Commentator Talkback system hire

[jbaileypro]

Hi all,

 

We have a US wrestling tour that we support on their UK leg. The last few times they have brought their own commentator systems (Whirlwind THS4s) and headsets. This time they have asked if we can supply something equivalent. A quick google doesn't come up with anyone who holds the Whirlwind boxes in hire stock (most likely due to Whirlwind being a US brand).

 

First question is if anyone knows of any companies in the UK that hold these in hire stock (we are looking at 3 for a week) or if there are any equivalent products in stock?

 

Requirements:

- Mic in and through (not mixed with the program input)

- Program input

- Talkback function to send mic audio out a separate output

- Preferably controls for both program level and their own mic level, also the possibility of a "cough" button (momentary mute)

 

Thanks!

[Brian]

In the UK the goto manufacturer of commentary systems is Glensound.

[GaryNattrass]

I agree Glensound is the box to hire and you can get them direct from Glensound: http://www.glensound.co.uk/hire/

 

You could also try Sound Credit and I used to work for them on premiership commentary: http://www.soundcredit.tv

[jbaileypro]

Awesome. Thanks for the replies.

[i_hate_fisicks]

Any broadcast hire outfit will have these for hire. Gearhouse, Presteign, Finepoint etc. Maybe even local TV companies might hire you one if they're not too busy. Try Cloudbass.

[dbuckley]

Clearcom also have an announcer console which based on no more than a google image of the Whirlwind box, looks functionally similar, and Studio Technologies do some nice but eye-wateringly expensive similar things. The only gotcha to be aware of is the interface to the talkback and/or IFB and/or intercom systems, you need it to work with what you are supplying. Most of these boxes can be jumpered to suit different intercom systems.

 

As i_hate_fisicks noted, any broadcast supplier will be knee-deep in these things.

 

I've got a suitcase in the garage that has a custom built unit allegedly made by Radio new Zealand's engineering staff for the 1974 Commonwealth games, the resurrection of which is yet another unfinished project...