANTE/AES67 3rd party connectivity
- 16 Belt Packs supported, 6 AES67 IP Transceivers
- 10 E1 Transceivers supported.
From a Tyrell perspective, we see Edge sitting in between Clear-Com FreeSpeak II and FreeSpeak Arcadia Central Station. Edge is not only perfect for theatre, as it supports the traditional I/O of 2-Wire and FreeSpeak II but we also see Edge doing really well for any corporate AV or broadcast installation. It is ideal in situations that require Dante, 4-wire and the average deployment of wireless users, thus avoiding the step up to the Arcadia/Matrix solutions.
Complete the form below to get more info about FreeSpeak Edge Base Station:
by Tyrell | May 25, 2021 | Audio & Intercom, News
We were delighted to work with Zest4.TV in helping them with their Eclipse HX Matrix and FreeSpeak II Wireless purchase, which was used on a Bring Back Black Friday online event for retailer PrettyLittleThing.
Black Friday shopping is a unique cultural event. Recreating the excitement of that experience online is no small challenge, but Zest4.TV pulled it off for fashion and beauty retailer, PrettyLittleThing. Zest4.TV was engaged by event streaming specialists Groovy Gekko to stage and host an alternatively themed Black Friday 2020 shopping day, they called Pink Friday, consisting of live competitions, flash sales and models showcasing the brand’s favorite styles.
As with many events today, public health guidelines limited the number of technical engineers allowed on-site, so Zest4.TV relied on Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak II® Digital Wireless Intercom System and Eclipse® HX Digital Matrix.
Interactive Live Stream
Pretty Little Thing wanted to create a live shopping channel experience, mimicking the style of live shopping network TV. It incorporated engaging graphic overlays, live feeds mixed with pre-recorded content, and high-quality production to showcase their stylist-picked looks that would be played out live on Black Friday. The interactive live stream produced fantastic results, with over 14,800 people tuning in and high interactivity with over 13,500 comments posted in the YouTube chat from the audience.
Hybrid/Remote Production
The Zest4.TV team split the technical and engineering duties: Managing Director Simon Roe serving as the on-site technical lead in Manchester, and Technical Project Manager Tom Herrington working remotely with a sound engineer in West London to push the final program feed to the Groovy Gecko team in North London (who then distributed it to various streaming platforms for online viewing).
“It was very much a decentralized production,” Roe said. This type of hybrid production combined with the live, “no-second-take-allowed” environment of a live event stream, required an intercom communications system with the right level of flexibility, reliability, voice quality and customization. Zest4.TV chose FreeSpeak II for its 4-wire interface capabilities, creating separate paths for “talk” and “listen.”
The FreeSpeak II system can operate in 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz, or a mix of both on the same system. The base station offers 12 wireless partyline channels, with the base including four 2-wire analog partyline ports with call signal and four 4-wire audio ports with call signal. The system can be configured in several ways with varying numbers of beltpacks, allowing controlled and efficient communications among directors, crews and talent.
The Zest4.TV team used Intinor video transport technology to deliver the camera feeds over 200 miles from the event site to its offices via the public internet. The Intinor solution also provided 4-wire audio circuits to connect the FreeSpeak II to an Eclipse Delta frame.
Ease-of-Use
“The ease-of-use and quality of our comms were critical elements to making this event the success it was,” Herrington said. By having the Eclipse Delta Frame interface with the video transport system over 4-wire, Herrington and Roe remained in close communication, as if each were on-site together.
“I was able to talk to Tom over that 4-wire channel on a wireless pack while I was walking around the studio,” Roe said. “At one point, I even had to run off into the event offices about 100 meters away, but I was still able to maintain solid communications. We could feed Tom’s voice into the FreeSpeak II base stations, and then route it to the presenter earpiece. Because we could create different channels with FreeSpeak II, I was able to talk quietly into the talent’s earpiece with just the press of a button.”
The FreeSpeak II system also allowed the team to create separate channels for “side” conversations. The remote director was able to speak directly to the presenter on set, and separate lines were also created for the engineering, camera and audio teams. “There were several ways to create the different audio links over the internet into FreeSpeak II to anybody who was roaming around,” Roe said. “More than just the system’s brilliant clarity, there was never any latency in the chats. The system gave us the creative freedom to do our jobs efficiently without being tethered and cabled.”
The FreeSpeak II base station’s rear panel has two LAN connections, which the team found helpful during the event as well. “Simon was able to connect to one LAN, and I could connect on the other,” Herrington said. “We could both control the GUI to see what was happening over comms. If someone had technical issues, I could just log in from my remote location and figure out why someone couldn’t hear. ‘Oh, he’s got the channel turned down.’ It’s simple as that.”
Roe added, “Other systems often need to re-establish contact when moving between antennae. That creates a break in transmission as you’re walking around, which is obviously a bit of a nightmare on a live event.”
Comms System of Choice
FreeSpeak II is now the Zest4.TV team’s comms system of choice, mainly for its plug-and-play simplicity, solid coverage and ability to scale up or down for any event. The team has replicated the FreeSpeak II system model used for PrettyLittleThing for many of its other events.
“Now, our priority for any event is always to get comms established first,” Roe said. “Then we know everything else will go smoothly. FreeSpeak II has become a standard piece of our event kit. We know it will get you out of jail on every job.”
Link to original article: https://www.clearcom.com/News%20Stories/plt/
Contact us to find out how we can help you with your comms solution sales@tyrellcct.com or +44 (0) 207 148 6200 or +353 (1) 888 1118.
