Is Lectrosonics DCR822 excellent - or do you like a different Lectro receiver better?

[Sound In]

I'm about to jump into the Lectrosonics universe, and wondered if people are still loving the DCR822 now that it's been out for a bit? Would you recommend it over the LR? I just used the SRc and didn't really like it, and am leaning towards either the 822 or 2 LRs - to pair with 2 SMQVs or other digital hybrid Txs. This would go in my bag for location sound mixing. Thanks!

[Johnny Karlsson]

Maybe do a little more research and figure out what you really need. They are all good, but different features may or may not be what you’re after. For example LR is mono and has the display on the side, which is not ideal for most bag setups. Not to mention the connector is on the top of the unit.

[IronFilm]

Any particular reason you wouldn't go with the Lectrosonics DSR or DSR4? As I'd always go for that over the DCR822, becauase then I've got compatibility with the vast ecosystem of superslot accessories. 

 

The Lectro LR is very different from all of those other ones, and not really the greatest choice for using in the bag unless that's all you've got. 

[JesseF]

I don't like the SRc for a lot of reasons, so I don't recommend that.  The 822 is expensive and basically no one uses it... tho that doesn't mean it's not a decent receiver.  It's just too expensive.

 

You say you're jumping into the Lectro universe, any reason Lectro in particular?  Maybe look into Zaxcom or Shure as well.

[Conor]

Great receiver, very robust. Obviously not compatible with the superslot universe but if you're just after a dual receiver to put in your bag then you can't go wrong. In our rentals pool we've found that the 822s were able to deal with some more challenging RF environments a bit more effectively than the SRCs in some scenarios (the SRs seem to be more sensitive and require more thought put into filtering and attenuation whereas the 822s seem to have a more robust receiver front end a la 411). They also have double the bandwidth over the SRC receivers (ours are B1C1 which covers 6 Lectro frequency blocks). A nice added bonus is the ability to record to a microSD on the receiver itself. Compatible with all Lectrosonics modes including digital. Being the successor to the UCR411A you can see that they've been designed to take a serious beating and my money is on them having a lot of longevity. Yet to see one have an issue with 8 in our rentals pool over the last 3 years or so.

[Jobo]

The 822 is superior in comparison to the LR.  It is pricey, but all Lectrosonics has gotten expensive across the board.  They are built and tested to high standards.  In terms of performance, I can echo the responses above.  The 822 performs well in most situations.  I don't notice any great difference, real world use, between the 822 and DSR4 on location.  It also has AA internal battery option, which can be useful at times and adds to flexibility of the unit.  The only thing I wish it offered it when using just one channel is a ratio mode, like the SR series. 

[codyman]

I use an SRc as my 2x Wireless Boom receiver as range is rarely an issue with HM transmitters.  For lavs, I really like the DSR4 (or if you need just two channels, DSR).  It has been a great, robust receiver that has treated me well so far, especially with the later firmware updates.

[Sound In]

Thank you all so much for all the great in depth responses - so helpful!! Many thanks!

[rosa]

I was commonly frustrated  with RF hits on my SRC's until I added pf25 filters, but it limits them to one block, I also have an 822 which works great.

One thing Ive had happen a few times is that I have to reboot it for it to detect the transmitter on channel 2. I've let Lectro know, but it seems to still happen occasionally on the latest firmware. So it feels a bit more like a computer than the SRC, but now that I know how to resolve it quickly, its not much of an issue. 

 

 

[r.paterson]

 

On 6/5/2024 at 3:22 PM, Jobo said:

The 822 is superior in comparison to the LR.  It is pricey, but all Lectrosonics has gotten expensive across the board.  They are built and tested to high standards.  In terms of performance, I can echo the responses above.  The 822 performs well in most situations.  I don't notice any great difference, real world use, between the 822 and DSR4 on location.  It also has AA internal battery option, which can be useful at times and adds to flexibility of the unit.  The only thing I wish it offered it when using just one channel is a ratio mode, like the SR series. 

I have 4 x dcr822 and they are excellant, re ratio mode the dcr822 is  always in ratio mode for both channels it's now called vector mode, so 2 x rf boards per channel in the dcr822, the DSR4 in 4 channel mode doesn't use ratio mode (or vector mode as it's now known) but the antenna phase "switch" mode same SRC. 

[IronFilm]

17 hours ago, rosa said:

I was commonly frustrated  with RF hits on my SRC's until I added pf25 filters, but it limits them to one block

Would  you mind please sharing a picture of your bag set up? 🙂 I've got recently a couple of PF25 myself. 

Am curious how you do it. What external antennas are you using, as I'm guessing you're  not putting whips on them. 

[rosa]

I use a BSRF AS-62 and lectro SNA600a with the filters. Before I had the 822, I would place the filters between the Antennas and the AS-62. This was very reliable, but limited four channels of wireless to one block. It also cut out all the RF coming from the Transmitter in the bag. 

 

Now,  with the 822, I just use the filters between the antenna distribution and the SRC's. The few times I've set it up, it seems to work well, but haven't used it yet in challenging environments.

[GNinja]

I’m late to this, but here’s my 2 cents:

 

 The 822, at the time of release, was a game changer because you got 2 channels of ratio/vector diversity vs an SrC which you had to choose either 1 channel only with ratio diversity or 2 channels using switch diversity. Not only is the 822 basically 2x 411 in one, it can be battery powered (without having to buy a plate) and can record onto a micro sd.

 

 Fast forward to today with the release of DSR and DSR4: the DSR is basically an 822 without an internal recorder or battery bay, can superslot, and comes at a lower price point. The DSR4 is basically getting 2 SrC in one unit but allows 2 channel vector diversity or 4 channel switch diversity.
 

Side rant: I kinda understand the reasoning for why they did that but wisycom already had a 4 channel slot receiver that can do true diversity like vector for each channel so to hear lectrosonics say theirs can only do 4 channel switch was a letdown.

 

Don’t get me wrong: lectrosonics switch diversity is fine and usable, but when it comes to range and clear line of sight, vector diversity beats switch. I’ve tested it. You just have to work within the limits of switch.

Back to the issue at hand: the DSR4 per channel is more cost effective but forces you to buy in at a higher price point than an 822.

 

The LR series is basically the entry level product that’s better than a sennheiser G3/G4. The one thing that it doesn’t have over the G3/G4 is battery life.

 

My recommendation is that the LR series was built for camera/eng hops. The 822 was built for bag/cart. If you don’t need the internal recorder and battery powered features of the 822, the DSR or, if you have the budget, the DSR4 may be the option for you.

[frankaudio]

I have owned 822 and currently have the DSR4. I would recommend the DSR4. 

[Dave Pullmer]

I ended up going with a DSR, as opposed to the 822 and have been happy. It’s lighter, I don’t need a recorder in my rx, cheaper, and is supposed to have the same design as the 822. I’ve been happy with its performance.

 

Another little bone to pick with the DSR4 in my opinion, it doesn’t save any weight - from looking at the specs it is the same weight as 2x SRC, whereas the 4ch wisy was the same weight as 1x SRC. Not a deal breaker for many I’m sure but if I was to invest in a 4ch rx I would want it to equal weight savings. I know they put a lot of tech in there though, but still - if it doesn’t make the bag lighter I don’t really see the point.