Williams AV FM 558-24 PRO – Large-Venue FM and Wi-Fi Listening Package

Product Overview

The Williams AV FM 558-24 PRO package equips a large venue with everything required for ADA-compliant hearing assistance in one order: a dual FM and Wi-Fi FM+ T55C transmitter, 24 PPA R38N receivers, charging infrastructure, antenna, rack hardware, and compliance signage. It is a standard specification for performing arts centers, civic chambers, and worship spaces where a high receiver count must be deployed, charged, and managed by facility staff. Because the transmitter also streams over the building's Wi-Fi network, audience members can listen on personal smartphones through the WaveCAST app without checking out a receiver.

Product Description

Williams AV designed the FM 558 series around the FM+ T55C, a half-rack transmitter that pushes the same DSP-processed audio to two transports at once: 72 MHz-band FM for the supplied body-pack receivers and a network audio stream for app-based listeners. For the installing contractor, the workflow is straightforward — land a balanced line-level or microphone feed on the rear XLR/TRS combo jack, mount the unit with the included RPK 005 panel in the head-end rack, run the ANT 005 coaxial antenna to a code-compliant location, and connect Ethernet for web-based management. Selectable phantom power, input gain adjustment in 1 dB steps, and a 10-LED level meter simplify commissioning against the house mix.

Receiver logistics are where this PRO package earns its keep in a 24-unit deployment. The two included CHG 3512 drop-in chargers each hold 12 receivers, so the entire fleet recharges overnight in two footprints with no cable management. Each R38N receiver shows its channel on a 1-inch OLED display, locks to the house channel to prevent patron mis-tuning, and runs roughly 32 hours per charge on the included NiMH batteries — or 50 hours on disposable alkalines for backup. Six NKL 001 neckloops are included for hearing aid users with telecoils, and 24 EAR 022 surround earphones cover everyone else. The IDP 008 wall plaque notifies guests that assistive listening is available, a posting requirement in most ADA-governed assembly spaces.

Need network audio integration? The Dante-equipped FM 558-24 PRO D adds a Dante input to this same package. Smaller rooms can scale down to the FM 558-12 PRO with 12 receivers.

Key Features

• Two Listening Paths, One Transmitter — The FM+ T55C broadcasts FM to hardware receivers and streams Wi-Fi audio to the WaveCAST app simultaneously from a single half-rack unit.
• High-Capacity Receiver Package — Twenty-four PPA R38N receivers with OLED displays and channel lock support large audiences with managed, checkout-style distribution.
• Overnight Fleet Charging — Two 12-bay CHG 3512 drop-in chargers recharge all 24 receivers at once, with red LED status indicators per bay.
• ADA Compliance Out of the Box — Neckloops for telecoil users, surround earphones, and the IDP 008 availability plaque address assistive listening requirements for assembly occupancies.
• Commissioning-Friendly Transmitter — A 10-LED level meter, 1 dB input gain steps, and DSP presets make it quick to align the system with the house audio feed.
• 1,000-Foot FM Coverage — The included ANT 005 remote coaxial antenna delivers FM range up to 1,000 feet for full-room coverage in large halls.
• Web-Based Management — IT and AV staff can monitor and configure the transmitter from its hosted web page over the facility network.
• Rack-Ready Hardware — The RPK 005 rack panel kit mounts the half-rack transmitter cleanly in one standard 19-inch rack space.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Government space
• Commercial meeting space
• Multi-purpose room
• All-hands room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this package differ from the base FM 558-24?

The PRO version adds the professional installation accessories — ANT 005 remote antenna, RPK 005 rack panel kit, IDP 008 ADA plaque, neckloops, and 12-bay charging with rechargeable batteries — on top of the transmitter and 24 receivers.

Can the receivers be locked to one channel?

Yes. The R38N supports channel lock, so venue staff can fix every receiver to the house frequency and prevent patrons from retuning.

What does the venue need to provide for Wi-Fi streaming?

An existing Wi-Fi network with capacity for the expected number of app listeners. The transmitter connects to that network over Ethernet; it does not broadcast its own SSID.

Is the FM signal compatible with older Williams Sound 72 MHz receivers?

The system operates on the standard 72.1–75.9 MHz wideband channels used across Williams AV's 72 MHz FM product line; confirm channel compatibility for your specific legacy receiver model with the FM Systems comparison documentation.

Who installs the antenna?

FCC rules require professional installation with approved FCC 15.203 compliant antennas. The included ANT 005 is compliant; placement should follow Williams AV's antenna installation guidance.

What support is available after purchase?

Creation Networks supports system selection and ordering, and Williams AV backs the hardware with a 2-year transmitter warranty and a Lifetime PLUS Limited Warranty on the receivers.