Rio Rancho, NM (November 7, 2016) — Lectrosonics announces the introduction of a new micro digital recorder, the PDR (Portable Digital Recorder) for professional use. For situations in which the distance is extreme or where using a wireless microphone is not practical, the PDR recorder can travel with your subject and capture professional quality audio, synchronized with timecode. The tiny size and rounded shape make the PDR unobtrusive and easy to place in garments and costumes, and easy to conceal when used as a “plant” microphone to capture environmental or location sound.
The PDR records in 24 bit, 48 kHz digital onto a Micro SD card (HC type) in the industry-standard .wav (Broadcast Wave File) format. The PDR can be jammed to external time code via the standard 5-pin Lemo connector. A headphone output jack allows for monitoring the signal input or listening to previously recorded files.
“We have observed the need for professionals to have a recorder which is small and unobtrusive and which offers professional quality sound,” says Gordon Moore, CTS, Lectrosonics President. “Lectrosonics is pleased to introduce the PDR – a highly compact, pro grade sound recorder at an attractive price point.”
The input connector is the industry standard TA5M jack that accepts any mic or line level signal, and provides bias voltage to power a wide variety of electret lavaliere microphones. The input connection and wiring is compatible with microphones pre-wired for use with Lectrosonics professional wireless microphone transmitters with servo bias type inputs.
Setup and adjustment is made through an intuitive interface provided by the keypad and LCD. In keeping with typical Lectrosonics mechanical designs, the housing is machined from a solid aluminum billet then hard anodized for the ruggedness needed in field production. The PDR runs for over 6 hours on a single lithium AAA battery. Audio specifications: 20 – 20 kHz frequency response, 105 dB(A) signal to noise (in HD mono mode), <0.035% distortion. Time code is SMPTE 12M – 1999 compliant. The PDR is 2.3×2.1x.7 inches (60x54x17 mm), and weighs 2.5 oz (71 grams) with battery.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 – Sound Devices unveils Wingman, its newest wireless remote control option for the 6-Series mixer/recorder line. Wingman is an iOS-based application that, when paired with the new WM-Connect Bluetooth® Smart USB accessory, lets users start and stop audio recordings, enter and edit metadata, as well as arm, disarm, and rename tracks. It also gives users touch-screen access to manage sound report information, create sound reports on the mixer, and the ability to email those sound reports (.csv files) directly from an iPhone or iPad. An overview of the Wingman App can be found here.
“The Wingman app offers a production team very affordable convenience and workflow functionality on set or in the field,” says Matt Anderson, President, Sound Devices, LLC. “Wingman gives users a clear view of their metering and timecode display on a larger touchscreen. The interface is easy to use and puts control in the palm of your hand. For workflows requiring remote-control access, this is an economical and seamless option.”
While Wingman will be available free from Apple’s App Store, the wireless integration does require the WM-Connect Bluetooth USB Dongle, which may be purchased at Location Sound now. It also requires a 6-Series firmware update to version 4.00 or later.
WM-Connect may be inserted directly into any 6-Series mixer, using one of two included USB A-to-B adapters. For cart-based workflows, the accessory may be inserted into the keyboard port of the Sound Devices CL-12 linear fader controller.
If multiple 6-Series mixers are on set and equipped with a WM-Connect, Wingman will display all available devices at start-up, and the user may switch connection from one mixer to another from within the app.
“Wingman can do so much to enhance a production workflow,” adds Anderson. “Giving a user better control of metadata in the user-friendly iOS interface will enable production teams to do more with less, more quickly than ever before.”
The UHF Power Paddle Antenna from PSC is ruggedly built from the finest materials. Its skeletal design, state-of-the-art electronics and water resistant, rubberized coating provide top notch performance in the field. This new design includes an ultra low noise RF amplifier (0.6dB) and an RF limiter on the input for superior RF performance. The design also includes an easy-to-use, panel-mounted rotary switch for gain setting. This active antenna will operate from 7 to 18Vdc ensuring that it is compatible with all brands of wireless equipment that provide remote antenna powering. Mounting is via industry standard 3/8-16 TPI threaded mount.
Rio Rancho, NM (March 2016) — Lectrosonics is pleased to introduce SRc and SRc5P Digital Hybrid Wireless® dual-channel diversity “slot” receivers with Smart Tuning and SuperSlot™ compatibility, designed for top performance in tough RF environments, making them ideally suited for field production and other applications challenged by rough conditions.
