The Riedel Bolero high-clarity voice codec is designed to provide both higher speech intelligibility and more efficient use of RF wireless spectrum, supporting twice the number of belt packs per antenna for the same radio bandwidth as other DECT-based systems.
Intercoms are a live production mainstay. While they have changed a little over the years, those updates generally amounted to simple modifications to keep up with the times. There hasn’t really been a need for a major overhaul, since the intercom is simple and it only has one job. At least that was what I thought before I learned about the Riedel Bolero Wireless Intercom.We can’t wait to test our new assumptions when our review unit arrives later this month, but it appears Riedel seems to have redefined the standard intercom.
...in perhaps the boldest move in intercom history Riedel basically dares the user to try and break their belt clip.
What makes Bolero different?
First, there is a lot that makes the Riedel Bolero an intercom unit in a league of its own. The Bolero doesn’t require a base station, and it might be the only wireless intercom that doesn’t. In place, it does require an antenna. Up to 100 antennae can be connected in multiple configurations including Cat5 and fiber. With the addition of the Artist ecosystem, connectivity can be extended to include these protocols: SMPTE 2110-30/31 (AES67), AES3, MADI, Dante and analog 4-wires. All configurations support at least 12 party lines, 100 antennas, 100 body packs, and unlimited point-to-point connections. Each antenna can be connected to 10 belt packs. Also, “Touch&Go” NFC belt pack registration means moving between antennas is quick and easy, just tap the antenna with the belt pack.
Bolero operates in the 1.9 GHz DECT band and utilizes Advanced DECT Receiver (ADR) with multi-diversity and anti-reflection technology for greater RF robustness. The Bolero high-clarity voice codec provides both higher speech intelligibility and more efficient use of RF spectrum, supporting twice the number of belt packs per antenna for the same radio bandwidth as other DECT-based systems.
My favorite feature on the belt packs is the integrated bottle opener built into the belt clip. Yes, that’s right, in perhaps the boldest move in intercom history Riedel basically dares the user to try and break their belt clip. Traditionally this is the weakest part of all intercoms, but Riedel builds their belt packs tough, and obviously they have a lot of confidence in their build quality. This large opening in the belt clip also serves the purpose of doubling as a hanger if the belt pack needs to hang when not in use or to be mounted to the underside of a desk. The belt pack itself features IP-65 environmental sealing, another testament to the build quality. It’s also a necessity because there is a good chance that whatever you are opening with the bottle opener is going to spill on the belt pack. But no worries, it can take it. The IP65 rating means the belt pack is totally dust-tight and protected against low-pressure jets of direct water.
The Bolero might be the only wireless intercom that doesn’t require a base station.
Airtight communication
Another fantastic feature is the belt packs don’t require a headset, they can be used as a walkie talkie because they feature a built-in speaker and mic. This is great when paired with another game-changing feature, the large “reply” button on the belt pack. This button is used for a quick reply to the last caller. If that isn’t enough, each belt pack also features Bluetooth integration, allowing it to be paired to a Bluetooth headset or Smartphone. When connected to a smartphone the belt pack functions like a “hands-free” unit in a car. The user can receive calls on their phone and talk and listen via the belt pack headset, and if needed, they can inject the phone calls directly into the intercom channels. Each belt pack also has six intercom channels, allowing for easy connection between the video control room and the lighting operator, for example.
No two ways about it, the Bolero appears to deliver a great deal of “up side.” So what’s the downside? Based on the spec sheet, I am struggling to find one. And I would be hard-pressed to put a price on the system. That said, whatever the price point Riedel chooses, there are a number of clever options in this system that I had never even considered in an intercom system. In my estimation, if you're working in a larger church, or a church that is meeting in multiple locations, this is an intercom system you would be wise to consider when your next upgrade comes around.
