About the HME HS15 Single Ear Intercom Headset
The HME HS15 is a professional single-ear communications headset engineered for use with professional two-wire party-line intercom systems such as those manufactured by HME, RTS, and Clear-Com. It is designed to deliver clear, intelligible communication in the demanding audio environments of broadcast studios, live theater, concert venues, and corporate event production. The headset features a dynamic, uni-directional microphone element that provides effective ambient noise rejection, focusing on capturing the user's voice cleanly while minimizing background interference from stage monitors, crowd noise, or studio equipment. Its single-ear design is a fundamental operational advantage, allowing the wearer to maintain one ear open to monitor the live program feed, ambient cues, or conversations happening in the room, which is essential for directors, stage managers, and camera operators.
User comfort and durability are central to the HS15's design. It incorporates a lightweight, padded headband and a fully rotatable earcup that can be worn on either the left or right ear, accommodating personal preference and practical need. The foam-filled earcup is covered in a soft, replaceable leatherette material that provides a comfortable acoustic seal. A highly functional feature is the integrated "Push-To-Listen" (PTL) button mounted directly on the earcup housing. This allows the user to momentarily activate the listen function of their connected beltpack or base station without using their hands, a critical capability for crew members who need to keep their hands on cameras, lighting consoles, or other production equipment.
The headset is built to endure the physical rigors of daily production use. It terminates in a standard 4-pin XLR connector, commonly a male TA4F type, which interfaces directly with compatible intercom beltpacks and wall panels. The coiled cord offers excellent flexibility and resistance to tangling, extending to provide ample reach while retracting to keep excess cable managed. Renowned for its reliability, straightforward functionality, and focus on essential communication clarity, the HME HS15 is a ubiquitous and trusted tool in the professional intercom ecosystem, providing a direct and robust audio link that is vital for coordinated, real-time production operations.