The Lectrosonics SRc and SRc5P units each consist of two receivers which are built into a single, ultra-compact housing, with optional adaptors for video camera receiver slots and for standalone use. The two internal receivers can be operated separately, each using switching, antenna combining diversity, or in tandem with ratio diversity reception. The audio inputs of the receivers can be mixed internally or left separated for discrete recording tracks or external mixing. The 5P variant allows dual channel operation for cameras with only one audio channel in the slot.
These new Digital Hybrid Wireless dual-channel diversity slot receivers include a wide tuning range of three standard Lectrosonics blocks or 76 MHz. Tuning steps of 100 kHz or 25 kHz allow for up to 3072 frequencies per band. Tracking front-end filters provide excellent out-of-band rejection of RF noise, making the receivers ideal performers in extreme RF conditions. And DSP compatibility modes allow the receivers to be used with a variety of Lectrosonics systems, including the IFB transmitters, as well as a variety of other wireless systems. An IR (infrared) port is included to simplify setup with IR enabled transmitters.
The SmartTune feature quickly and automatically selects frequencies based on local scan data. Audio frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz +- 1dB. Four frequency ranges are available for worldwide use: A1 (470-537 MHz or blocks 470, 19, and 20), B1 (537-614 MHz or blocks 21, 22 and 23), B2 (563-640 MHz or blocks 22, 23 and 24) and C1 (614-691 MHz or blocks 24, 25 and 26).
“I’m particularly excited about the SRc and SRc5P receivers,” says Karl Winkler, Vice President of Sales/Service for Lectrosonics. “The combination of the wide tuning range and tracking filters makes these products ideal for today’s challenging RF environment, while the convenience features like SmartTune™ and the IR port make it really quick to get up and running. It’s really a lot of technology in a very small package.”
A variety of output adaptors and mounting options are also available for the SRc and SRc5P for camera slot or external mounting operation.
At NAB 2015, the new Video Devices PIX-E Series of portable field recording monitors will be available for preview. The series includes three camera mount models; PIX-E5H, PIX-E5 and the PIX-E7. These recording field monitors are made for camera operators who need fast, high-quality tools to ensure their vision is captured with complete confidence. The PIX-E recorders were designed with an incredible set of features and withstand the harsh production environments of professionals.
This new line of Video Devices monitors feature 1920×1080 five-inch (PIX-E5 and PIX-E5H) and 1920×1200 seven-inch (PIX-E7) LCDs, a full suite of precision monitoring tools, SDI and HDMI I/O, plus the ability to record 4K and Apple ProRes 4444 XQ edit-ready files to affordable mSATA-based SpeedDrives. The PIX-E5 and PIX–E5H are presently the world’s most compact 4K recording monitors.
The PIX-E monitors feature compact, die-cast metal housings and an LCD display protected by Gorilla® Glass 2, making them the ideal choice for cinematographers and videographers looking for monitors that can stand up to the rigors of the most extreme and demanding production environments. PIX-E includes PIX-Assist™, an impressive suite of monitoring tools including TapZoom™ for unrivalled focusing speed, false colors and zebras to help set exposure, guide markers for framing, LUTs and a range of scopes including waveform monitor, histogram and vectorscope. These new on-camera monitors incorporate a ‘best-of-both-worlds’ user interface that combines easy-to-access tactile buttons and an intuitive touch screen.
A great monitor needs to be accurate; it must be able to show the finest detail, be viewable in bright sunlight, and have a range of easy-to-access tools that aid with perfecting the focus, exposure, framing and color balance. These new Video Devices monitors do all of those things and with their ability to record the highest quality Apple ProRes edit-ready video, the PIX-Es are an affordable must-have tool for any video production professional. Come and check PIX-E out at NAB 2015 (Booth C6040).
April 1, 2015 – Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA – Lectrosonics is introducing the smallest full-featured UHF bodypack microphone transmitter available — the SSM (Super Slight Micro). Part of the Digital Hybrid Wireless® Series, the SSM is fully compatible with all current Lectrosonics receivers including the UCR411A, SR Series, L Series, and Venue Series, along with several older models via compatibility modes. The SSM features a wide tuning bandwidth of three standard Lectrosonics blocks or up to about 76 MHz depending on the specific frequency range. RF power is selectable at 25 or 50 mW for flexibility in various applications. Dimensions for the SSM are 2.52 x 1.48 x 0.57 inches or 64.25 x 37.6 x 14.5 mm, and weight is 2.3 oz or 66 grams, including battery.
