Talk Back Systems

Talk Back Systems were touched on by Dave Allen and others in his recent "Understanding Radio Mics" article. Our theatre currently uses some UHF CB radios with headsets, sometimes with mixed results. Accidentally locking mics open, interference from outside public users, time delays in signal transmission, loose connections... the list goes on. A wired in system would be a great alternative. Unfortunately from what i have seen the commercially available ones are a little out of our reach for what i consider a basic set-up, 3 maybe 4 headsets in a small theatre. 2 either side of stage, 1 possibly 2 for the Bio Box. I have often thought about designing and building a set-up based on an old amplifier. I'm an electrician with an interest in electronics and can visualize a simple design. But would it work? Is it possible and has anyone built their own wired in Talk Back system?

Altronics sell a talkback kit for $79 http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K5250 and the power supply is $69 http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K5255 This talkback system is interchangeable with some commercial units and is not hard to build if you have good soldering skills. Interconnection between units is with mic cable and 3 pin xlr connectors. If you wire up a daisy chain ring with two sockets per point in parallel you have maximum flexibility. When considering how many units to use, I would suggest a minimum of : Lighting Sound SM - one side of stage ASM - other side of stage FOH - for FOH clearance Even if you want wireless for SM, it is more reliable and cheaper to have wired for other points. Do not expect your audio operator to wear talkback cans during a show, they need two ears to hear their stage sound. It is handy to have talkback and dmx sockets available for plotting in the hall for your lighting desk.

Altronics sell a talkback

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