Jeff,
I’ve compared Lectro, Wisycom, Zaxcom and Sony. Only Zaxcom and Sony are “true digital” and my conclusion was:
- Both systems are sounding great. The Sony’s even a bit more silent. Dynamic range is great. Amazing after all those years of compressed wireless sound!
- range of the Sony’s @50mW equals Zaxcom @125mW. When I’m close to te set, I often switch my wireless booms to 1mW without drops!
- remote control: Sony is using the 2.4GHz Zigbee-protocol, which is close to the WiFi band. All receivers are on a network switch, and remote Zigbee transmitters are on the same network. Each “RMU” has a 50 ft range. So you can put a 2nd RMU by connecting it by an standard ethernet cable, or just move your RMU closer to the actors.
- you can control: RF Power [1/10/50mW], Mic/Line in, Gain [in 3dB steps], Phantom power 48V [only on Plug-On], Sleep mode, Scanning free frequencies, Scan used channels, Rename TX, Lock TX… All this on a big OLED display.
- Controlling the Zaxcoms is far more difficult if you don’t use a Zax-recorder. I was struggling with an IFB200 on a small screen, pressing gain - & +, and not sure if the command ever arrived, not sure at what level was.
- I am mixing on a Sonosax SXST and recording on a 788T. And if I ever will replace my 788T, I guess it will be a CantarX3. So Zaxcom wireless wasn’t an option for me.
- I preferred the 19” receivers as they have a build in antenna distributor and more TX control features than the small receivers.
- Pricing: here in Belgium, systems with small receivers are cheaper than Zaxcom, systems with 19” receivers are a bit more expensive.
Indeed, there are not that many users. But after I tried them, I was convinced. I’ve been out on a shoot for a new series for 100 days now and I’m sure I made the best choice.