Product Description
The Whirlwind THS R is a remarkable talkback headphone box that's fully compatible with RTS systems. It comes with both main and talkback microphone outputs. The microphone signal stays live at the main output unless you press the Talkback or Cough switch. Even if the THS R loses power, the mic signal will still pass with dynamic mics, and with condenser mics if phantom power is supplied from the host console. There are two types of onboard condenser microphone power available, allowing for seamless switching when talkback is activated. A three - way switch lets you choose between phantom or 'T' power, and it's recessed to prevent accidental turn - off. The momentary Cough switch silences both the mic out and the talkback out when pressed. When you activate the momentary Talkback switch, the announcer’s microphone goes through a preamp and line driver to send a line - level signal to the talkback output, and it also mutes the mic out. There's a level control for fine - tuning the audio on the talkback line. The THS R gets power and input audio through a female 3 - pin XLR from a 'Wet' RTS - compatible IFB system. Positive 24 - 30VDC power and interrupt audio are on Pin 2, non - interrupt audio is on Pin 3, and Pin 1 is for power ground and audio shield. The headphone section has two inputs, each with a volume control and dip switches to send the signal to the left and/or right earpieces. When an input is assigned to both ears, volume adjustments affect both sides equally. It offers both 3.5mm and 1/4” TRS jacks for flexible hookups and can drive headphones with impedances from 30 to 150 Ohms to full volume. 600 Ohm headphones can be used with a slight volume reduction due to 'Wet' IFB current limitations. Transformer isolation is provided for both IFB inputs and the talkback output, which helps with signal and power isolation, ground loop reduction, and line balancing. The THS R can also be powered locally. A rear - panel switch lets you choose between 'Wet' IFB or external power from a 12 VAC power adapter (model # PS12AC1A) included with the unit. The typical current consumption from the IFB line is 85mA, with a maximum draw of 110mA. Key features include RTS - compatible 3 - pin XLR input for 'Wet' IFB, input assign switches, individual volume controls, transformer isolation, passive mic out, silent mic output switching, active line - level talkback out with adjustment, Cough and Talkback switches, multiple headphone jacks, and an included power adapter for external power.
Using the Whirlwind THS R Talkback Headphone Box is easy. First, connect it to a 'Wet' RTS - compatible IFB system using the female 3 - pin XLR. The power and input audio will come through this connection. Make sure to check the pin assignments: Pin 2 for positive 24 - 30VDC power and interrupt audio, Pin 3 for non - interrupt audio, and Pin 1 for power ground and audio shield. You can power the unit either from the IFB system or use the included 12 VAC power adapter (model # PS12AC1A) by switching the rear - panel switch. When using the headphone section, you have two inputs. Use the volume controls to adjust the sound level for each input. The dip switches let you choose whether the signal goes to the left ear, right ear, or both. For the microphone, the signal is usually live at the main output. If you need to use talkback, press the Talkback switch. This will send the announcer’s microphone signal to the talkback output and mute the mic out. The Cough switch can be used to quickly silence both the mic out and talkback out. When it comes to maintenance, keep the unit clean and free from dust. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. Check the connections regularly to make sure they are secure. If you are using 600 Ohm headphones, be aware that there might be a slight reduction in volume due to the 'Wet' IFB current limitations.
