Rio Rancho, NM (June 4,  2019) – Lectrosonics is pleased to announce the introduction of the revolutionary D Squared digital wireless microphone system, utilizing the Lectrosonics 4^th-generation digital architecture for excellent flexibility, ultra-fast setup, studio quality audio, and ultra-low latency. The system includes the DSQD 4-Channel Digital Half-Rack Receiver, DBu Digital Beltpack Transmitter, and DHu Digital Handheld Transmitter. System features include 24 bit, 48 kHz digital audio, 2-way IR sync, three levels of encryption, and a tuning range from 470-608 MHz (470-614 MHz for export versions). The new D Squared system sets a new standard for enhanced audio quality, flexibility, low latency and compact size.

“The D Squared Digital Wireless Microphone System represents a new era for Lectrosonics and for our customers,” says Karl Winkler, VP of sales & service for Lectrosonics. “Valuable user input coupled with intense innovation by our engineering team have made it possible for the D Squared to offer a new level of performance, convenience and sound quality in a wireless mic system. Eight channels in 1RU is the highest rack density of any wireless system. And, backward compatibility with Digital Hybrid transmitters means that all the Lectrosonics SM, SSM, HM and HH units we made during the past 17 years can still be used with the new DSQD receiver.”

The DSQD digital receiver is a four-channel, half-rack design with high-resolution color display, analog or Dante® digital outputs, and rear BNC antenna ports with “loop-thru” buffered BNC outputs to another receiver. The DSQD is compatible with the latest Lectrosonics all-digital transmitters including the DB Series and DHu, the stereo DCHT, and the half-rack M2T. The DSQD is also backward compatible with any Digital Hybrid Wireless® transmitters including the SM Series, LT, HM Series, SSM, HH Series, UM400, UM400a, LM Series, MM Series, and WM. Three different receiver diversity schemes can be employed depending on the needs of the application, including switched (during packet headers for seamless audio), Digital Ratio Diversity, or Digital Frequency Diversity. Continuously tunable tracking filters ensure excellent RF performance even in difficult environments. The DSQD includes digital talkback capability when used with any talkback-enabled transmitter, such as the two new digital transmitters DBu and DHu, and the LMb, LT and HHa Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitters.

A headphone jack is included on the DSQD for audio monitoring per channel. Ethernet and USB ports allow the receiver to connect to Wireless Designer® software for programming and monitoring, and a serial port enables connection between receivers for data sharing and frequency coordination. Antenna bias power can be engaged in the menu, and front panel LEDs show the status. Each DSQD ships with half the rack hardware needed to mount two units together, yielding 8 channels in 1RU.

The DBu belt pack and DHu handheld transmitters include specially developed, high efficiency digital circuitry for extended operating time on two AA batteries and offer RF power selections at 25 and 50 mW. The pure digital architecture enables AES 256-CTR encryption for high level security applications. Studio quality audio performance is assured by high quality components in the preamp, wide range input gain adjustment and DSP-controlled analog limiting. Input gain is adjustable over a 45 dB range in 1 dB steps to allow an exact match to the input signal level, maximizing the dynamic range and signal to noise ratio. USB ports on the transmitters allow for firmware updates in the field as features are added in the future. Two-way IR ports ensure quick setup and allow for encryption key transfer and other data sharing between units.

The DBu beltpack unit features a removeable antenna with SMA connector, and incorporates the standard Lectrosonics TA5 connector with servo-bias input for compatibility with a wide range of lavaliere mics, dynamic mics, and line level sources. The unit ships with a tough wire belt clip but is also compatible with an accessory clamp style belt clip if required. A multi-function switch on top of the transmitter can be configured as power on/off, mute, talkback, or bypassed altogether. The DBu’s housing is constructed of solid machined aluminum, finished with an ultra-hard electroless nickel finish, for lasting ruggedness.

The DHu handheld transmitter is compatible with the Lectrosonics HHC cardioid condenser capsule and can also be used with a wide range of microphone capsule heads incorporating the standard 1.25” opening and 28 thread pitch. A programmable button on the outside of the housing can be configured as a push-to-talk, cough, or mute switch, a power switch, or be bypassed altogether. The DHu housing is milled out of aluminum alloy and powder coated for lasting ruggedness.

System performance: audio frequency response is 20 – 20 kHz +- 1 dB, with dynamic range of 108 dB and THD+N of 0.05% at 1 kHz, -10 dBFS. Latency is 1.4 ms, transmitter input to analog output, using a digital transmitter, and <2.9 ms with any Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitter.