The SSM is available on four different frequency ranges for worldwide use: A1 (470.100 – 537.575 MHz or blocks 470, 19 and 20), B1 (537.600 – 614.375 MHz or blocks 21, 22 and 23), C1 (614.400 – 691.175 MHz or blocks 24, 25 and 26) and D1 (for export only, 691.200 – 767.975 MHz or blocks 27, 28 and 29). Tuning steps of 100 or 25 kHz can be selected in the menu, allowing for up to 3,072 frequency choices, depending on the band.
The SSM features an all-metal housing and uses the rugged, industry standard Lemo 3-pin microphone connector common to other bodypack transmitters used extensively in theatrical and TV applications. Thus, existing lavaliere and headworn microphones already terminated with this connector can be used with the SSM without an adapter. Different bias voltages and termination impedances can be selected via the transmitter’s menu for optimum performance with a wide range of microphones. Pre-set values for several microphones are included as menu choices for DPA, Countryman B6/E6, Sanken COS-11, Sennheiser MKE1/MKE2, along with standard dynamic microphones and line-level input sources.
An infrared sync port on the SSM allows for quick setup with compatible receiver systems. A backlit LCD allows for ease of setup in any lighting conditions. A micro-B USB port makes it possible for firmware updates in the field as advanced features are added in the future. The SSM responds to remote commands for frequency, audio level, sleep modes and other settings from the RM remote unit or 3rd party smartphone apps. The hardened, stainless steel belt clip can be securely attached or easily removed without tools. The SSM is powered by an included 3.7V rechargeable lithium-ion flat pack battery.
“The demand for an ever-smaller bodypack transmitter has been with us for years.” states Karl Winkler, director of business development for Lectrosonics. “The only way to make a full-featured unit smaller than the SMV was to change the battery type and the microphone connector. We chose the Lemo 3 because it is small, rugged, reliable, and already an industry standard. The battery was chosen for its availability, size, shape, and reasonable run time. All in all, the SSM is a really exciting product for us and we appreciate all the ideas and suggestions we’ve received from our customers pushing us in the right direction with this product.”
MAP: $1,410 Availability: Q3 2015
NOTE: This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
*** Location Sound is now accepting pre-orders for the Sound Devices 688 and SL-6. Special introductory pricing is good thru April 30, 2015. ***
Sound Devices introduces its next generation field mixer with the ground-breaking 688, a 12-input, 16-track portable mixer/recorder. The new 688 is the center of an extensible mixing and recording system incorporating MixAssist™, Sound Devices automatic mixing technology. The 688 accepts the new SL-6 SuperSlot™ powering and wireless accessory. A mixing bag comprised of a 688 with attached SL-6 plus SuperSlot-compatible wireless offers audio mixing, recording and wireless receiver control all from the mixer, with dramatically simplified power distribution and interconnection.
Representing a major evolution of Sound Devices’ mixer and recorder products, the 688 harnesses the best of Sound Devices’ successful 633, 664 and 788T-SSD. “The 688 is the most powerful portable mixer/recorder available,” says Matt Anderson, CEO of Sound Devices. “We’ve included features called-out by our customers, including 12-channels of MixAssist, 12-inputs, eight-outputs, digital mixing and routing, 192 kHz sampling, audio delay on both inputs and outputs, PowerSafe™ and QuickBoot. When used with the SL-6 accessory, the 688 provides tight integration and control of wireless manufacturers’ slot-compatible receivers with no cabling required.”
The optional SL-6 powering and wireless system, available July 2015, dramatically simplifies interconnection between the 688 and multiple channels of wireless by accepting up to three dual-channel slot-compatible receivers. Using Sound Devices’ developed SuperSlot interconnection standard, the SL-6 offers all powering, audio interconnection and control needed for SuperSlot-compatible receivers. The SL-6 attaches directly to the 688 and offers built-in NP-1 battery powering for the 688 mixer, slot receivers, plus four additional DC outputs for external peripherals. The SL-6 also offers built-in antenna distribution.
“We are continually developing technologies that offer more flexibility and choice to our customers, and we have achieved this with the SL-6 and SuperSlot,” says Paul Isaacs, VP of Marketing and Product Design at Sound Devices. “With SuperSlot, Sound Devices developed an open specification that will certainly become the new standard for wireless integration with audio mixers and recorders.”
Regarded as the industry’s first non-proprietary, open wireless control and interfacing standard, SuperSlot is the result of Sound Devices’ collaboration with a number of leading wireless manufacturers including Lectrosonics, Sennheiser and Wisycom.
