Riedel Communications, a global leader in real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks, has officially unveiled its latest innovation in professional audio hardware: the OnAir headset platform. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern broadcast, live entertainment, and high-performance sports environments, the OnAir platform represents a significant shift in how intercom peripherals are engineered, prioritizing modularity, long-term comfort, and superior speech intelligibility. The platform is divided into three distinct tiers—the OnAir 200, 400, and 500 Series—each tailored to specific operational roles within a production ecosystem. This launch, announced at the LEAT con exhibition, signals Riedel’s commitment to providing a holistic communication solution that integrates seamlessly with its established Artist and Bolero intercom systems while introducing a new standard for field-serviceable hardware.
Engineering a New Standard for Professional Intercoms
The development of the OnAir platform was driven by extensive feedback from industry professionals who spend upwards of ten to twelve hours a day wearing communication gear. In the high-stakes world of live production, a headset is more than a simple audio peripheral; it is a critical tool that can influence the speed and accuracy of a production team’s response. Riedel’s engineering team focused on four primary pillars during the design phase: audio clarity optimized for the human voice, ergonomic excellence to prevent fatigue, deep integration with existing intercom workflows, and a sustainable service model that allows for individual component replacement.
By optimizing the drivers and microphones specifically for intercom-range audio, Riedel has addressed a common issue in professional headsets where full-range frequency response can often lead to a lack of clarity in noisy environments. The OnAir series focuses on the frequencies essential for speech, ensuring that commands are heard clearly even amidst the roar of a stadium or the chaotic environment of a concert stage.
The OnAir 200 Series: Lightweight Efficiency for Modern Workflows
The OnAir 200 Series is positioned as the entry point into the platform, specifically designed for users who require a lightweight, unobtrusive solution for single-ear communication. This series is particularly relevant for producers, stage managers, and technical directors who need to stay connected to their comms loop while remaining aware of their physical surroundings.
The 200 Series is available in two primary configurations to bridge the gap between legacy hardware and the increasingly digital nature of production. The analog model features a standard XLR4F connector, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of existing beltpacks and wall stations. Conversely, the digital model utilizes a USB-C connection, reflecting the industry’s move toward software-defined intercoms and computer-based production environments. Both models share a symmetrical, "beidseitig tragbar" design, allowing the microphone boom to be rotated for use on either the left or right ear. This versatility is a hallmark of the OnAir platform, ensuring that individual user preferences do not require specialized hardware inventory.
The OnAir 400 Series: The Professional Workhorse
For the majority of broadcast and live event professionals, the OnAir 400 Series is expected to become the industry standard. Available in both single-ear (monaural) and dual-ear (binaural) versions, the 400 Series introduces integrated Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality directly on the microphone boom. This ergonomic innovation allows operators to respond to cues instantly without having to locate a button on a beltpack or a desk-mounted panel.
The physical design of the 400 Series incorporates a pressure-relief groove in the headband, a feature specifically requested by users who wear headsets for extended shifts. This groove reduces the direct vertical pressure on the crown of the head, a common cause of headaches and discomfort during long broadcasts. Furthermore, the 400 Series utilizes a mini-XLR7 connector at the ear cup, allowing for detachable and interchangeable cables. This modularity ensures that if a cable is damaged in the field—a frequent occurrence in the fast-paced world of live production—it can be replaced in seconds without tools, preventing the entire headset from being decommissioned.
The OnAir 500 Series: Built for Extreme Environments
At the top of the range sits the OnAir 500 Series, a binaural headset engineered specifically for high-noise environments such as motorsports, large-scale music festivals, and industrial production sites. The 500 Series prioritizes passive noise isolation, utilizing high-density ear cup materials to block out ambient sound and protect the user’s hearing while maintaining clear incoming audio.
One of the standout features of the 500 Series is its sophisticated control interface. In addition to the "Reply" button located on the microphone arm, the ear cups feature two dedicated PTT buttons. These buttons provide direct access to multiple intercom channels, allowing a user to toggle between different talk groups seamlessly. Furthermore, the 500 Series includes a specialized "Radio Mode," which configures the headset for direct use with professional two-way radio systems. This cross-platform utility makes the 500 Series an essential tool for pit crews and technical leads who must navigate multiple communication protocols simultaneously.
Strategic Context and Industry Impact
The timing of the OnAir launch is significant as the broadcast industry continues its transition toward IP-based infrastructures. As more production facilities move to SMPTE ST 2110 and AES67 standards, the demand for high-quality, reliable audio endpoints has never been higher. Riedel’s decision to include a USB-C variant in the 200 Series and high-fidelity components across the board suggests a forward-looking strategy that anticipates the convergence of traditional intercom hardware and software-based communication platforms.
Kristina Uhlitz, Product Manager at Riedel Communications, emphasized the practical origins of the platform’s design. "With OnAir, we wanted to consistently align our headset portfolio with the practical requirements we encounter every day in live productions," Uhlitz stated. "A headset is often worn and operated for many hours. Therefore, audio quality and wearing comfort were just as important to us as intuitive operation and flexibility. Features like integrated PTT, the reversible design, and the replaceable cables allow the headset to be flexibly adapted to different users, devices, and workflows."
Modularity as a Sustainability and ROI Strategy
One of the most impactful aspects of the OnAir platform from a business perspective is its serviceability. Historically, professional headsets have often been treated as semi-disposable items; once a microphone boom snapped or a headband cushion wore out, the unit was often discarded or sent for expensive, time-consuming repairs.
Riedel has disrupted this model by making the OnAir 400 and 500 Series entirely modular. The ear pads, headband cushions, dust protectors, microphone boom modules, and cables are all available as individual spare parts. For large-scale production houses and rental companies, this translates to a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Instead of maintaining a massive surplus of complete headsets, technicians can keep a small stock of modular components to perform "on-the-fly" repairs. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of the hardware but also aligns with the growing industry emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction.
Technical Specifications and Timeline
While the OnAir platform was officially presented at LEAT con in September 2026, the development process spanned several years of iterative testing. Early prototypes were reportedly field-tested during major sporting events, including European football leagues and Formula 1 races, where communication reliability is non-negotiable.
The technical specifications highlight a commitment to audio fidelity:
- Microphone Type: High-quality dynamic and electret options optimized for noise cancellation.
- Frequency Response: Tailored for 100 Hz to 10 kHz to maximize speech clarity.
- Weight: Optimized for long-term wear, with the 200 series being among the lightest in its class.
- Connectivity: Options for XLR4F, XLR5F, mini-XLR7, and USB-C.
The platform is designed to be future-proof. Riedel has indicated that the "platform" designation means OnAir will continue to evolve, with new modules and connectivity options likely to be introduced as production requirements change.
Conclusion: The Future of Production Communication
The introduction of the OnAir platform marks a new chapter for Riedel Communications. By moving beyond the internal mechanics of the intercom matrix and focusing on the physical touchpoint between the technology and the human operator, Riedel has addressed the "last mile" of professional communication.
Industry analysts suggest that the OnAir platform will likely see rapid adoption among Riedel’s existing global client base, which includes major broadcasters like the BBC, ZDF, and NBC, as well as massive event entities like the Olympic Games. The combination of ergonomic comfort, modular serviceability, and specialized audio performance makes the OnAir 200, 400, and 500 Series a formidable addition to the professional audio landscape. As live productions become increasingly complex and the pressure on crews continues to mount, the value of reliable, comfortable, and clear communication cannot be overstated. With OnAir, Riedel has provided the tools necessary to ensure that every cue is heard and every command is executed, regardless of the environment.
