There’s so much more that goes into a theater than the actors on the stage or a big production on the screen. And if the behind the scenes crew is doing its job correctly, the audience will never know that.
There’s so much more that goes into a theater than the actors on the stage or a big production on the screen. And if the behind the scenes crew is doing its job correctly, the audience will never know that.
Communication is absolutely essential, for everyone from the stage manager to the lighting crew to the ushers, ticket takers, projectionists, and concession stand workers.
By maintaining constant, discreet communication using a two way radio, you can have your entire theater running like a well-oiled machine.
But, what is the best two way radio for your theater?
You're in the right place. This is the ultimate theater radio resource guide, and we’re committed to helping you find the best radio that suits the specific needs of your theater.
Of course, not every radio on this list is going to be right for every theater. We’ve highlighted three of the very best theater radios for you below and we encourage you to reach out to us directly if you have any questions.
We’d be happy to provide one on one assistance to help you find the radio that fits your theater’s needs and budget. Contact us via live chat on our website, by phone at 888-925-5982, or fill out our contact form for additional help.
If you see the radio you want, contact us for a free quote specifically tailored to your theater’s needs.
What Features Do You Need in a Theater Radio?
A quality two-way radio can help a theatrical production or movie theater maintain the illusion of the performance for guests.
With a strong and reliable radio, you’ll be able to call out light cues, alert ushers that the show is about to begin, coordinate
theater clean up between showings of a big blockbuster movie, and coordinate scene striking and set changes during a live production.
These tasks are too important to the theater to be left up to hand signals or trusted to some nameless radio that was purchased
from a discount bin at Walmart.
Much as you would only place your trust in quality employees and performers, you likewise need to place your trust in a name brand device
that has earned a solid reputation in the theater world.
This is true whether you’re a large professional theater, a small community theater, or a movie theater.
Here are some of the features that you should be looking for in a theater radio:
- Works well inside. We recommend UHF and Digital band radios only
- Antimicrobial properties. These are typically shared devices and you want to curb the spread of dangerous bacteria.
- Message alerts
- Durability
- Private communications
What Are The Best Theater Radios?
Motorola CLS1410
The Economical Choice
One of the first radios that you should consider for your theater is the Motorola CLS1410
This is a UHF radio with a very descriptive name. CLS stands for clear, light, and simple, which sums up the benefits of this device
perfectly.
The CLS1410 has four channels that can be used to separate stage crew, ushers, concessions, lighting crews, or other
equally important groups within your theater team.
This device has a 15-floor range indoors, which is perfect for even the largest broadway theater. It even has Vibracall alerts, meaning
that messages won’t sound off in the middle of a production. This is similar to the vibration notification setting on a cell phone.
Setting up this radio is easy as it is designed for simplified cloning.
It even features a keypad lockout feature, so if a device is misplaced and found by someone outside of your organization,
they won’t be able to access its features.
The CLS1410 has an 18-hour battery life thanks to a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which comes standard in every device.
In order to secure communications and keep the line clear, it uses 83 digital and 38 analog private lines along with 121 interference
eliminator codes. This radio also operates on 56 business exclusive frequencies.
If the CLS1410 sounds like the right radio for your theater’s needs, contact Tech Wholesale right away for a free no obligation quote.
Motorola DLR1060
Overall Best for Distance and Size
The Motorola DLR1060 is a digital band radio. That means it works well inside, but it is also going to save you money in the long run.
That’s because there are no FCC license fees associated with the use of these devices.
Certain UHF and VHF radios are subject to annual licensing costs levied by the United States government. While 95% of people
never purchase a license, digital radios like the DLR1060 fall outside of the FCC’s jurisdiction and don’t need one to begin with.
But aside from cost savings, this radio has six different channels for effective theater staff segmentation. At just over four ounces,
the device is easy to carry around and won’t be cumbersome for ushers or stage hands.
With an indoor range of 20 floors or 300,000 square feet, you’ve got plenty of elbow room.
Your communications are also going to be protected, thanks to the Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology that safeguards
your communications. It also comes with 10,000 privacy codes to further secure your conversations.
Both Page All and Call All Available features are available with the DLR1060. These important features are ideal in an emergency situation,
like if someone were to collapse in the lobby.
