Behind every smooth-running live event is a communications system that keeps the crew connected. When the stage manager calls “go” and 15 technicians need to hear it simultaneously — in different rooms, on different floors, across a venue the size of a city block — that’s where professional intercom systems earn their keep.
At Ashley Systems, we deploy Clear-Com FreeSpeak II for virtually every large-scale production in New York City. Here’s why it’s become our standard, and how we configure it for different event types.
Why Wireless Intercom Matters
Traditional wired intercom systems — party-line beltpacks connected by XLR cable — still work fine for small, static productions. But the moment your crew needs to move (following a speaker through a venue, managing backstage entrances, coordinating load-in across multiple rooms), wired systems become a liability.
Wireless intercom gives your crew full mobility while maintaining the reliability and audio quality that live production demands. No dropped calls, no cellular dead zones, no reliance on consumer walkie-talkies with their terrible audio and lack of privacy.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak II: The System
The Clear-Com FreeSpeak II is a professional wireless intercom system built specifically for live events, broadcast, and theater. It operates in the 1.9GHz DECT band — a dedicated frequency range that doesn’t compete with Wi-Fi, wireless microphones, or in-ear monitors.
Base Station
The FreeSpeak II Base Station is the brain of the system. It manages up to 25 wireless beltpacks simultaneously and provides the interface between wireless beltpacks and the rest of your intercom infrastructure (wired party-line, matrix systems, and IP networks).
Key capabilities:
- 25 beltpack capacity — enough for the largest productions
- 5 talk channels — create separate channels for audio, video, lighting, stage management, and production
- 4-wire and party-line integration — connects to Clear-Com HelixNet, RTS, and legacy 2-wire systems
- IP connectivity — link multiple base stations across buildings or venues over standard Ethernet
Beltpacks
Each crew member wears a FreeSpeak II beltpack — a compact, belt-clip unit with a headset connector, volume controls, and channel assignment buttons. The beltpacks provide full-duplex communication (simultaneous talk and listen) with broadcast-quality audio.
Key features:
- Full-duplex audio — talk and listen simultaneously, just like a phone call
- 5 channel buttons — switch between channels or monitor multiple channels at once
- 8+ hour battery life — rechargeable Li-ion battery lasts through any event
- DECT 1.9GHz — interference-free operation alongside wireless mics and IEMs
- 300+ foot range per antenna — multiple antennas extend coverage across any venue
Antennas
Coverage is provided by remote antennas distributed throughout the venue. Each antenna covers approximately 300 feet in open air (less through walls and floors). For a large venue like the Javits Center or Pier 36, we deploy 4-8 antennas to ensure smooth roaming — a crew member can walk from the loading dock to the stage to the greenroom without losing comms.
How We Deploy FreeSpeak II at NYC Events
Corporate Keynotes & Conferences
For a corporate event at a hotel like the Marriott Marquis or the Hilton Midtown, we typically deploy:
- 1x FreeSpeak II Base Station
- 8-12x Beltpacks (stage manager, audio tech, video tech, lighting tech, show caller, talent handler, floor managers)
- 2-3x Remote antennas (main ballroom + backstage + breakout rooms)
- Channels: A (all-call), B (audio), C (video/lighting), D (stage management)
Concert & Festival Production
For concerts at venues like Terminal 5, Brooklyn Mirage, or outdoor festival stages:
- 1-2x FreeSpeak II Base Stations (linked via IP for extended beltpack capacity)
- 15-20x Beltpacks (FOH, monitors, stage crew, riggers, spot ops, tour manager, security liaison)
- 4-6x Remote antennas (FOH, stage left, stage right, backstage, production office, loading dock)
- Channels: A (production all-call), B (audio), C (lighting/video), D (stage), E (security)
Broadcast & Live Streaming
For broadcast events — live TV tapings, corporate webcasts, award shows — the FreeSpeak II integrates directly into the broadcast intercom infrastructure. We connect the base station to the broadcast truck’s RTS or Clear-Com matrix via 4-wire, giving wireless beltpack users full access to the director’s channel, camera channels, and program audio.
Why Not Just Use Radios?
We get this question a lot. Consumer two-way radios (Motorola, Kenwood, etc.) are cheap and available, so why invest in professional intercom?
- Audio quality: FreeSpeak II delivers full-bandwidth, noise-canceled audio. Radios deliver compressed, walkie-talkie-quality audio with background noise.
- Full-duplex: Intercom is simultaneous talk/listen. Radios are push-to-talk — only one person can speak at a time, which is unworkable for fast-paced show calling.
- No interference: DECT operates in a clean, dedicated band. UHF radios can pick up interference from other events in the building, taxi dispatchers, and nearby productions.
- Integration: FreeSpeak II connects to wired intercom, matrix systems, and broadcast infrastructure. Radios are an isolated island.
- Privacy: DECT communication is encrypted. UHF radios are easily scanned by anyone with a receiver.
Rent Clear-Com FreeSpeak II in NYC
Ashley Systems provides complete Clear-Com FreeSpeak II intercom systems for rental in New York City and the tri-state area. Every rental includes the base station, beltpacks, headsets, antennas, and all cabling — plus technical support to ensure your crew stays connected throughout the event.
We handle delivery, setup, system programming, and on-site support for events of all sizes, from intimate corporate meetings to large-scale concert productions.
Request a free quote or call us at (718) 218-5941 to discuss your event’s communication requirements.