SSE opts for Pliant Technologies’ CrewCom

UK - When SSE Group were looking to replace their old intercom systems with a scalable, all-weather alternative, with both the festival season and the corporate and broadcast markets in mind, they set demanding criteria. The new system needed to be reliable, function both internally and externally, and be operable over IP.
Their search took them to Pliant Technologies’ new wireless CrewCom system, distributed in the UK by Sound Technology.
CrewCom is based on a new technology platform that offers “the industry’s highest user density, unparalleled range and scalability”. “This system looked very promising when it came to replacing our existing systems.” said SSE senior project manager, Miles Hillyard.
He was soon talking to Sound Technology’s application engineer, Danny Kyte, before investing in four of the CrewCom radio packs and two transceivers, with additional I/O.
Running on 2.4GHz RF frequency, CrewCom operates on its own proprietary network. The system allows up to six beltpacks to be run on one remote transceiver. The system can run multiple transceivers, allowing comms between many people in many locations without the expense of a matrix system.
Highlighting elements of the CrewCom design rationale, Kyte says: “The new beltpacks are much lighter than our previous system and the transmission distances much increased. The packs allow selection of up to four of 1024 conferences, assigned simply by sending a unique profile to a user’s pack. The system is extremely flexible, scalable and easy to integrate with a wired system, and the software is informative and intuitive.”
SSE sound designer, Marcus Blight, who configured the new systems for festival use, agreed. “Having used several wireless comms systems recently I can safely say I have nothing negative to say about CrewCom. Since Download second stage in early June this has simply flipped from site to site with very little change.”
(Jim Evans)

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