Vortex Communications Ltd

Vortex at IBC 2025

Judit Kiss — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:12:53 +0000

Vortex at IBC 2025

Game-changing IP Audio Codec solutions from Vortex – Hall 8.F60

CallMe has revolutionised remote audio connectivity providing compatible cost-effective solutions for Guest Contributors and Reporters, Outside Broadcast and Studios. Fully-embracing SIP connectivity including RFC7198-compliant Dual Streaming, CallMe fits well into the latest trend for codec compatibility.
Vortex’s successful CallMe IP Codec add-on is now integrated as standard for RØDECaster Pro II and Duo. RØDE CallMe Pro is specifically designed for Broadcast and provides 3x separate Stereo CallMe IP Audio Codec channels at a fraction of the price of alternative solutions whilst still supporting full Broadcast Specifications including RFC7198 fully-compliant SIP Dual Streaming to provide reliable resilient connectivity. The three codecs can connect to different destinations – for example for Programme Audio, Talkback and CallMe Click-&-Connect Guests. RØDECasters have Wi-Fi and Ethernet built-in with CallMe adding mobile connectivity. An off-the-shelf battery pack powers the units for more than 7 hours even when streaming over 4G.

Game-changing IP Audio Codec solutions from Vortex – Hall 8.F60

Vortex will be showing its CallMe diRECt-X browser-browser codec solution. Developed originally for Journalists working-from-home to let them stream plus record interviews with multiple guests, it has now found its place in Podcasting where it provides a simple way to provide individual audio files for Host and Guests, none of which are stored on an external server making the whole solution GDPR compliant. Live audio is streamed using Opus and is end-to-end encrypted whilst the recorded audio is in Lossless FLAC format and recorded locally within each Guest Contributor’s browser and uploaded to the Host in the background, thus avoiding any live internet connectivity issues.
The latest development for CallMe, is the new CallMe-Hub that lets users control and monitor codecs both for local use – for example providing information for units that do not have an in-built screen – and remotely for fleet operation. It is compatible with all CallMe hardware Codecs including the new RØDE CallMe Pro which provides three full-broadcast stereo codecs, fully integrated within RØDE Caster software.

Timekeeping solutions from Vortex – Hall 8.F60

Vortex’s GPS-locked TimeLord Master Clock acts as an NTP Time Server and is commonly used in Broadcast to provide millisecond-accurate time references. New is “Movie Mode” which lets the TimeLord provide accurate time from a specific start point as opposed to time-of-day. Ideal for both TV and Film Production, it also provides an easy way to offset Time for Disaster / Emergency Operation planning and rehearsal.
Digital, analogue clocks (with hands) and our FLX ClockBox (unnecessarily long name) can be locked to the TimeLord as well as computers and playout systems which may require EBU Timecode or Serial time data, both available from the TimeLord.
FLX ClockBox stores a number of standard user-selectable Digital and Analogue Clock layouts including multi-zone, can provide timer/stopwatch operation, locks to NTP over ethernet and provides HD Video output for display on low-cost monitor screens.

Find us at IBC 2025 Hall 8 F60

Register for a free pass – Customer Code: 1121

RØDE and Vortex partner to redefine remote content creation with RØDE CallMe

Judit Kiss — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:37:36 +0000

RØDE and VORTEX partner to redefine remote content creation with

RØDE has today unveiled RØDE CallMe, an exciting new feature that transforms remote content creation for the RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo. Developed in partnership with UK-based broadcast solutions company Vortex Communications, RØDE CallMe delivers ultra-low latency, studio-quality remote connectivity through seamless integration of Vortex’s well-established CallMe Codec capability.

Available now via a free firmware update, RØDE CallMe enables creators to connect remotely over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, without reliance on intermediary software, complex setups, or additional gear. Powered by CallMe’s secure, fully integrated SIP IP audio connectivity, users can now immediately connect to another RØDECaster Pro II or Duo. They can also connect to a guest contributor using a browser-based interface, by sending an invite via email or QR code.

“RØDE CallMe marks a groundbreaking leap forward in remote production,” said RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “By partnering with Vortex, we’ve removed constrictive technical barriers and eliminated geographic constraints entirely, to deliver broadcast-quality results for creators and professionals alike. It’s intuitive, powerful, and built into the gear that creators already know and trust.”

Vortex MD Ian Prowse added, “We are delighted to be working with RØDE to fully integrate our established CallMe IP Audio capability, bringing low-delay, broadcast-quality remote audio to the widest possible range of users including broadcasters, podcasters, internet radio creators and voice-over professionals.”

RØDE CallMe offers three flexible tiers to meet the diverse needs of content creators at every level:

RØDE CallMe Lite

Available at no cost via a firmware update, RØDE CallMe Lite supports one remote contributor (one CallMe channel), offering up to 10 hours of RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster audio calls per month along with a 5-hour trial of Web-to-RØDECaster calling.

