Williams AV FM T55CD-00 – FM+ Dual Broadcast Transmitter with Dante Input

Product Overview

The Williams AV FM T55CD-00 is a Dante-enabled FM+ assistive listening transmitter that broadcasts FM and Wi-Fi audio simultaneously from a single source, built for commercial AV installations where audio is distributed over a Dante network. Listeners receive the program through a traditional 72–76 MHz FM receiver or by streaming to their own smartphone with the free WaveCAST Receiver app. With a professional DSP audio platform, Telnet control over Ethernet, and a dedicated RJ-45 Dante input, the FM T55CD drops directly into networked AV systems in auditoriums, government spaces, and houses of worship that must meet ADA assistive listening requirements.

Product Description

The FM+ C platform is the first transmitter of its kind to offer an FM broadcast and a Wi-Fi audio broadcast from a single input source, and the FM T55CD adds Dante network audio input to that dual-broadcast architecture. For integrators standardizing on Dante, this means the assistive listening feed rides the same network as the rest of the audio system — no analog tie lines required — while the combination XLR/1/4-inch TRS analog input remains available for line-level or microphone sources with selectable phantom power.

Whether deployed for assistive listening, language interpretation, or audio description, dual-broadcast technology lets each listener choose: pick up a venue-provided FM receiver, or connect a personal smartphone to the venue Wi-Fi and stream through the WaveCAST app for iOS or Android. The FM side operates on 17 selectable wideband channels between 72.1 and 75.9 MHz with a range of up to 1,000 feet using the ANT 005 coaxial antenna, and remains compatible with all current and legacy Williams Sound receivers in the 72–76 MHz band.

The transmitter is built on a professional DSP platform with presets for voice, music, and hearing assistance, plus adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters and compression for maximum speech intelligibility. AV professionals manage the unit through the front-panel OLED display, the hosted web interface, or Telnet commands over Ethernet — enabling control of power, gain, channel, and DSP preset from third-party room control systems. The half-rack, 1RU chassis mounts in a standard 19-inch rack with optional RPK 005 or RPK 006 kits, and the system includes the ANT 025 antenna, power supply, audio cable, and line cord. The FCC requires professional installation with approved FCC 15.203-compliant antennas, and the Wi-Fi stream requires connection to the venue's existing network.

If Dante input is not required, the analog-only FM T55C-00 offers the same dual-broadcast performance. Browse the Williams AV collection for compatible FM receivers, neckloops, and antennas.

Key Features

• Dante Network Audio Input — A dedicated RJ-45 Dante port accepts the assistive listening feed directly from the facility's Dante audio network, eliminating analog tie lines.
• Dual FM and Wi-Fi Broadcast — Transmits a 72–76 MHz FM signal and a Wi-Fi audio stream simultaneously from one source, serving dedicated receivers and personal devices alike.
• WaveCAST App Streaming — Listeners stream real-time audio to their own iOS or Android smartphone over the venue Wi-Fi for a discreet assistive listening experience.
• Professional DSP Audio Platform — Voice, music, and hearing-assist presets with adjustable filters and compression improve intelligibility for hearing-impaired listeners.
• Telnet Room Control Integration — Third-party control systems manage power, audio gain, channel selection, and DSP presets over the Ethernet port.
• Flexible Analog Input — Combination 3-pin XLR and 1/4-inch TRS jack supports balanced or unbalanced line or microphone signals with selectable phantom power.
• Legacy Receiver Compatibility — Works with all current and legacy Williams Sound FM receivers operating in the 72–76 MHz assistive listening band.
• Long Transmission Range — Reaches up to 1,000 feet with the ANT 005 coaxial antenna for full coverage of large venues.
• Rack-Mount Ready — Half-rack, 1RU chassis installs singly or in pairs in a 19-inch rack using optional RPK 005/RPK 006 kits.
• RF Sleep Mode — Stops transmitting after a selectable period of silence and wakes automatically when audio resumes, reducing power consumption.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium assistive listening over Dante audio networks
• House of worship hearing assistance and audio description
• Government space ADA compliance
• Conference room and commercial meeting space language interpretation
• Multi-purpose room and all-hands room AV systems
• Training room hearing assistance

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Dante input on the FM T55CD work?

The transmitter includes an RJ-45 Dante jack that subscribes to a channel on the facility's Dante audio network. The assistive listening feed routes from the house DSP or mixer to the transmitter entirely over the network, with the analog XLR/TRS input still available as an alternative source.

Is the FM T55CD compatible with my existing Williams Sound receivers?

Yes. It broadcasts on the standard 72–76 MHz assistive listening band and works with all current and legacy Williams Sound FM receivers, including the FM R37 and FM R38.

Can listeners use their own phones instead of FM receivers?

Yes. The simultaneous Wi-Fi broadcast streams to the free WaveCAST Receiver app on iOS and Android once the listener's device joins the venue Wi-Fi network. The app does not receive the FM broadcast.

Can I control the FM T55CD from a room control system?

Yes. The transmitter supports Telnet commands over Ethernet — including power, audio gain, channel selection, and DSP preset — so it integrates with Crestron, Extron, and similar third-party control platforms.

Does this transmitter require professional installation?

Yes. The FCC requires the unit to be professionally installed with approved FCC 15.203-compliant antennas. Williams AV publishes an antenna selection guide listing compliant options for this product.

What warranty applies to the FM T55CD?

Williams AV covers the transmitter with a 2-year warranty against component failure and manufacturing defects. Creation Networks provides pre-sale design assistance and post-sale support coordination.