LAS VEGAS – Clear-Com noted that its new FreeSpeak Icon beltpack is currently undergoing a field trial in Las Vegas by the technical team behind Blue Man Group. The world-famous theatrical show, known for its immersive, multimedia performances, has been using FreeSpeak Icon to support its highly coordinated live environment.
More details from Clear-Com (www.clearcom.com):
While not part of an official partnership or sponsorship, this trial is being independently led by Scott Dahl, Head of Audio for Blue Man Group Las Vegas, as his team explores new solutions for live production communications. Dahl has been overseeing the trial, utilizing FreeSpeak Icon beltpacks in conjunction with an Arcadia® Central Station, FreeSpeak II®-19-TCVRs, and FreeSpeak II beltpacks. Dahl and his team have already seen the advantages FreeSpeak Icon brings to their complex production environment.
“The 20-hour battery life easily keeps up with our long performance schedules,” says Dahl. “The color screen is bright and easy to read, even from a distance, and the extra programmable keys allow us to customize configurations for program feeds, call signals, and point-to-points, giving us the flexibility we need on stage.”
The production team has also found significant benefits in FreeSpeak Icon’s user-friendly design and performance-driven features. “Dark mode is such a useful feature, especially when we have multiple users on stage,” Dahl adds. “The built-in speaker and mic mode helped us in moments when a headset wasn’t practical, like during breaks or when in fixed positions.”
FreeSpeak Icon’s enhanced control features have been particularly well-received. “Having a dedicated master volume control is a big win. I can adjust all listen levels with a single key, which is so convenient,” Dahl explains. “The ability to control channels A, B, C, and D independently without toggling between encoders improves workflow.”
Another standout feature has been FreeSpeak Icon’s Bluetooth functionality, which allows for selective user access. “I’m impressed with the Bluetooth functionality. The option to assign it to specific roles and keep it hidden from general users ensures I can maintain control over access,” notes Dahl.
The FreeSpeak Icon beltpacks have been assigned to the show’s stage manager and A2, seamlessly integrating with the existing Clear-Com ecosystem. With their enhanced capabilities, Blue Man Group’s technical team is experiencing a new level of efficiency and ease in their communication workflows.
“Clear-Com has always been committed to pushing the boundaries live production communications,” said Brian Grahn, Regional Sales Manager at Clear-Com. “It’s exciting to see FreeSpeak Icon making a real impact in such a demanding and dynamic environment.”
Blue Man Group’s latest addition of FreeSpeak Icon highlights the system’s ability to meet the needs of high-intensity live performances. As Clear-Com continues to refine and expand its intercom solutions, productions worldwide can look forward to even more advanced tools to support their creative and technical needs.