“Lectrosonics is excited to partner with Sound Devices with this new integration interface,” says Gordon Moore, Vice President of Lectrosonics. “By offering centralized control and interoperability, we see this as another step forward in making the life of the professional mixer easier. For existing owners of the SRb, an audio board upgrade will be made available through the Lectrosonics service department. All future Lectrosonics slot products will be SuperSlot-compatible. SRas will need the SRb upgrade plus the audio board upgrade. Unaltered SR receivers will provide audio through the slot but control functions will not be available.”
“We are excited to have collaborated with Sound Devices during the development of the SuperSlot format,” says Tobias Von Allwörden, Product Manager Broadcast and Media for Sennheiser. “As a new open standard, we look forward to hearing the feedback from the industry on this groundbreaking new protocol.”
“One of the most common issues in professional audio is setup and interoperability,” says Massimo Polo, Sales & Marketing Director, Wisycom. “It was a pleasure working with Sound Devices to enable our Wisycom systems to support SuperSlot. Wisycom has recently issued a new MCR42 firmware and a SLK-IKSS rear panel adapter update to accommodate this new technology. The overall wireless capabilities will also benefit from the Sound Devices SL-6’s antenna amplifiers and filters. We continue to develop new firmware updates to support frequency scan, and more, in order to further benefit our customers’ workflow.”
The 688, which is now shipping, is the first 6-series mixer/recorder to incorporate Sound Devices’ MixAssist technology. First introduced with the 788T, MixAssist has been expanded in the 688 to offer 12-channel automatic mixing capability. Using the most sophisticated algorithm on the market today, MixAssist automatically attenuates the level of inactive inputs and maintains consistent background levels regardless of the number of open microphones. Comb filtering and phasing artifacts are also reduced by intelligently attenuating microphones receiving the same audio signal.
The 688 provides six high-bandwidth mic/line XLR inputs, each complete with phantom power, high-pass filter, analog input limiter and variable pan, plus six additional line-level TA3 inputs for additional flexibility in complex productions. All inputs are assignable, pre- or post-fade to eight output buses, left/right plus Aux 1-6. The main left/right mix is available to three outputs simultaneously via transformer-balanced XLR and Hirose outputs.
The 688 also offers 16-track, polyphonic or monophonic broadcast WAV and MP3 file recording to SD and CompactFlash cards. All common sampling rates are supported, including 192 kHz on up to six tracks. The 688 features comprehensive metadata editing, sound report creation, Ambient™ time-code circuitry, two-second turn-on time with QuickBoot, and PowerSafe, a built-in 10-second power reserve to protect against loss of data.
The Cyclone from Rycote is a brand new wind protection system from our friends across the pond. With advanced technology for quietness, and an extremely friendly $699 MAP price, the Cyclone could be a real game changer. Stay tuned for when we get our demo’s in! Although shipping won’t be until late October, LSC is accepting pre-orders on the Cyclone Windshield.
The all new L Series “Large Bandwidth” line of wireless microphone systems and components is now available. The L Series wireless line offers two brand new microphone transmitters, and the incredibly versatile, ultra-compact LR receiver. Key to this new line is a 75 MHz wide tuning range, and 25 or 100 kHz tuning steps, yielding up to 3,072 selectable frequencies.
The LMb Transmitter is economical and comes with a fixed 50mW RF power output. Excellent for stage, news and ENG broadcast work. The new LT Transmitter offers user-selectable, 50 or 100 mW power. The LT also has an IR (infrared) sync port for ease of frequency setup and operation with IR-enabled receivers. Both transmitters are powered via two AA batteries.
However, the star of these new products is the ultra-compact LR receiver. It’s designed for use with DSLR, small 4K, and other compact HD cameras. The LR’s diminutive size is exactly what many Lectrosonics fans have been waiting for. The wide tuning bandwidth, with tracking front-end filters, provides plenty of flexibility, while dual antenna diversity improves range and resistance to dropouts. A large, backlit LCD provides instant, clear information for setup and status monitoring.
Contact your favorite LSC Sales Rep for delivery details and to place a PRE-ORDER. Anticipated shipping date is mid-December.
DATA SHOWN BELOW WAS POSTED JULY, 2014. CHECK THE LINKS ABOVE FOR UPDATED SPECS.
Lectrosonics is poised to roll-out three new products this year dubbed the L Series “Large Bandwidth” line of wireless microphones. This new L Series units all share a wide tuning range of three standard Lectrosonics blocks, or 67.5 to 76.8 MHz, depending on the specific frequency band, and employ Lectrosonics’ patented Digital Hybrid Wireless® technology for compandor-free audio along with compatibility modes for inter-operability with older analog systems. The new L Series product group consists of the LMb Transmitter, and LT Beltpack Transmitter, and the LR Miniature Receiver.
