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Commentator console: match-day checklist

A short routine for the commentator — from putting the headset on to leaving air — with the fixes for the problems that come up most.

5 min6 steps
You need
  • The Active Intercom app or a laptop browser
  • A headset (wired headset-mic is safest)
  • Your commentator login
1

Open the console

Sign in — the commentator console sits at the top (expand it with ▾ if it is minimised). On a phone, turn it sideways for the big programme picture.

Commentator console
Numbers: 1 GO LIVE · 2 status · 3 mic/quality · 4 talkback cuts air · 5 MUTE · 6–7 headphone mix · 8 talkback · 9 programme picture.
2

Microphone and quality

Choose the microphone and check that the VU bar moves; keep it out of the yellow-red zone. Quality 192 kbps is recommended (64–320). Phone mics are mono and copied to both channels; Mic +6 dB is the default, use +12 for weak mics.

3

Headphone mix

Open Headphone mix: Programme = programme level in your ears, My voice (sidetone) = hearing yourself, Duck programme when someone talks = how much the programme drops while the director speaks.

4

Sound check with the director

Hold the DIRECTOR talkback key and check with the director. A green dot on a talkback key means you are listening to that channel.

5

GO LIVE

Press GO LIVE — red ON AIR means your voice is in the programme mix. Ask the vision mixer to confirm the level.

6

Breaks and half time

Press MUTE: your on-air audio is cut but the intercom stays open, so you can talk freely with the director. Un-mute before you are back on air. At the end, press GO LIVE again to leave air.

Commentator mode on the phone
Phone sideways: GO LIVE, MUTE and talkback on the right, PRESS & HOLD / LATCH / COUGH below.

Troubleshooting & tips

No audio on air
Is the receiver running (vMix bridge) or the Relaya link active? MUTE off? Not holding a talkback key while "Talkback cuts air" is on?
Low level or one channel
On a phone raise Mic gain to +12 dB; keep the pan centred on the vMix input.
No programme picture
Ask the admin to fill Admin › Tally › Preview address (automatic with Relaya).
I can't hear the director
Check the green dot (listening) on the DIRECTOR key; raise the ducking value if the programme is too loud.

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