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?

Wading in for a minute or two, as a tech (Lights & Audio) I have often found that the opening calls are made from the box (Go House, Go Cue 1) BUT this is usually purely because the FOH station wasn't there or wasn't being used. In a perfect world where everything is as it should be, ALL calls are made by the SM.... but unfortunately I have to agree with gaafa's comment that often the role of SM is a consolation position and the person in the hotseat has little or no idea what their role actually is or how important they are to the show. In these situations, I feel that the opening cues should be called by the LX Tech. (that way the SM at least has a starting point for their job)

Regarding Stage Managers.. My personal opinion is that good Stage Managers have (with the exeption of about three companies I can think of offhand) become a thing of the past....rather like "Dimmer Boys" .... (Sorry gaafa)

"Just because no-one complains, it does not mean all parachutes are perfect."

LX or SX calling the show

Thread (10 posts)