DSR4 Performance

[resoNate3973]

Hi all! Happy 2023! 

 

I am curious if anyone has any experience using the Lectrosonics DSR4 and how it compares to SRC / 411 performance or Wisycom MCR54 performance? I have been wanting to pickup some Wisy's for the range and BT functions, but would be curious to hear thoughts here first! 

[IronFilm]

Anybody who can answer that question would be under a NDA. 

I think Lectro has hinted the performance will be comparable to a 411. 

 

But ah well, soon enough the DSR4 will be shipping! (fingers crossed) Then the user reports will be coming in. 

[codyman]

No one publicly knows but they've been touting, "High IP3 performance of +15 dBm for tough RF environments".  I think it's safe to say it will have better performance than an SRc but I have no insights to that other than this performance metric they've publicly announced.

[resoNate3973]

Thanks for the replies guys! Still haven’t been able to find any info on how these babies perform in real life! Was hoping Raycom would do a walk test. 

[Jobo]

I rented one a week ago and field tested it in a SL2. Using the SL2 antenna distro, it preformed as expected, which is to say pretty well. 
 

It was used in a major metropolitan area, in both D2 & NA hybrid modes. 
I did not do a direct comparison to any other lectro rx, but RF stability was good. I own the DCR822 and DSQD and the DSR4 performance was similar to those. To me, the DSR4 feels and operates like a mini DSQD. I like the option to make 2 pairs when you don't need more than a total of 2 rx, the 822 doesn’t do this. Freq scans are quicker as well. 
Hard buttons are and color screen are great.  Prefer them over the 822. 
 

I did have an occasional odd boot up anomaly where the DSR4 would output a constant audio whine and do nothing else.  A power cycle was the quick fix. 
 

There is enough to like about the unit and not much not to like.   If you’ve got a handful of lectro transmitters you want to keep in the daily workflow it deserves a look. 

pictures show size comparison to other slot rx. 

 

[wysey]

Thanks Jobo. Nice review

[Eric Lau]

Plan to buy DSR4 x2.  

Do you think A1B1 + B1C1 , two DSR4 work together on SL2 antenna ?

[codyman]

Just now, Eric Lau said:

Plan to buy DSR4 x2.  

Do you think A1B1 + B1C1 , two DSR4 work together on SL2 antenna ?

It can if you use a wideband antenna like Betso Bow Ties / RF Venue Diversity Fin / the new Sound Devices "Monarch" etc.  Just make sure the filters in the settings of the SL2 / 8 series don't filter out the frequencies you're using if you're using that wide of a spread though.

[Eric Lau]

On 5/2/2023 at 10:25 AM, codyman said:

It can if you use a wideband antenna like Betso Bow Ties / RF Venue Diversity Fin / the new Sound Devices "Monarch" etc.  Just make sure the filters in the settings of the SL2 / 8 series don't filter out the frequencies you're using if you're using that wide of a spread though.

Thank you @codyman

[whatalob]

could somebody verify that the DSR4 would still output AES digital signal when used with hybrid digital compatible transmitters (eg. ssm)?

[codyman]

53 minutes ago, whatalob said:

could somebody verify that the DSR4 would still output AES digital signal when used with hybrid digital compatible transmitters (eg. ssm)?

Yes

Source: literally doing that right now on set

[whatalob]

9 hours ago, codyman said:

Yes

Source: literally doing that right now on set

thank  you! And mix-matching different ones is also possible, right?

[EnotsMedia]

Yes! 
you can mix/ match any flavor to each individual receiver channel. I personally use all Digital Hybrids (SMV, SMQV, SMWB, HMa’)  with my 2x DSR4’s. 

FROM DSR4 manual: 

Compat Modes

Allows user to set compatibility mode per receiver chan-nel. Available modes are: mono digital modes D2 and HDM (High Density Mode); stereo digital modes Duet channels 1-2, and DCHX (encrypted) channels 1-2; and mono Hybrid modes: NA Hybrid, NU Hybrid, EU Hybrid, and JA Hybrid. EU and JA modes are not available for Block 941.

 

 

[Dave Pullmer]

Following up on this topic - how are people liking the DSR4 in 4ch mode?

 

Ive been using a 2ch DSR with my digital hybrid TXs with alot of success, and have been considering a DSR4 to pair with it. 
 

After being disappointed by the performance of SRCs in 2ch mode, I’ve been hesitant to go for the 4ch option. Would be interested to hear peoples experience with it in the bag with whips, and on the cart.

 

thanks.

[Tom E]

I’ve been using the dsr4 for almost a year now, and I’ve super happy with it. I was never impressed with the src performance, and this has been a huge improvement. Currently using it with 2 digital transmitters and 2 hybrid with betso bow ties. It’s at least as reliable as my old 411s were. 

[Tim Norris]

4 hours ago, Dave Pullmer said:

Ive been using a 2ch DSR with my digital hybrid TXs with alot of success, and have been considering a DSR4 to pair with it. 

