Clear-Com
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronic intercom systems |
| Founded | April 18, 1968 in San Francisco, California, United States |
| Founder | Charlie Butten, Bob Cohen |
| Headquarters | Carlsbad , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Electronic intercom systems, including party-line, multi-channel digital, and wireless solutions |
| Owner | HME (since 2010) |
| Parent | HME |
| Website | clearcom |
Clear-Com specializes in producing electronic intercom systems extensively utilized for communication in fields such as theatre, filmmaking, video, television production, concerts, professional sports, special events, and audiovisual presentations. The company pioneered the first portable party-line intercom system featuring straightforward XLR cable connectivity, which quickly became a benchmark within the industry. In recognition of its innovation, Clear-Com was honored with a Technology and Engineering Emmy Award in 2010.
Established on April 18, 1968, in San Francisco, California by audio engineer Charlie Butten alongside sound business proprietor Bob Cohen, Clear-Com introduced its initial product: the RS-100 intercom station. This portable device employed conventional XLR microphone cables and incorporated twisted-pair telephone wiring to facilitate full duplex communication. Additionally, it featured a momentary flashing signal light connected to the cable shield. The system operated via a 30-volt DC base station and was capable of delivering clear audio communication even amidst loud band environments such as those experienced by the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane.
Over time, Clear-Com broadened its offerings from basic party-line wired intercoms to advanced multi-channel digital systems and wireless solutions. In 2009, the company secured a patent for a multi-channel wired digital intercom technology that was integrated into its HelixNet product series. Its FreeSpeak wireless intercom system earned a nomination for a TEC Award in 2020.
Clear-Com became part of Southern California-based electronics manufacturer HME in 2010, a firm recognized for producing wireless headsets tailored for drive-through fast-food service. The corporate headquarters relocated from Poway to Carlsbad, California in 2018.
External links
- Engineering companies of the United States
- Audio equipment manufacturers of the United States
- Companies based in Carlsbad, California
- Electronics companies established in 1968
- Privately held companies based in California
- Companies based in San Francisco
- American companies established in 1968
- 1968 establishments in California