SIZE is everything

Author: KitPlus

Published 1st October 2014

Issue 93 - September 2014

Live broadcast television or stage productions are a fast moving environment where clear instructions need to be delivered quickly if everything is to run smoothly. Whilst efficient conveyance of prompts or direction is vital, there is usually the additional need to avoid the audience being aware of the methods employed. Large earpieces and cables floating around clothing can be distracting and spoil viewer’s enjoyment. Its also likely the talent will feel happier and more confident using more unobtrusive technology.

The Phonak Invisity wireless in ear monitor receiver has been a fi rm favourite of presenters and actors alike for some time, however you could be forgiven if you’ve not noticed them, they are, after all, very small indeed! The 1.53 gram Invisity is designed to fi t snugly into the ear canal of the user; all that protrudes is a clear, virtually invisible antenna, which incidentally is not the unit’s aerial but simply a means of extraction from the ear.

Size is however no indication of performance. Contained within invisity’s durable ergonomic housing is a broadcast quality VHF radio receiver, powerful speaker and a zinc air battery that lasts up to 13 hours. The all in one design offers huge advantages over the more traditional belt pack solutions, no cables and receiver pack to hide allows ease of use for the sound engineer and ultimate comfort for the user. Invisity also offers enviable sound quality as its snug fi t, especially when used with a soft wrap fi tting aid, mitigates background noise to allow concentration on the all important feed. Directors and artists alike will also be pleased with Invisty’s zero latency analogue connection.

Invisity is available in two formats, single channel, the Invisity Flex and four channel, the Invisity Four. Both variants can be frequency block selected in 7MHz bandwidths between 158 and 202 MHz. Programming is a breeze using the Invisity programming unit (IPU) commonly know as the “toaster”. The Invisty is simply placed within an IPU connected to a PC supporting Invisity’s easy to use programming software, which allows channel selection and volume range amongst other useful functions. Invisity Four is bundled with a wire free remote control to allow quick selection between chosen frequencies in the fi eld. A choice of multi channel, broadcast quality transmitters for use with Invisity are available from Phonak and Wisycom.

Invisity and its associated transmitters are distributed in the UK by Raycom Ltd who can provide after care service including pre-sale programming if requested. Raycom’s managing director, Pyers Easton said: “ Phonak have used their specialist knowledge in micro-electronic design to develop Invisity as the world’s only wireless in ear monitor. Once users have embraced the concept it seems Invisty becomes invaluable to their operation. Phonak’s professional approach means we are able to offer excellent support, allowing Invisity and Invisity four to become equally indispensable within our product range”

If ultra discreet, high performance in ear monitoring is vital to your production or talent it seems Invisity is the only choice.

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