There is also a Direct Call feature, so that you can contact one stage hand or spotlight operator directly
without reaching the entire channel.
This device has a 14-hour battery life with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that comes with every handset.
What’s more, the radio’s Antimicrobial coating won’t allow for the spread of germs throughout your team or to the cast.
Finally, this device features Military Grade durability. That means if a stagehand drops it, there won’t be any major issues.
If you think that a digital radio is right for your theater, the Motorola DLR1060 might be the device for you. Contact Tech Wholesale now
for a free quote that is personalized to your specific business needs.
Motorola RMU2040
The Most Durable Theater Radio
Over the years, theaters of all sizes have made good use out of the Motorola RMU2040. It’s a UHF radio that features
four different channels for effective segmentation.
The indoor range of this device is 20 floors or 250,000 square feet. That makes it perfect for a large theater with multiple levels.
This is a highly durable military grade radio, so, in the event that it is dropped while striking a set everything is going to be alright.
This is another radio with Antimicrobial properties on the casing to stop germs from spreading through the workplace.
It also has 219 privacy codes to eliminate interference/crosstalk along with 99 UHF frequencies exclusive to businesses.
If you’re looking for a strong radio, the Motorola RMU2040 might be a good bet. Contact us now for a free personalized quote.
Which Theater Radio Do You Need?
The Best Radio for a Large Professional Theater
If you’re running a large professional theater, like those found on Broadway, we recommend the awesome power of the Motorola RMU2040.
It is a UHF device with four channels and an indoor range of up to 250,000 square feet. That’s ideal for a large theater with a balcony.
It comes with a rechargeable long lasting battery, so it won’t die in the middle of a show.
It’s also one of the most durable radios in the world. Your employees can drop it or be rougher with it throughout the theater environment,
and this radio will not break.
If your large theater needs the Motorola RMU2040, contact Tech Wholesale now for a free quote.
The Best Radio for a Small Community Theater
For your small community theater, we highly recommend the Motorola CLS1410.
It’s a UHF Radio that, by its own name, ensures that you’ll receive clear, light, and simple communications that will be perfect
for high traffic movie theaters. It’s also one of the most cost friendly options.
This radio has four channels to separate lobby workers, ushers, techs, directors, or any other group you want to create.
You also have a 15-floor range indoors, which is perfect for a community theater.
Vibracall alerts are included with this device, meaning that messages won’t sound off in the middle of a performance.
It also uses simplified cloning for a supremely easy setup.
It has an 18-hour battery life and protects your communications with 83 digital and 38 analog private lines,
121 interference eliminator codes, and 56 business exclusive frequencies.
Your community theater could make great use out of the CLS1410. Contact us today for a free quote.
The Best Radio for a Movie Theater
Movie theaters would do well with the Motorola DLR1060. It blends small size with distance and durability.
This digital band device will save your theater money on FCC license fees every year, freeing up more budget for other matters.
You’ll have a full six channels to utilize during the work day, which is more than enough.
With the provided channels you can properly segment your crew. Concessions can have their own channel along with ushers, janitorial staff,
projectionists, managers, and more.
This is a lightweight device that is easy to carry around, so it’s not going to interfere with your crew’s ability to do their job.
It communicates inside for 20 floors or 300,000 square feet. This is more than perfect for movie theaters of all sizes.
The Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology of this device, coupled with an impressive 10,000 privacy codes will protect
all of your communications.
The DLR1060 comes with a 14-hour battery life per charge and an antimicrobial coating.
If your movie theater needs a quality radio, contact us now for a free personalized quote on the Motorola DLR1060.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re a massive broadway theater, a small community nonprofit organization, or a local movie theater, you can positively impact
every production that lights up your stage.
Of course, each theater has different needs, so there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to choosing a radio
for your theater company.
We’re happy to help further in your quest for the ideal theater radio.
You can reach us directly by calling 888-925-5982, filling out our contact form, or using the live chat button on the Tech Wholesale
website.
If one of these radios is the perfect fit for your theater contact us now for a free personalized quote.
Related Links
https://www.techwholesale.com/fcc-licensing.html
https://www.techwholesale.com/uhf-vs-vhf-radios.html
https://www.techwholesale.com/radios-or-cell-phones.html
https://www.techwholesale.com/two-way-radios-for-organizational-use.html