AAVBR Streamlines Event Production With Pliant MicroCom XR Wireless Intercom

American Audio Visual Baton Rouge (AAVBR), a full-service event production company serving Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, has improved its production workflow and on-site coordination by deploying Pliant Technologies' MicroCom XR Wireless Intercom System.

The scalable, user-friendly solution supports seamless crew communications across healthcare conferences, government meetings, Mardi Gras balls, concerts, and large-scale galas.

Founded in Baton Rouge, AAVBR specialises in conferences, meetings, image magnification, LED wall presentations, and high-profile social events. As with many small- to mid-sized production companies, the team faced an ongoing challenge: identifying a reliable and cost-effective communications setup that could handle both intimate seminars and loud, fast-paced live productions.

"For a long time, the options were either two-way radios with headsets, which never worked well, or bulky, expensive belt packs that required base stations and carried price tags far outside of what made sense for us," explained Hans Wax, Owner of AAVBR. "We needed something small, durable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective. For years, it simply didn’t exist."

That changed when Wax encountered Pliant's MicroCom XR system at InfoComm. "I had been describing for a long time exactly what I wanted in a comms system—something the size of a cell phone with a headset, good range, and a couple of channels. When I walked into Pliant’s booth and saw the MicroCom XR, I knew immediately this was it," Wax recalled. "We waited for it to become available, and the moment it was, we bought multiple systems. We were early adopters and we’ve been thrilled ever since."

MicroCom XR is now integral to AAVBR's day-to-day productions. Requiring no base station, it allows the master pack to be positioned wherever it’s needed on site. Its range comfortably covers large venues, while its slim profile supports crew comfort and mobility. "The size is perfect, the sound quality is excellent, and the build quality has surprised me," Wax noted. "After five years, we haven't had to replace a single belt clip, which is very impressive considering how much wear and tear they go through. The durability has been outstanding."

The system's flexibility helps AAVBR adapt to diverse environments—from quiet medical seminars using lightweight Pliant SmartBoom LITE headsets to concerts and Mardi Gras balls using double-ear SmartBoom PRO headsets—while maintaining clear, interference-free comms. "Our video crew can be on one channel while backstage stage managers are on another, and they don't step on each other," said Wax. "That separation is critical when you’re managing complex shows."

Operating in the 900MHz band has also proved advantageous in crowded RF conditions. "We run a lot of wireless microphones and other RF systems, so having our comms live in their own lane is huge," Wax added. "It doesn't interfere with anything else, and that gives us confidence that it will work every time, even in challenging RF environments."

AAVBR currently maintains nearly 20 MicroCom XR packs, supported by multiple charging stations and spare units for last-minute additions, ensuring the team is ready for any event. The company has also introduced the system to other organisations, including local houses of worship, where it continues to provide reliable communication years after installation.

Reflecting on three decades in AV, Wax said few products genuinely excite him. "I don't get excited about much after 30 years in this industry, but this system is different. It filled a real need for us and it's something I continue to be genuinely enthusiastic about. With MicroCom XR now central to its productions, AAVBR has streamlined operations and reinforced its reputation for delivering smooth, professional events.

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