karlw

Hi Ryan, the DSQD does have tracking filters (like UCR411a, Venue1 with VRT modules) but does not have the auto-switching iQ filters like the Venue 2. -Karl

Yes, it's called the DSQD.

Hi Steven, The M2R (non encrypted version) does support backward compatibility with analog IFB signals. However, Digital Hybrid is too resource intensive so it wasn't possible to include NA or NU Hybrid modes in the M2R. -Karl

An excellent list! Congratulations to all the nominees!

Hi Alidav, the Venue 2 receiver loaded with VRT2-C1 modules can receive your SMQV-26, and UM400a-26. However, there are no D1 modules available, which would be required for your block 29 UM400. Karl Winkler Lectrosonics, Inc.

Hopefully this info is helpful. I had sent gain structure info to John Williams and he reported back: "I did use your ideas on the gain staging and it works like a charm for the Sony FS7." Here's what I had suggested: There is no "danger" to running your receiver at 100 output level, you may be adding noise that could otherwise be avoided. We believe the issue to be that the Sony FS7 camera line inputs do not like an unbalanced source (the M2R). Thus, for this camera, we recommend using the mic inputs instead, as there is then plenty of level. For gain staging, I would suggest setting up the transmitter as you have done previously (Sound Devices 633 outputs at Line Level DCHT set to Line….DCHT gain at 25), then for an FS7, choose mic inputs, Phantom +48 off (Phantom blocking cables recommended as a backup), the M2R receiver audio level set to 75, then turn your camera audio input gains up (or down) until you get the desired meter defection (usually -20 DBFS). You are already likely doing all these things but for camera hop use, we recommend the following settings in the Limiter menu: Threshold: OFF Gain: +12 dB Audio taper: Linear

Sam, you don't want to try to have both transmit and receive happening from the same antenna with these types of systems. Some systems can multiplex onto a single antenna, but these aren't those. With your SRc and UCR411a, you could run a single pair of antennas into a pair of distro units (or a dual-channel distro). If going through passive splitter/combiners, a 1:4 splitter will cost you about 6 or 7 dB, and this will not be made up by the somewhat higher gain of the SNA600a vs. whips. Thus, you are probably better off running off of whips for those receivers. Having your IFB transmitter two blocks away from your talent receivers is good practice.

Are you in the US? Block 26 is now subject to testing by T-Mobile and possibly other data carriers who have purchased spectrum in the range between 614 and 698 MHz. There is info about this on our web site: https://www.lectrosonics.com/fcc-spectrum-updates.html

It is true that the SM58 is a classic for good reason, and Sennheiser's closest match, the e835, has become a go-to mic in the past 10 years or so, I think there are better vocal mics for not much more money. Someone already mentioned the Beta 58. The Audix range of mics are quite good, and are probably the best out there for feedback rejection. The best one IMO is the OM5, although it runs for about $150. The EV 767a is quite nice as well - better sound IMO than the Shures, equally robust, and close in cost. The Sennheiser e945 is a really nice sounding mic used a lot more in the past few years, and runs about $150. My favorite, back in my live sound days, was the Sennheiser 431, but they were expensive and somewhat delicate. If you find a couple used ones in great condition and good price, you'll have a hard time finding a better sounding dynamic handheld mic.

The only middle ground I can think of between the G3/G4 gear and the top-end Lectro gear is used L Series equipment: LR receivers and LT transmitters, if you can find them. The down side is that the LR receiver doesn't have a display on top, but it is a good performing receiver with 3-block wide tuning. It can be paired with UM400a or LMa transmitters, but the wideband transmitters are a more flexible match.

Just making sure you have the transmitter all the way on to transmit (turn on by holding AUDIO and FREQ buttons for 3 seconds - you'll see the count-up). If in RF OFF mode, it should say that in the display. Do you have access to any other Block 21 transmitters or receivers to isolate the problem to one or the other unit?

Via firmware, you can update your Duet system for AES 256-bit CTR mode encryption. Info here: https://www.lectrosonics.com/lectrosonics-adds-encryption-to-its-award-winning-duet-system-via-firmware-update.html -Karl

Brian, thanks for the feedback on your initial runs with the DSQD! The types of dropouts aren't something we're hearing about from others at this point, so we'll be curious about your experiences as you use it more. Keep an eye out for a firmware update sometime in the next week or so here: https://www.lectrosonics.com/Support/category/115-d-digital-system-firmware.html Phil, the DSQD comes with one rack flange, D handle, and screws, where a bulkhead BNC can be mounted, and it is easy to get another one (Part # 27076) and the cap screws to go with it - two needed (part # 28885) and the "D" handle (part # 27082). Then, there is the Front Mount Antenna Kit https://www.lectrosonics.com/All-Accessories/product/fmakm2t-kit-2.html The down side is that it does add some width to the receiver (due to the flanges) and the BNCs in the kit are not right-angle, so there is some added depth in the bag.

Fantastic! Congratulations. I'll look forward to seeing it someday. I'm grateful that there are still people composing important works like this - the tradition needs to continue!

Hi all, if you are interested in this position (or any of those listed) or know someone who might be, please apply on our web site following the instructions there. https://lectrosonics.com/jobs/ -Karl

Here's a post from Henry Cohen (one of the RF gurus we know - but more in the entertainment/live side of the business) regarding using 75 Ohm coax for wireless mic systems: http://www.alexfernie.com/Blog/files/fb2da73c042405c1cfad17e91b1e51f8-50.php -Karl

Here are a couple of tests done with the Lectrosonics L Series kit in New York a few years ago. Not sure of the exact distances, but you can get the idea: Towards the end of this one done by B&H, Rob is over 100 ft. away - again, outside in NY:

Depends on the transmitter. Several of our /E01 (European version) Hybrid transmitters include Mode 3: the HHa (handheld), HMa (plug-on), LT, SSM, and SMWB series.

Aaron "Cujo" Cooley posted a detailed review a few weeks ago on FB: https://tinyurl.com/yxtrhmj7

That is really cool!

Each DSQD comes with one rack ear/flange that has a "D" hole for mounting a bulkhead BNC. If you want to run your antennas on the front panel of a single DSQD, you'd need the 2nd rack ear (PN# 27076) and mounting screws (2x PN# 28885) and then the FMAKM2T which basically consists of the cables you'll need to bring the antenna lines around and mount them to the flanges. https://www.lectrosonics.com/US/All-Accessories/product/fmakm2t-kit-2.html

to daniel: re your question on powering. You can power down the Dante module, and you can power down individual receivers for significant power savings. There are currently no plans to add analog compatibility modes - each one takes up a lot of code space. RF remote control is not an option on this system as you see it here. Talkback output is only available on one of the 4 XLRs (or Dante) as there just wasn't any additional real estate for any more output jacks. to constantin: "Last word" on anything is "it depends", isn't it?

Constantin, we'll see if we can fit that into our design schedule for future updates.

Also, the 2.5 Amp current draw includes all internal channels working, the Dante card powered, and antenna bias power for both RF input ports. You have control over the powering of all those things so, if you don't need them, that figure comes down. If you powered down the Dante module, and timed out the LCD backlight, you can save over 2W.

At long last, we have native versions of Wireless Designer now available for both Mac and PC. https://www.lectrosonics.com/Support/Wireless-Designer™/wireless-designer-2.html -Karl