RØDE CallMe

For just US$9.99 a month or US$99 a year, creators can unlock extended capabilities, including support for two remote contributors (two CallMe channels) and unlimited RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster and Web-to-RØDECaster audio calls.

RØDE CallMe Pro

Priced at US$49.99 a month or US$499 a year, RØDE CallMe Pro unlocks advanced tools designed for professional broadcasters. A one-time purchase perpetual licence is also available from Vortex and its Distributors. In addition to all standard CallMe features, it offers multi-guest support (three CallMe Channels), a fully integrated IP audio codec with third-party interoperability, and advanced SIP calling with full protocol support. Pro users also benefit from resilient multi-network streaming with external 4G/5G support, broadcast-grade codec options with adjustable jitter buffering, and flexible control via touchscreen, web UI, and CallMe Hub. A 14-day free trial is also available for the Pro tier, with the flexibility to cancel anytime.

Pro tier has a 14-day free trial with flexibility to cancel anytime.

Each tier enjoys RØDE’s hallmark high-quality, ultra-low latency stereo audio and access to 24/7 support, with RØDE CallMe Pro subscribers receiving specialty assistance from the Vortex Technical Support Team.

For decades, RØDE has been committed to pushing the boundaries of creative technology. This partnership builds on that pursuit, unlocking professional-grade remote contribution and collaboration with a level of simplicity and quality never before available, enabling creators to collaborate without constraints, anywhere in the world.

RØDE CallMe is now accessible through a free firmware update for all RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo users.

Vortex to distribute AETA Codecs in the UK and Ireland

Judit Kiss — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:40:56 +0000

Vortex to distribute AETA Audio Codecs in the UK and Ireland

By Vortex Communications Date: July 8th, 2024 3 Min Read

Vortex Communications – home of the CallMe family of IP Audio Codec solutions – and AETA Audio Systems – home of Scoop IP Audio Codecs – have come to an “Entente Cordial” for Vortex to distribute AETA Codecs in the UK and Ireland. It is a very convenient “Marriage of Convenience” where the AETA and Vortex solutions complement each other from top to bottom with a mutual dedicated commitment to SIP connectivity.

Whilst Vortex has concentrated mainly on low-cost IP Audio codec solutions, AETA – strong in the European market – offers a larger comprehensive range of hardware codecs right up to the ScoopTeam with in-built dual 4G / 5G connectivity and DANTE or RAVENNA options.

As the first major step both partners will launch the new and revolutionary ScoopyFlex reportage codec in the UK and Ireland which changes the game in mobile live production for sports and news.

Judit Kiss from Vortex said that “The new arrangement lets Vortex offer a complete range of Codecs that complements its established range of low-cost solutions . With both companies committed to compatibility |(especially SIP) and long-time experience with IP Audio, we see an exciting future for our new cooperation”.

Thomas Fengel from AETA added “We are really happy to team up with Vortex which means that customers can obtain cutting edge Codec solutions from us as the manufacturer, together with the best possible support in the UK and Ireland from Vortex that has for years specialised in IP Audio.”

Sad news about Lynn Cheney – Our long-time friend and business associate

Ian Prowse — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:38:38 +0000

Sad news about Lynn Cheney - Our long-time friend and business associate

We recently heard the sad news that our good friend and long-time business associate Lynn Cheney has died.

John Cheney founded Comrex in 1961 and was travelling with Lynn on an organized Broadcast Engineering trip to the newly opened-up China in 1983 with 6 other companies, all of us selling our wares, which is when I met them, literally “on a bus in China”.

From that chance meeting, they became staunch personal friends as well as long-term business associates and we together enjoyed huge success with their remote audio products, developing the UK market in particular, first for Telephone Frequency Extenders, then ISDN, POTS and finally IP audio codecs.

Although Lynn retired nearly 20 years ago, many will remember visits to our mutual customers across the UK and her regular presence on our IBC (and indeed Montreux) stands.

Radio World has published a retrospective https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/former-comrex-president-lynn-cheney-dies

Ian Prowse, Director Vortex Communications Ltd

Vortex integrates IP audio codec capability for RØDECaster audio mixers

Judit Kiss — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:40:22 +0000

Vortex integrates IP audio codec capability for RØDECaster audio mixers

By Vortex Communications Date: August 15th, 2023 3 Min Read

Vortex has used the IBC2023 to announce the latest addition to its CallMe range of affordable IP audio solutions: A fully integrated upgrade that provides IP audio connectivity for RØDECaster-Pro II and RØDECaster-Duo audio mixers. Vortex says the enhancement provides a cost-effective one-box solution for outside broadcast and podcasting with cabled and mobile internet connectivity and the same straightforward operation of the CallMe-T hardware codec. The add-on offers 20kHz low-delay Opus audio and is compatible with other manufacturers’ codecs that support the same standards.