LMb – Digital Hybrid Wireless® Wide Band Transmitter | Available Q4, 2014
The LMb is the latest successor in Lectrosonics’ line of economical beltpack transmitters designed for applications including theater, house of worship, TV, ENG, video and film production. The LMb features an all-metal housing, wire belt clip, 50 mW of RF power, 25 or 100 kHz tuning steps (yielding up to 3,072 selectable frequencies) and an integrated multifunction switch with menu-selectable modes for power, mute or talkback. A graphic LCD and membrane switch panel plus IR synch port make setup and operation a snap. Power is provided via two AA batteries.
LT – Digital Hybrid Wireless® Wide Band Transmitter | Available Q4, 2014
Like the LMb, the LT transmitter features 25 or 100 kHz tuning steps (yielding up to 3,072 selectable frequencies), an integrated multifunction switch with menu-selectable modes for power, mute or talkback, and a graphic LCD and membrane switch panel plus IR synch port for ease of setup and operation. The LT additionally facilitates user-selectable RF transmission power of 50 or 100 mW. A detachable antenna adds to the LT’s versatility by allowing for remote mount antennas. Also, the LT responds to remote commands from either the dedicated Lectrosonics RM remote unit or smartphone apps with this capability. Along with the standard Lectrosonics microphone input, a user-selectable 1 MΩ input is ideal for use with musical instruments, including guitars with passive pickups. The LT is housed in a newly designed machined aluminum housing featuring a super-hard EbNi ‘Ebony’ conductive finish. Power is provided via two AA batteries. Applications for the LT transmitter include TV and film production, ENG, stage, musical instruments, camera hops, corporate AV, and many others.
LR – Ultra-Compact Digital Hybrid Wireless® Wide Band Receiver | Available Q4, 2014
Designed to be ultra-portable for use with DSLR, 4/3, small 4K, and other compact HD cameras, the LR’s diminutive size belies the technology inside. The wide tuning bandwidth with tracking front-end filters provides plenty of flexibility while avoiding the vulnerabilities of wider pass bands. Tuning steps are user selectable at 25 or 100 kHz, yielding up to 3,072 operating frequencies. Compatibility modes enable the LR to operate with older analog transmitters. Dual antenna diversity improves range and resistance to dropouts. The RF spectrum analyzer and Lectrosonics’ SmartTune capability make quick work of finding clean frequencies on site. A large, backlit LCD provides instant, clear information for setup and status monitoring while operational. Detachable antennas allow for remote antenna mounting. The LT is housed in the latest machined aluminum shell with super-hard EbNi ‘Ebony’ conductive finish. The unit is powered with two AA batteries.
Highlights:
Compander free audio
UHF from 470-698MHz in three bands
Choice of tuning setups, 100 or 25 kHz
Machine aluminum housing
Powered by two AA batteries
IR sync port
Multifunction switch programmable for Mute, Power, Talkback (LT only) or Disabled
24 bit/88.2 kHz sampling
LMb Only: 50mW RF power output
LMb, LT Only:
75 MHz pass band covers more than 12 NTSC TV channels or 8 PAL channels
Compatible with all Lectrosonics receivers
Emulation modes
LR Only:
Wide band with tracking front end filters for RF reliability
Dual Antenna Diversity with detachable antennas
Balanced audio output
Smart Tune for rapid field setup and frequency selection
Backlit LCD
Compatibility modes
Dimensions (H x W x D):
LMb: 3.16 x 2.37 x .82 in | 80.3 x 60.2 x 20.8 mm
LT: 2.81 x 2.44 x .74 in | 71.4 x 62 x 18.8 mm
LR: 3.22 x 2.44 x .74 in | 81.8 x 62 x 28.8 mm
All three L Series units are available in four different frequency ranges for worldwide use:
A1 (470.100 – 537.575 MHz)
B1 (537.600 – 614.375 MHz)
C1 (614.400 – 691.175 MHz)
D1 (691.200 – 767.975 MHz)
Overall system audio specifications are as follows:
Digital Conversion: 24 bit/88.2 kHz sampling rate
Frequency Response: 40 to 20 kHz ± 1 dB, THD+N = 0.3 % in Digital Hybrid mode, > 95 dB S/N ratio
Audio output levels are adjustable from -50 to +5 dBu in 1dB steps
All of the above devices have not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. They are not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
Submitted by Angelica Dewlow, LSC Marketing Director