 

I've been using both for a few years now. My 2 DSR4s are as trouble free as my DSR.

For the full effect, upgrade to digital TX.

 

I have come to believe that whips should be used only as a last resort.

I noticed much better range with the Lectro antennae pair in my small bag as compared to whips.

 

Cheers,

Tim

 

[codyman]

3 hours ago, Tom E said:

I’ve been using the dsr4 for almost a year now, and I’ve super happy with it. I was never impressed with the src performance, and this has been a huge improvement. Currently using it with 2 digital transmitters and 2 hybrid with betso bow ties. It’s at least as reliable as my old 411s were. 

I'm using a DSR4 in a PSC Four Pack with Betso Bowties and it has been great.  I also like that they added the RF attenuation feature in the software too as I find myself using that for sitdown interviews etc

[Ian Thomson]

2x DSR4 on the cart (SL2-888), and 1x in the bag with an 833 (XL-AES)

 

Range lines up with expectations. Cart has filtered wisycom fins, and feels pretty solid. Whips on bag seems fine as i'm most likely close-r to action.

 

Full digital transmitters seem to be way more susceptible to overload, and I find myself attenuating the fins on the cart by 6-8db if i'm close.

 

digi-hybrid distance is way longer so we keep a few SMQV for long range needs. But the noise floor of the fully digital via AES is fantastic, and a go to for quiet mumble-actors

 

I also find the attenuation direct on the DSR4 to be great for close sit down interviews.

 

overall happy with the system

 

[Dave Pullmer]

On 2/17/2026 at 6:11 PM, Tim Norris said:

 

I've been using both for a few years now. My 2 DSR4s are as trouble free as my DSR.

For the full effect, upgrade to digital TX.

 

I have come to believe that whips should be used only as a last resort.

I noticed much better range with the Lectro antennae pair in my small bag as compared to whips.

 

Cheers,

Tim

 

All good feedback to hear! I think I’ve just been scarred by SRC performance hah. 
 

when you say better range are you referring to using sna dipoles over whips?

 

for doc work I’ve always gone with whips as I’m not a fan of adding unnecessary weight, but I know a lot of mixers run dipoles on their bags.

[Tim Norris]

5 hours ago, Dave Pullmer said:

when you say better range are you referring to using sna dipoles over whips?

 

for doc work I’ve always gone with whips as I’m not a fan of adding unnecessary weight, but I know a lot of mixers run dipoles on their bags.

 

Inside the bag surrounded by all that other stuff is just the absolute wrong place for any antennae. I imagine if I had whips attached to the outside edges of the bag instead, I would get better performance than with whips on the receiver.

 

Whips on the DSR just did not work for me with my mini bag (MixPre 10). I added my old SNA set and my reception/range problems disappeared. It is now a joy to use.

 

On the big bag (Scorpio/SL2) I had used Betso Bow Ties with my SRCs before going digital. Swapping to the DSR4 and DBSM TX, I felt my range had improved in the same configuration. I often consider getting another SNA set to replace the Betso.

 

Cheers,

Tim

[r.paterson]

7 hours ago, Tim Norris said:

 

Inside the bag surrounded by all that other stuff is just the absolute wrong place for any antennae. I imagine if I had whips attached to the outside edges of the bag instead, I would get better performance than with whips on the receiver.

 

Whips on the DSR just did not work for me with my mini bag (MixPre 10). I added my old SNA set and my reception/range problems disappeared. It is now a joy to use.

 

On the big bag (Scorpio/SL2) I had used Betso Bow Ties with my SRCs before going digital. Swapping to the DSR4 and DBSM TX, I felt my range had improved in the same configuration. I often consider getting another SNA set to replace the Betso.

 

Cheers,

Tim

Hi Tim, is this in 4 channel mode all working well?. Thanks

[Tim Norris]

3 hours ago, r.paterson said:

Hi Tim, is this in 4 channel mode all working well?. Thanks

 

Yes.

 

While I only recently put a DSR4 in the mini bag to double my wireless count, I had been using a DSR4 in the big bag since just after the were first available. It's been working great from the start. Also faster scans and better menu layout than with previous receivers.

 

Now the big bag has a DSR and DSR4 for 6 channels in the SL2 and all my SRC have been retired.

 

*I do know an ENG camera op who sometimes does sound... he is less impressed with them, but it may not be an actual equipment problem.

 

Cheers,

Tim

[OB1]

We use DSR4 for live sports and news, with whips. We haven't had this type of performance since the era of the 411s. Go for it.

[Derek H]

Is there a performance hit when using all 4 channels of the DSR4? For example, in terms of pure performance (range/stability) would you be better off with say two 822s or DSRs than a single DSR4?

[Dave Pullmer]

Yes, you’d be better off with 2x 822s or DSR, you'll get better range in vector mode.

 

I wish lectro could make a 4ch rx with 4 channels of their vector diversity, which would put them on the level of the wisy MCR54 rx, however I’m told the DSR4 is pretty tight as is with components to make it compatible with both digital and digital hybrid TXs.