Due to the pandemic, New Life Church in Framingham, MA transitioned its worship services to a virtual platform. This process was improved with the deployment of a Pliant Technologies MicroCom XR digital wireless intercom system implemented under the direction of Tech Director and Senior Outreach Engineer Barney Borovoski.
The Transition Was Necessary
“We were previously using a two-way radio, but that was a failing system and once we began streaming all of our services, we needed to deploy a full-duplex intercom without breaking the bank,” says Borovoski. “We were quoting a few full-duplex intercom options, and our main dealer, Full Compass, suggested we look at Pliant’s new MicroCom XR digital wireless intercom. Pliant’s system was the only full-duplex intercom with the range we require that fit inside our budget.”
For most of the productions, New Life Church deploys five units on one channel for the camera and video crew and another five units on the second channel for audio and lighting. “We typically deploy all 10 of our units for each production,” he notes. “With unlimited listen-only users, MicroCom XR is an easily expandable system, which was another selling point for us as we hope to buy additional units in the future.”
It Solved The Problem
In addition to the ability to switch back and forth between the system’s two channels, Borovoski cites the MicroCom XR’s audio quality and range. “We purchased the 900MHz variation and it is perfect for our needs. MicroCom XR’s range extends throughout the entire facility, and even works well between different levels of the church that are separated by a foot of concrete. There’s never any loss of signal and the sound quality is always excellent.”
To complete the new intercom solution approach, Borovoski also purchased 10 Pliant SmartBoom PRO headsets. “In addition to the high-quality audio of the SmartBoom PRO headsets, they also feature a convenient flip-up microphone muting feature and are extremely sturdy and durable. MicroCom XR paired with a SmartBoom headset provides an outstanding intercom solution at an affordable price point.”