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On this visitor evaluation, Florian Lindenberg discusses his expertise with the Hollyland Solidcom M1 system. Since this wi-fi intercom system is way extra inexpensive than these of the established main manufacturers on this area, the query arises: Can the Hollyland system supply simply as a lot and may it persuade by way of reliability and usefulness? Let’s discover out!As we shoot plenty of s35 multicam productions with not less than eight group members (principally 15+), we’ve been on the lookout for an inexpensive and dependable wi-fi intercom answer for fairly a while. Right here in Europe, we’ve main manufacturers like Riedel and Inexperienced-Go (akin to Clear-Com and Altair).These are phenomenal techniques, however loopy costly and never precisely simple to make use of. We’ve spent 1000’s of euros to lease them, and more often than not you want an additional technician to set them up.As a reference, this 12 months we paid round 3,500€ (excl. VAT) for a whole package deal with 20 beltpacks plus technician. Past that, if you wish to spend money on a system from one of many established producers with a comparable function set to the Hollyland Solidcom M1, you’ll have to spend not less than 5 occasions as a lot. For instance, a single Riedel Bolero Beltpack prices round 2,200€.Hollyland Solidcom M1 headset with connector. Picture credit score: CineDHollyland Solidcom M1We got here throughout the Solidcom M1 in mid-2021 and had been fortunate sufficient to get our arms on a demo unit. We shortly realized that it was tremendous easy and fairly dependable. So we instantly ordered an entire set of eight beltpacks (M1-8B). Along with the demo unit with 4 beltpacks (M1-4B), we had been capable of cowl most of our upcoming productions with it. Within the meantime, we’ve ordered one other M1-8B. So to preface my conclusion a bit: Sure, the Hollyland Solidcom M1 system is actually fairly good, particularly since it’s a comparatively cheap Intercom system.The standard and robustness of the wi-fi connection is just unbelievable. Much more so when you think about the value. Although we had occasions with greater than 1500 company and distances of not less than 200m with an enormous stage in between, there was actually no degradation of audibility or lack of connection. Not even concrete bunkers just like the Wiener Stadthalle might have an effect on the system.A base unit within the studio. Picture credit score: Florian LindenbergA plus level is that you would be able to daisy chain the bottom models with CAT cables to increase the vary roughly indefinitely. The beltpacks are sensible sufficient to robotically register with the subsequent accessible base unit. If you’re in a no-fuss venue with a straight line of sight, you possibly can take away the omnidirectional antennas and even improve the vary with the inner antenna.What’s nice concerning the Hollyland Solidcom M1 systemHere’s an inventory of issues we’ve found whereas utilizing the Solidcom M1 system on actual jobs. It truly is a dependable system, and because it’s really simple to make use of, it shortly fades into the background a bit on the job, which is after all an excellent factor. An intercom system ought to simply work and never be an annoyance. Nevertheless, we did discover just a few issues and odd particulars. I suppose that’s simply the way in which it’s, proper?Included is sort of the whole lot you’ll ever want. The kits are available in a tough case with foam inserts. A charging station for eight beltpacks and an extra eight batteries (that are additionally included; 4 spare batteries within the 4B package and eight within the 8B package). Omnidirectional antennas, lanyards, single-ear headsets together with storage pouches and all required cables.The setup is completely foolproof. When you activate the bottom unit and the beltpacks, they’ll join robotically. If wanted, assign totally different beltpacks to 1 (or extra) of the three teams instantly from the bottom unit or the app and also you’re able to go.Hollyland Solidcom M1 charging dock with 4 handsets and 4 spare batteries. Picture credit score: CineDThe base unit has a built-in 2-wire to 4-wire converter. So you possibly can combine it into current techniques.The construct high quality is completely high quality. The beltpacks are very mild and small. They’ve a high-quality Lemo connector, an extra commonplace 3.5mm stereo jack plug and replaceable antennas.5-6 hours runtime with one beltpack battery. Up to now, we’ve by no means run out of battery.The bottom unit will be powered by Sony NP-F batteries and even by way of PoE (Energy over Ethernet).The included headsets are fairly snug.Hollyland Solidcom M1 Base station displaying all of the inputs. Picture credit score: CineDAs already talked about, distinctive vary and high quality of the connection.The worth is for a whole package deal, no hidden extra prices.Actual-Life observationsThe horizontal orientation of the beltpacks is uncommon (not less than for us). You possibly can remount the belt clips for a vertical orientation, nevertheless it shortly turns into clear that this isn’t actually meant by the producer.The Lemo connector is unquestionably a high-quality connector, nevertheless it’s additionally a lot tougher to take care of and change when it breaks (in comparison with a 4-pin XLR connector utilized in most different generally used techniques).The beltpacks have (versatile) antennas, which makes them fairly small and you’ll change them simply. However additionally, you will continually snag them along with your shirt or the cable. Smaller stub antennas (like these of the predecessor mannequin Hollyland Mars T1000) may need been extra sensible.The beltpack is hooked up rotated by 90 levels. Picture credit score: Florian LindenbergWith Riedel or Inexperienced-Go beltpacks you could have the choice to change between push-to-talk and “at all times on”. The Solidcom beltpacks solely have an on-off button. However you get used to it.Hollyland additionally presents two-ear headsets (bought individually for about €180).The headsets have a built-in swap that disables the microphone whenever you flip it up (most likely the very first thing to interrupt).What we didn’t likePlease observe: On the time of writing this text, Hollyland has despatched us a brand new firmware that addresses most of our suggestions/criticism, however we haven’t had time to evaluation it but. Please confer with this Google Doc instantly from Hollyland that goes over the brand new options.picture credit score: CineDNo replaceable ear cups. That is mostly a bummer, since you merely should (or wish to) change them now and again.You can not assign “listen-only” to devoted teams. For instance, we’ve the use case the place the steadycam operator and his focus puller have their very own group to speak with one another on a regular basis with out the opposite teams listening to them. Up to now, so good. But when they should hear the director’s directions as nicely, they should be added to that group, and now everybody within the director’s group additionally hears the steadycam operator’s group. Beforehand there was no method to accomplish this. With the brand new FW (V1.1.2.7) this must be potential by assigning one among eight working modes to totally different beltpacks by way of IP accessibility.Headset of the Solidcom M1 system. Picture credit score: Florian LindenbergThe headsets have thresholds that disable the microphone beneath a sure noise stage. A fantastic factor in the event you’re in a loud surroundings and don’t need everybody to listen to a heavy wind noise or folks yelling on a regular basis. BUT, on jobs the place it’s good to be moderately quiet, like speak reveals, conferences, comedy/cabaret reveals, and many others, the director has to roughly whisper, which is then reduce off by the gates. Fairly inconvenient when the intercom robotically mutes the director and there’s nothing you are able to do about it.Thanks once more to Hollyland! They’ve additionally added totally different mic achieve modes that may be set individually for every beltpack. If you wish to study extra, Nino’s evaluation of the predecessor mannequin Hollyland Mars T1000 will be discovered right here.One base unit and 4 beltpacks. Picture credit score: CineDConsidering the value, the scope of supply, the standard of workmanship and the shopper help (particularly when implementing suggestions), we are able to advocate it with out hesitation.Thanx to the best colleagues from cinelive.at, bobo.at and ppe.dwell!Hyperlink: HollylandWhat do you suppose? Do you could have any expertise working with an intercom system of some types? Share your experiences within the feedback beneath!
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