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Antenna distribution system


Nir

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Hi guys,

 

I'm about to make a move and buy the necessary tools in order to expend my "reception environment". I read all over the internet, and I made my own research - but, I still have some questions, and I would like to hear your opinion about your antenna distribution systems.

 

About my current gear, I have 3 Lectrosonics UCR 411a, 3 SMQV (all block 26) and Sound Devises 664. My workspace - sometimes it is a bag job, and sometimes a cart job. Based on that I started to look for the best solution for me.

 

Since I already have receivers, I don't find a reason to buy VR Field ($2,300 without modules) or the Venue ($1,500 without modules). Therefore, I'm thinking about Lectrosonics "umcwb" ($1,500) - does anyone here work with this device?

 

Second thought, "PSC rf multi sma" ($750) or "Lectrosonics RF signal splitter" ($100) + "Lectrosonics Biast" ($200) - of course if I will go with the Lectrosonics option, I will have to get 2 of each product - so, in terms of money - it will be about: $600 for Lectrosonics  vs. PSC $750.

Now for the questions part:

1. Are there more products that I missed?

2. what is the difference between the "umcwb" to the "PSC"? how come the value in money is so big? and keep in mind that the "umcwm" can only go up to 4 receivers while the PSC is up to 8.

3. What is your recommendation?

 

 

Thank you very much, Nir

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See this thread for some information

I've been using 4 x UMCWB with 16 x 411a receivers for the past 3 years. Since the thread above, I've also been using ALP650 with 100ft ARG100 cable from Lectro.

ALP650 powered from Bias T at the receiver end then out of Bias T to ZFSC41 splitters into UMCWB.

It's been working like a charm. Excellent range also.

Sometimes I use SNA600 with UFM230 attached to the antenna mounting block with the ARG100. This also works very well.

The UMCWB also powers the receivers along with RF distribution.

The only drawback is the slow install/uninstall but you do get pretty efficient at it after a few times.

If you decide to go the UMCWB, I'm confident you will have no problems with it. It's stood the test of time and that's why Lectro still makes them.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards

Mega

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Nir: "  1. Are there more products that I missed?

yes, several...

 

 

2. what is the difference between the "umcwb" to the "PSC"?

you ask, and then name one...

what is umcwb..? I don't see that model, but there are some lectro units with a similar designation that are actually enclosures, rack mounts, antenna distro and power distro for specific RX models...

and keep in mind that the "umcwm" can only go up to 4 receivers while the PSC is up to 8.

yep, that, there are physical differences in designs, builds, and functions.

3. What is your recommendation?

well, of course this topic is frequently discussed here...

and as you are dealing with Lectrosonics products, you could contact Lectrosonics tech support, and as you are interested in a PSC product, you could contact PSC directly...

and you really need a bit more education; RF is complex, not quite plug and play.

The various wireless mic manufacturers have generic (not brand specific) technical publications regarding wireless mic's, and antenna systems for them. Don't forget the manufacturers of wireless gear that do not specialize in our sort of production sound; Shure, Audio Technica, Sennheiser and others have informative guides as well.

"

Edited by studiomprd
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actually, I'm not sure what a umcwm is ...?

In general, as there is competition, the prices for our gear are generally pretty fair, especially from our "usual suspects".

Lectrosonics has some units with a similar ID, which are specifically made to securly (rack) mount the RX's, where the PSC is brand and model agnostic, a separate box...

then there are the passive splitters/combiners, and the losses associated with using them. 

sorry, this is way too complex for a specific answer to the general question posed.

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Peter Mega and Soundwil, thank you for the answers, very useful.

 

Studiomprd,

The umcwb, is a product by Lectrosonics, you can google it and you will find it easily:

http://www.performanceaudio.com/images/products/336/1500/14556.jpg

 

yep, that, there are physical differences in designs, builds, functions, and also active vs passive

...and? of course there are physical differences etc,. but still why Lectro is much more expansive than the PSC? both are active.

 

and as you are dealing with Lectrosonics products, you could contact Lectrosonics tech support, and as you are interested in a PSC product, you could contact PSC directly...
I also connected Lectrosonics, and PSC to get some answers from them... but in my opinion, it is a good idea to hear the users opinion also.

 

"and you really need a bit more education; RF is complex, not quite plug and play"

ummm... plug and play? sorry, but I have never thought it is plug and play game. and what do you know about my education?

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Nir: " but still why Lectro is much more expansive than the PSC? "

yes, that is one of the units I looked at, though it had a slightly different, but similar "name"; take a look at the two units...

they aren't even close in appearance or spec's, and as a special unit designed to exactly fit and securely mount the RX's, the Lectro units need to be made in smaller quantities.  you of course may select whichever unit you feel best meets your needs.

" what do you know about my education? "

I know that you seem weak in understanding antenna distribution, which can get complex quickly.

 

" it is a good idea to hear the users opinion also. "

sure, but there are a lot of different opinions, some very different.  and there are also a lot of incorrect "facts" on the Internet. BEWARE!

Edited by studiomprd
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...

and there is also a lot of incorrect "facts" on the Internet. BEWARE!

  

Including some "experts" who don't know the difference between active and passive circuitry <g>.

 

BTW:  Grammatically, it should be "...there ARE also a lot of incorrect "facts" on the Internet..."

 

Really, Mike, if you wish to be our resident curmudgeon/expert, you need to up your game <g>.

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If I take a look (again) at the two units... I will say that Lectro one has a really nice rack, full stop. In terms of spec, I still don't see how come Lectro cost $1,500 and the PSC $750. In fact, third party, that sell both of them told me... "you pay extra money for the name".

As for the "experts"... no worries, if you make a good research, so I trust myself. It is much important to beware of people that jugged you or your knowledge / education without knowing you.


Take care and enjoy your day

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I do not see our MicplexerII here so I think you should take a look. It has a tunable filter that only lets in a 35MHz window of RF across 500-700 Mhz. It has excellent crosstalk rejection between the 2 sides. (vital to good diversity operation) It eliminates cell phones and Walkie talkies as a source of interference and overload. It has RF overload LEDs so you know when there might be a problem.

 

 

You can see it in our IBC video and in a video I made at Gotham sound.

 

https://www.gothamsound.com/library/zaxcom-mixplexer-2

 

http://vimeopro.com/ipstv/ips-tv-at-ibc-2014/video/106109151

 

Glenn

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The Lectro unit supplies power and antenna cabling, as well as fitting in a rack space for cart work. They're great. I removed the brackets and use a bit of Velcro to hold receivers in. They don't sit in perfectly, but I can take the receivers out quickly, so I like it that way. But I'm not sure if the new unit supplies antenna powering. I have an older version (available used for WAY less than current version). I think it's for passive antennas.

The PSC unit works for bag and cart work, and supplies antenna power, but no cables. I use cablesondemand.com for cables. Great cables and cheaper than anyone else.

In the bag, I just use mini-circuit splitter, which is the passive unit Lectro sells. Works great for me.

I think Vark audio has passive distribution in a good form factor. Audio Limited too.

The Zaxcom unit looks great too, but I know nothing about their stuff.

It all depends on what your needs are.

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