Remote Set Communication

This is a deeper dive into some of our sample remote communication packages. Check out the original article here or the FAQ here for a shorter explanation.

Single-Channel Audio

These are the simplest set-ups, sending both audio and video over Zoom, Discord, or the compatible video conferencing software of your choice*.

This solution is ideal for sets where remote participant(s) only need to broadcast to a single on-set speaker, walkie channel, or intercom channel. It's best for smaller projects since all communication with remote parties will be on a single channel, which can be difficult to manage with many voices.

There are three options presented below for hearing remote participants on-set: speaker, walkie channel, or intercom channel.

Multi-Channel Audio

This is a more flexible set-up for larger sets. Users can communicate to smaller sub-groups of crew, allowing multiple conversations at once on separate channels.

The video can still be routed through the compatible video conferencing software of your choice*, but audio communication is routed through your mobile device using the Agent-IC app for iOS or Android.

The Agent-IC app offers up to eight groups, which can be used to talk to different walkie or intercom channels or even just with other people using their mobile device. Remote participants can control which channels they're talking on.

On-Set Speaker

Rental starting at $75/day**

Remote participants communicate through the video conference software on their computer and are broadcast to set through a speaker***

Walkie Channel

Rental starting at $125/day**

Remote participants communicate through the video conference software on their computer and are broadcast to set through the on-set walkies***

Ties into existing walkie system

Intercom Channel

Rental starting at $125/day**

Remote participants communicate through the video conference software on their computer and are broadcast to set through the on-set intercom***

Allows on-set crew to talk back to remote participants through a single intercom channel

Multi-Path Walkie Channels

Rental starting at $200/day first channel, $50/day each channel thereafter**

Remote participants communicate through their mobile device and are broadcast to set through their choice of channels on the on-set walkies

Ties into existing walkie system

Multi-Path Intercom Channels

Rental starting at $200/day**

Remote participants communicate through their mobile device and are broadcast to set through their choice of channels on the on-set intercom

Allows on-set crew to talk back to remote participants through multiple intercom channels
* Video conferencing software with Push-to-Talk functionality is recommended. Starting prices do not include an on-set computer or connecting the on-set video feed.
** Gotham uses a 3-day billing week for rentals of one week or longer. Discounts may be available for long-term rentals.
*** A dedicated set of headphones a headset or USB microphone is recommended for anyone communicating remotely for best results.
  Remote Participant Communication On-Set Communication
  Video Incoming Audio from Set (Headphones Recommended) Outgoing Audio to Set (Dedicated USB Mic Source Recommended) Video Incoming Audio from Remote Crew Outgoing Audio to Remote Crew
On-Set Speaker Video conferencing software Video conferencing software Video conferencing software (PTT mode) Video conferencing software Speaker Production microphones
Walkie Channel Video conferencing software Video conferencing software Video conferencing software (PTT mode) Video conferencing software Single walkie channel Production microphones
Intercom Channel Video conferencing software Video conferencing software Video conferencing software (PTT mode) Video conferencing software Single intercom channel Production microphones and intercom
Multi-Path Walkie Channel Video conferencing software Agent-IC App

Agent-IC App

Video conferencing software

Any combination of up to eight walkie channels

Production microphones

Multi-Path Intercom Channels

Video conferencing software

Agent-IC App

Agent-IC App

Video conferencing software

Any combination of up to eight intercom channels

Production microphones and intercom

Add-Ons

The packages above are only starting points - we can customize the set-up to match what your production needs. Some options include:

  • Gotham LiveX Director Portal
    Rental starting at $150/day
    Replaces lo-res consumer video from set with a password-protected feed with resolution up to 4K. Rental includes a video input box with a dedicated encoder to ensure ultra-low latency and cinematic video quality for up to 100 simultaneous remote viewers.
     
  • Internet Service
    Rental starting at $150/day for basic connection; a faster connection with redundancy is also available starting at $500/day
    Dedicated managed internet for locations requiring a reliable internet connection or where a backup connection is desired.
     
  • Unity Connect Multi-Channel Audio Tie-Line
    Allows the sound mixer to work remotely with the ability to transmit and receive up to 64 channels of audio over the internet with ultra low latency. Requires OSX computers (available for rent) and Dante-controllable devices, such as Shure Axient Digital Wireless, Sound Devices 8-series recorders, or Behringer X32 mixers. Watch a demo video here.
     
  • Additional Remote Participant Broadcast Sources
    Instead of having remote participants available from only a single sound source on set, packages can be upgraded to include a mix of speakers, walkie channels, and intercom channels.

Don't see anything that suits your exact needs? Send us an email or give us a call and we'll see if we can't work with you to figure it out!