Dan Brockett Posted October 11, 2020 Report Share Posted October 11, 2020 As some members here who I have recently hired to sound mix will attest, I MUCH prefer to hire pros to mix sound. But for those low end projects where there simply isn't the budget for a sound mixer on set, I am looking to buy one or two bargain Lectro 400 sets. Lately I work mostly in LA, which blocks should I look for? Seems like block 19 commands a used premium but not sure about if those are people in LA snapping them up? According to the Lectro chart, I should be looking at block 21 and 22 for LA, but I know there is no perfect block to get and that no matter which I have, it may not work well in a particular area. I found a used UMR411A receiver with an SM, both look to be in decent shape, for $1,200.00. It is block 21. If you are an LA sound mixer, what blocks would you buy, in 2020 if you were getting used Lectro 400 sets? Is $1,200.00 decent for that or should I be patient and wait for a bargain? I've had some real scores this year, got a $900.00 brand new set of small LED lights from someone hard up for cash who only wanted $300.00. I plan on getting RF Explorer too. Or would you save some money and get a pair of new EW512 sets and have the SMA antenna mod done instead? I know Lectro is better built and more power but the EW512 G4s aren't bad either, I've used them and with the SMA antenna mod, not a bad set too for a casual no f/t sound mixer (who keep in mind, will always hire a pro whenever possible). Am I correct that the wide band block on the EW512 might give me more choices about where I can use them even though they aren't as powerful? Keep in mind that 98% of my use is with transmitter and receiver in line of sight within 20' of each other, I'm not doing car stuff or high end stuff going through walls. Usually walk and talk or presenter stuff on a stage. I only use wired mics for sit down interviews. Thanks for the recommendations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trey LaCroix Posted October 11, 2020 Report Share Posted October 11, 2020 19 has been rock solid for me in LA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankaudio Posted October 11, 2020 Report Share Posted October 11, 2020 Lectro A1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshuaT Posted October 12, 2020 Report Share Posted October 12, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trey LaCroix Posted October 12, 2020 Report Share Posted October 12, 2020 1 hour ago, JoshuaT said: It's always depressing to see all those "no"s. In reality it's a little better depending on where you are, but not much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryF Posted October 12, 2020 Report Share Posted October 12, 2020 Don't forget Block 941 Best Regards, Larry Fisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codyman Posted October 12, 2020 Report Share Posted October 12, 2020 I'd argue Block 19 is the only block in LA that works 99% of the time. Just make sure to stay off the parts of it though that are reserved for Public Safety frequencies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshuaT Posted October 12, 2020 Report Share Posted October 12, 2020 6 hours ago, Trey LaCroix said: It's always depressing to see all those "no"s. In reality it's a little better depending on where you are, but not much. Chicago isn’t much better unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Brockett Posted October 13, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2020 Any opinions on used Lectro 400 set versus a new Sennheiser G4 EW512? FWIW, I am almost always within 20' of the transmitter so I don't think the extra power is all that important for how I will use them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trey LaCroix Posted October 13, 2020 Report Share Posted October 13, 2020 1 minute ago, Dan Brockett said: Any opinions on used Lectro 400 set versus a new Sennheiser G4 EW512? FWIW, I am almost always within 20' of the transmitter so I don't think the extra power is all that important for how I will use them. Lectro 400 every time. I still use my UM400a s regularly. They sound fantastic and the range incredible. The Sennheiser EVO line doesn’t even come close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattias Larsen Posted October 13, 2020 Report Share Posted October 13, 2020 Yeah, no match at all. If you are looking at the 2000 series, your slightly better, but sound quality and the receivers filter, diversity and scanning is still much better on lectro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Brockett Posted October 13, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2020 I've mainly been considering the EW512 for cost. I've been patient but locating Block 19 400 sets for a reasonable price has been frustrating. Not being a f/t sound mixer, it seems like it's going to cost me around $2k for a set. Of course, the Lectro will sound better but it's not making much financial sense for a non pro to spend so much when I will often hire a pro who will have Lectros. If you guys have any tips for locating a 400 set in Block 19 for a reasonable cost, LMK. Been watching Ebay and the Marketplace here, am I missing another source for finding a good set at a reasonable cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.