This upgrade follows the CallMe-G IP audio upgrade to the long-established GSGC5 COOBE to add mobile and cabled IP connectivity without losing the original ISDN capability. At IBC2023, Vortex is also demonstrating its CallMe integrated hardware, software and cloud solutions that include the CallMe diRECtX Browser-to-Browser package that conferences up to five guest contributors with a host with end-to-end encryption for live broadcast and lossless audio recording in case of connectivity issues. The company is also demonstrating its CallMe-TX multi-channel MS Windows software codec for universal ingest for VoIP and program audio.

Vortex InfoSheet

Tom Collier — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:11:19 +0000

CallMe-TX Windows-based expandable multi-channel IP Audio Codec

CallMe-TX uses Vortex’s industry-standard CallMe “codec engine” running under MS Windows to provide multiple CallMe IP Audio Codecs on a single platform.

CallMe-TX provides the same capability as the established and well-liked CallMe-T low-cost desktop hardware codec and is licenced by number of connections and number of audio channels making it ideal as a studio ingest for multiple contribution sources which can include Program Audio, Talkback and Telephone. CallMe-TX interfaces to physical soundcards and virtual Audio-over-IP drivers (for example Dante Virtual Soundcard) via ASIO/MME.

CallMe-T, on which the Windows CallMe-TX is based, was first announced in 2017 as a lowcost back-end for CallMe Click-&-Connect, Vortex’s industry-standard cloud codec that puts guest contributors and reporters live OnAir without the need for them to have special hardware or download a software codec. CallMe-T has since developed into a mainstream IP Audio workhorse providing one-touch connection to its stored Quick-Dial destinations, even incorporating video stream support so that CallMe-T (and TX) can join a Zoom conference to provide the highest-quality audio possible straight from the Zoom Server. CallMe-T has an excellent reputation for robust connectivity, audio quality and ease-of-use which is all transferred to the Windows CallMe-TX version.

CallMe-TX Windows-based cost-effective Expandable Multi-Channel IP Audio Codec

With increased use of Audio-over-IP connectivity for Program Sound, Talkback and even Telephone contributions, the need for IP Audio codecs has increased significantly especially over the last couple of years. For each Front-End IP Audio device connection, there is the need for a matching Back-End codec and the costs of purchasing, owning, running – and indeed recycling at end-of-life – not to mention finding space in equipment bays to house them and energy to run them, followed by yet more energy to keep them cool, makes dedicated individual hardware units far from attractive. Furthermore, Organizations – often encouraged by Government legislation – are becoming much more conscious of their Green Credentials and carbon footprint so condensing capability within a single hardware unit is extremely attractive. For full information, please visit www-ng.vtx.uk/callme-tx/

SUPPORTED CODECS
Opus Mono, Dual Mono and Stereo, 8–510kbps; G.722 and G.711 μ-law and A-law

CODEC FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20Hz–20kHz

IP PROTOCOLS AND PORTS
SIP UDP 5060, TCP 5060
RT(C)P UDP 15004–15515
DHCP UDP 68
DHCPV6 UDP 546
DNS UDP any (53 remote)
STUN UDP any (3478 remote)
HTTP TCP 80
HTTPS TCP 443

SOUNDCARD SUPPORT – HARDWARE & VIRTUAL (eg DANTE VIRTUAL SOUNDCARD)
ASIO/MME

CallMe-TX Windows-based expandable cost-effective multi-channel IP Audio Codec

Windows-based CallMe-TX has the same capabilities as the industry-standard CallMe-T IP Audio Codec that provides Opus, G.722 and G.711 codecs and SIP connectivity plus lots lots more. Instead of running on dedicated hardware to provide individual CallMe-T codecs, CallMe-TX runs on a Windows platform and can be configured with multiple codec instances and multiple users, all controlled via the web interface. The API provides the capability for integration with other virtual applications such as cloud Talk Show and Playout systems where CallMe-TX provides a cost-effective high-quality audio interface for ingest.

CallMe-TX has the same capabilities as CallMe-T including
Quick-dial destinations from the address book that provide multi-streaming with individual channel destination routing.

CallMe-TX runs as a normal Windows Service and supports Virtual and Hardware Soundcards via ASIO/MME – for example Dante Virtual Soundcard.

CallMe-TX can directly interface to Dante Virtual Soundcard which can use Dante Controller to provide multi-channel input and output routing without the need for conventional analogue or AES-3 audio routers.