MAP:
DSQD Half-Rack Receiver: $4,990
DBu Beltpack Transmitter: $1,599
DHu Handheld Transmitter: $1,599

Availability: Now

Las Vegas, NV (April 8, 2019) Today, at the 2019 NAB Show, Shure unveiled TwinPlex™, their new line of premium subminiature (5 mm) omnidirectional lavalier and headset microphones. Designed to stand up to the toughest conditions, TwinPlex provides natural audio at both high and low frequency when professional vocal performance is a must. The new patent pending capsule technology offers best-in-class sound in an easy-to-conceal package, ideal for quick costume changes or discreetly placed under wardrobe with no impact on sound quality. Developed with input from leading audio professionals, TwinPlex supports the diverse needs of theater, broadcast, film and television, and corporate presentations to produce high-quality audio production with superior dependability.

TwinPlex consists of four lavaliers (TL45, TL46, TL47, TL48) and an ultra-light, fully-adjustable headset microphone (TH53) in multiple colors with extensive accessories and options. The unique dual-diaphragm omnidirectional design yields extraordinary off-axis consistency and industry-leading low self-noise creating lifelike vocal clarity and warmth.

To simulate years of intense use, the ultra-thin, TwinPlex cable was flexed, stretched, and pulled to the absolute limit in internal tests. Available in 1.1 mm and 1.6 mm options, the paintable cables are immune to kinks and memory effects, resulting in never-before-seen flex performance due to an innovative spiral construction with redundant shielding.

“The mics just lay flat, and they lay flat every time and for the whole length of the run. Whether we were trying to place the mics in a wig, or another discreet part of the costume, there were no kinks. They did exactly what you wanted them to do, which was fantastic,” said Zoe Milton, theater sound engineer.

Ideal for unpredictable, high-stakes environments like theater or reality TV, TwinPlex was pushed to the boundary during development and field testing to ensure flawless audio regardless of the condition it encounters. The super-hydrophobic coating and interchangeable sweat-resistant frequency caps keep perspiration and moisture from upstaging the audio, while the medical-grade cable technology flexes to fit the costume design and demanding schedules that often come with associated uses.

“Knowing that I have a product in my hands that’s not gonna fail for me on a live show, it makes me have a lot of confidence when I’m working. This microphone is a game changer,” remarked Michael Abbott, broadcast production mixer.

“In developing TwinPlex, we gathered valuable input from leading industry professionals at every stage of the process and extensively tested prototypes to ensure we were ready,” stated John Born, Senior Global Product Manager at Shure. “This resulted in a comprehensive portfolio of more than 60 versions in a variety of color, connector, cable, frequency response, and sensitivity to meet the demands of any application when you need amazing sound quality and unprecedented durability.”

Check this listing of TwinPlex lavaliers and accessories at Location Sound Corp.

January 24, 2018 — Zoom North America unveiled the F1 Field Recorder with shotgun and lavalier microphone attachments, continuing to deliver quality audio recording capabilities to video recording devices.

The F1 Field Recorder offers a compact, lightweight design that allows filmmakers and videographers to get the most out of their audio recording without the use of bulky equipment. It also features a freshly designed monochromatic display that ensures readability, even in direct sunlight. The user can monitor levels, battery life, lo-cut settings and more, while one-touch controls surrounding the display make record levels, limiter settings, and volume output easily accessible.

Zoom’s F1 is the latest field recorder to join their lineup, and the company is proud to announce two bundles: the F1-SP Field Recorder + Shotgun Mic system, and the F1-LP Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic system. The Shotgun Mic provides an ultimate solution for run-and-gun filmmakers, while the Lavalier makes sure to capture all the audio nuance of interviews, weddings, and more. Both microphones, when combined with the F1, capture pristine audio up to 24-bit/96k directly to a microSD card.

The F1 Field Recorder utilizes Zoom’s proprietary 10-pin connector to make the F1 compatible with all of Zoom’s interchangeable mic capsules and provides recording options in virtually any environment.

MAP:
F1-LP Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic: $199.99
F1-SP Field Recorder + Shotgun Mic: $249.99

Rio Rancho, NM (October 11, 2017) — Lectrosonics is introducing two new transmitters as the latest generation in the award-winning Digital Hybrid Wireless® SM Series product line: the “wide band” SMWB (single AA battery) and SMDWB (dual AA battery). These new transmitters have a similar look and feel to previous SM Series units, but with several important new features, including the ability to either act as a transmitter or as a body-worn recorder, and wideband tuning.

