The Henry Engineering Sports Pod is a microphone/headphone controller and intercom system designed to provide talent at sporting events and broadcasts with a mix local and IFB headphone audio in addition to duplex off-air communication with a producer or engineer. It can be linked with multiple Sports Pods via Cat 5 cabling without requiring a power source for each unit.
With simple front-panel controls—Mic On, Cough, and Talkback buttons plus a customizable Headphone Mix via local and return volume controls and pan switches—the Sports Pod is easily operable by persons who aren't familiar with technical equipment. A 3.5mm remote jack allows the mic to be turned on or off remotely for added convenience.
The Sports Pod features a balanced XLR mic input with a rear-panel gain control, a balanced XLR mic/line output, separate 1/4" local and return audio inputs, and a 1/4" headphone output. A 1/4" transformer-balanced talkback output allows the mic signal to be sent to a dedicated talkback amp and speaker whenever the talkback button is pressed. The Sports Pod can be powered by a wall transformer, a MultiPhones Master unit, or a SixMix USB audio console (all optional).
- Announcer’s mic/headphone controller and intercom system for use by talent at a remote broadcast
- Ideal for use at sporting events, on-location broadcasts, or in any studio
- Similar to Henry Engineering’s Talent Pod, but with three additional features—an integrated intercom system, active mic audio on/off switching, and the ability to remotely control the mic
- Solves the problem of providing talent with a mix of local and return (IFB) headphone audio, and provides duplex off-air communication with a producer or engineer
- Simple design allows for error-free use by non-technical users
- Provides an easy way to link several units for use at broadcasts with multiple announcers
- When used with a MultiPhones II Master unit (available separately), duplex off-air communication (intercom) is possible, allowing the producer to talk to the talent via the talent’s headphone audio
- 1/3-rack width, rack-mountable via rack shelf (available separately)
- Supports mounting using separately available desk mount or wall/cabinet mounting brackets
- Illuminated Mic On/Off button lets the announcer control his mic
- Cough button momentarily mutes mic audio
- Mic can also be turned on/off via a remote push button, with a Tally LED to remotely indicate when the mic is on
- Talkback button lets the talent to talk to an off-site producer or engineer—pressing the Talkback button mutes mic audio from the main (air) output and sends it to the Talkback output
- Individual volume controls for local and return audio
- Pan switches allow independent positioning of local and return audio in the left, center, or right channel
- Loc button enables monitoring of the mic via the local headphone input if there is no source of local headphone audio
- Balanced XLR female mic input with adjustable gain on rear panel
- Balanced XLR male mic/line output
- Separate 1/4" inputs for local and return audio
- 1/4" headphones output
- 1/4" transformer-balanced talkback output
- Dual RJ45 link ports distribute power and local/return audio to all units connected via Cat 5 cable
- SPST momentary closure turns mic on/off via 3.5mm mic remote jack
- Use additional Sports Pods (available separately) so that each announcer can control their own mic, headphone volume, mix, and pan settings
- Multiple Sports Pods can be quickly linked with Cat 5 cables, distributing power and local/return audio to all units and eliminating the need for multiple power sources and complicated wiring
- Compatible with Talent Pods, MiniPods, and Guest Pods (all available separately)
- Supports standalone use or integration with Henry Engineering’s MultiPhones system or SixMix USB audio console
- Power Sports Pods with an external wall transformer; one transformer will power several units linked with Cat 5 cables
- Power via a MultiPhones Master unit or SixMix USB console (transformer not required)