Vortex Press Release IBC Hot Picks

Tom Collier — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:31:25 +0000

CallMe- Why buy new when you can buy up-cycle

By Vortex Communications Date: August 9th, 2023 2 Min Read

CallMe is Vortex’s range of affordable IP Audio codecs ranging from CallMe-T affordable hardware boxes that offer Opus, G.722 and G.711 audio with SmartStream making it possible to use them as two separate mono codecs connected to two different destinations. Its USB audio capability makes it an ideal IP-connectivity add-on for USB Mixers such as RodeCaster-Pro, whilst multi-streaming provides robust connectivity.

CallMe also offers Software and Cloud codec solutions. CallMe-TX is a multi-codec MS Windows software version of CallMe-T with ASIO/MME support for hardware and virtual soundcards including Dante/AES67 offering straightforward AoIP integration. CallMe-TX makes an ideal studio ingest for programme audio, talkback and VoIP.

CallMe-diRECT does away with special hardware altogether and is a browser-to-browser solution used for Live Broadcast and pre-records making it ideal also for Podcasting. It lets a Host connect to up to 5 Guests using only web browsers for live streaming that is end-to-end encrypted, plus the Host can initiate lossless (FLAC) in-browser recordings that are
uploaded in the background to the Host in case of connectivity issues and for editing or later broadcast.

And if you already have IP audio codecs at the studio and want to put Guest Contributors Live on-air without them needing any special hardware or software download, the original CallMe Click-&-Connect has your branding and connects to back-end codecs from any browser.

The CallMe affordable IP Audio; for Reporters, for Guests, for Everyone

Vortex CallMe-diRECt stars at Brazilian festival

Tom Collier — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:47:39 +0000

By Brett Moss Date: July 22, 2023 3 Min Read

Radio Rios, a radio station based in Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, spent a few days in Parantins covering the popular Parantins Folklore Festival (Festival de Parintins), also known as Boi Bumbas.

Choosing a light footprint, the Radio Rios crew used Vortex Communications’ CallMe-diRECt cloud-based software codec service to produce the show.

Radio Rios presenter Mateus Arruda said, “The ability of the CallMe codec to handle the connectivity challenges in the rain forest was truly impressive. It ensured that our artists and their performances were transmitted with clarity and fidelity, capturing the energy and magic of the festival.”

He added that Vortex’s Brazilian distributor AudioTX provided training and help support, “Their valuable guidance allowed us to make the most of CallMe and overcome any obstacles we encountered along the way.”

A release adds that the CallMe diRECt service “lets a host connect to up to five remote contributors, all streaming live using Opus audio encoding with end-to-end encrypted connections.” It also provides a recording function for storing programs and excerpts that can be used during a program or for a backup.

Vortex exhibits at Podcast Show

Tom Collier — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:47:37 +0000

By RedTech Staff Date: May 23, 2023 2 Min Read

Vortex will be at The Podcast Show 2023, May 24–25 in London, displaying the latest updates to its CallMe family of affordable IP audio solutions.

Of particular interest to podcasters is the CallMe-diRECt-X multi-guest browser-based cloud solution that allows podcast hosts to connect up to five guest contributors without needing special hardware or software download. It provides end-to-end encrypted live streaming and local in-browser lossless recording uploaded to the host in the background, thus avoiding the strange gurgling sounds and dropouts associated with poor internet connectivity.

Vortex will also demonstrate its latest CallMe integration with the RØDECaster-Pro-II audio production mixer coupled with MaxxKonnect Wireless connectivity to provide an ultra-reliable affordable remote transmission solution.

Vortex will be at Booth J5 in the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.

Meet Vortex at MPTS

Tom Collier — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:45:25 +0000

By RedTech Staff Date: May 7, 2023 3 Min Read

IP audio codec specialist Vortex is taking its family of CallMe products to MPTS in London, including the CallMe-TX Windows IP codec service, which the company launched last month at NAB.

CallMe-TX provides multiple instances of Vortex’ CallMe-T capability with ASIO/MME support for virtual and hardware soundcards, such as the Dante Virtual Soundcard. Vortex describes it as like having multiple CallMe-Ts running on a single computer. The CallMe-T is a hardware codec with Opus, G.722 and G.711 audio encoding offering balanced analog stereo, AES67 Dante and USB audio for direct connection to USB mixers and headsets.

Nominated for an NAB Radio Product of the Year, the CallMe-diRECt-X multi-guest browser-to-browser cloud solution will also be on show. CallMe-diRECt-X enables up to five guest contributors to be connected without special hardware or software and provides end-to-end encrypted live streaming and in-browser lossless recording.

The company will also demonstrate live CallMe integration with the RØDECaster-Pro-II audio production mixer coupled with MaxxKonnect Wireless connectivity to provide an alternative outside broadcast setup. Meanwhile CallMe Click-&-Connect is a browser-to-hardware cloud contribution solution which puts guests and reporters live on-air without a dedicated hardware codec or having to download special software.

Vortex are on stand K49 at MPTS 2023, which is being held in Olympia, London on May 10–11.