Similar to other current Lectrosonics transmitters, the SMWB and SMDWB units tune across 3 standard frequency blocks and come in several frequency ranges: A1 (470 – 537 MHz) and B1 (537 – 614 MHz) for the North American and export markets, and B2 (563 – 640 MHz) and C1 (614 – 691 MHz) for certain export markets. RF power for these models is selectable at 100, 50, or 25 mW (North American version) and 50 or 25 mW (certain export markets). The SMWB and SMDWB feature the standard TA5 connector with servo-bias mic input. This input is also found on all previous SM Series units and all current TA5 beltpack units like the LT and LMb. Any lavaliere microphones wired for these other Lectrosonics transmitters will work on the new models.

The SMWB and SMDWB units can be configured as either a transmitter or a recorder, with files stored on Micro SD card memory, allowing use as body worn recorders. The audio files are recorded in the industry standard Broadcast Wave (.WAV) format at 24 bits, 44.1 kHz sample rate. The Micro SD memory card can also be used to update firmware in the field.

The SMWB and SMDWB also feature the same larger, backlit LCD found on other recent Lectrosonics transmitters such as the LT, HHa, LMb and DBa. In addition, an IR port is included to allow for quick setup when using any IR equipped receiver such as the LR, SRc or Venue 2. This allows for easy integration with a larger wireless system using Wireless Designer™ software for frequency management and system monitoring.

“These new wide-band SM transmitters round out our selection of Digital Hybrid Wireless equipment”, states Karl Winkler, Vice President of Sales and Service for Lectrosonics. “Our customers have been asking for units like this, and we are pleased to be introducing them now. The choice of transmission mode or recording gives the users a great amount of flexibility.”

MAP:
SMWB, Single Battery: $1,459
SMDW, Double Battery: $1,597

Availability: Now

Niles, IL (April 24, 2017) – Today, at the 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Shure debuted its Axient® Digital Wireless System. As the new premier wireless solution in Shure’s successful portfolio, Axient Digital builds on the superior benefits of the Company’s UHF-R®, ULX-D®, and Axient wireless systems to create the most advanced wireless platform to date, suited for all professional productions and situations. Catering to evolving customer needs—especially in an environment of continued RF spectrum pressure—Axient Digital provides high-performance RF, exceptional audio quality, command and control, and hardware scalability.

Axient Digital features a receiver that is compatible with its two transmitter offerings, the AD Series and ADX Series. Axient Digital with AD Series transmitters delivers a tremendous level of core product benefits, including exceptional RF performance, digital audio, and networking. Axient Digital ADX Series transmitters incorporate ShowLink, which provides real-time control of all transmitter parameters with interference detection and avoidance. The ADX Series also includes the first micro-bodypack with an integrated self-tuning antenna, enabling greater concealment and comfort.

“For years, Shure has been at the forefront of the ongoing spectrum conversation, working alongside professional wireless users to deliver first-class solutions that support seamless, interference-free productions,” said Nick Wood, Category Director for Wireless Products at Shure. “Given the increasing challenges of RF spectrum, it’s more essential than ever that users have access to a system that can deliver the critical audio inputs of a production reliably over the air. With unparalleled RF stability and spectral efficiency, Axient Digital offers users the flexibility to work in the available spectrum, whether the number of channels required is great or small.”

Ideal for a variety of users and applications, Axient Digital features numerous user-friendly features and benefits:

High-Performance RF—Incorporating all of the capabilities that professional productions demand, Axient Digital is designed for maximum signal stability. It features true digital diversity with Quadversity™ receiver technology, significantly mitigating the potential for signal fades or interference that can cause dropouts. Quadversity mode allows users to place sets of diversity antennas in different zones, or double the number of antennas in a single zone, to improve RF signal-to-noise in challenging environments. High Density mode increases the maximum simultaneous system channel count from 17 to 47 per 6-MHz TV band (from 23 to 63 per 8-MHz TV band), while maintaining exceptional audio quality.

Audio Quality—Featuring pristine digital audio via Dante and AES3, Axient Digital has a 20Hz to 20 kHz range with a flat frequency response and accurate transient response. Axient Digital also boasts wide dynamic range, AES-256 encryption, and an industry leading 2ms latency from the mic transducer to the analog output.

Command and Control—Axient Digital is compatible with Wireless Workbench® as well as the ShurePlus™ Channels App for efficient control and configuration, optimal spectrum management and frequency monitoring. The system’s Dante Cue and Dante Browse features enable high fidelity headphone monitoring of audio output from any Dante-enabled connected device. Additionally, Axient Digital provides networked charging via a suite of smart, high-performance batteries and chargers.

Hardware and Scalability—Axient Digital’s wide tuning range of up to 184 MHz for all transmitters and receivers covers an extended range of spectrum and simplifies inventory. Dual and quad receiver options, combined with a common receiver platform supporting AD and ADX transmitters maximize user flexibility and scalability.

Axient Digital is compatible with the Shure Battery Rack Charger (SBRC), which supports up to eight rechargeable batteries in a single, compact rack space. Providing a seamless, tour-ready battery charging and storage solution, the SBRC features an easy-to-read front panel that displays critical battery parameters, including charge status, time-to-full, and battery health indicators. When connected to a network, Shure Wireless Workbench and ShurePlus Channels software provide remote monitoring of the SBRC to track battery status.

“Axient Digital has been designed from the ground up to overcome the challenges users encounter in a wide variety of applications—including pro touring, theater production and television broadcasting,” said Michael Johns, Product Manager at Shure. “Including unique designs such as a frequency diversity handheld microphone (ADX2FD), and a unique micro-bodypack with a self-tuning internal antenna (ADX1M), Axient Digital will allow both engineers and talent alike to confidently rely on pristine digital audio in the midst of even the most challenging of environments.”

The AD Series will be available in late summer 2017, and the ADX Series will be available in early 2018.

Rio Rancho, NM (April 19, 2017) — Lectrosonics announces the introduction of a new digital wireless monitor (IEM) system, the Duet. The new system consists of the M2T dual-stereo half-rack transmitter and M2R diversity belt pack receiver. The Duet covers the UHF frequencies of 470-608 MHz in a single range, uses digital modulation for transmission, and can accept analog or Dante digital inputs. The new system is designed and developed with professional touring, installation, theater, filmmaking and broadcast customers in mind.

The M2T half-rack transmitter houses two independent stereo transmitters allowing for up to four stereo or dual-mono transmissions in a single rack space. The audio inputs can be individually configured to be analog or Dante compatible. The analog input connectors are full size XLR/TRS combo types for balanced line level analog signals while the input preamp circuits use a special balanced amplifier with very high common mode rejection to minimize hum and noise. A Dante Ultimo™ interface via dual RJ45 connectors accepts Dante networked audio inputs and can cascade the digital stream to additional units via CAT6 cables. An additional RJ45 jack provides an Ethernet connection for programming and control via Wireless Designer™ software and a USB jack on the front panel allows for firmware updates. The transmitter features a full color, backlit LCD for high visibility in any environment, while the chassis is all-metal and can be racked singly or in pairs using included rack mount hardware.

The M2R bodypack receiver employs advanced antenna diversity switching during digital packet headers for seamless audio. The 24 bit digital audio stream guarantees high resolution sound quality with wide dynamic range, low noise floor, and rock-solid stereo image. The headphone jack is fed from a high-quality stereo amplifier with 250 mW available to drive headphones or earphones to sufficient levels for stage performance or other noisy environments. A high-resolution, color LCD allows for a wide range of menu options, including precise limiter settings, using detailed graphics. The M2R runs on two AA batteries for an operating time of over 4 hours with alkaline cells.

Both the M2R and M2T units have 2-way IR sync, so scan data from the receiver can be sent to the transmitter and thus onto the Ethernet network for use by Wireless Designer™ software for frequency planning and coordination purposes. Additionally, the system includes a FlexList™ mode, where a number of names and associated frequencies can be stored in the receiver. This way, a monitor engineer can quickly find and listen to any of the performers’ mixes on the stage.

“The Duet wireless monitor system is a significant step forward for touring performers and other professionals requiring high definition audio in their ears” states Karl Winkler, vice president of sales & service at Lectrosonics. “With 24 bit digital audio, low latency, Dante inputs and a compact, lightweight, diversity bodypack unit, the Duet system should please even the most demanding users, both on and behind the stage.”

The first public showing of the Duet IEM system will be April 24-27 at the NAB show, booth C3322, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

MAP:
M2T-DANTE, $2,335
M2T, $2,150
M2R, $1,080

Availability: Q3, 2017

Front view of Aaton Digital’s new Cantar Mini 16 track digital recorder/mixer with swivelling display open.

Paris, France (January 24, 2017) – Aaton Digital will unveil the new Cantar Mini 16-track digital portable mixer-sound recorder at next month’s BSC Expo 2017 in London.

The Cantar Mini is based on the renowned Cantar X3, winner of many awards and now widely recognized by the sound community as the ultimate digital 24-track location sound recorder, with many delivered and in daily use worldwide.

The Cantar Mini is in no way a reduced performance or reduced quality product but retains the full sound quality, uses the same preamps and components and manufacturing quality, and the same design quality as the Cantar X3 but with 16 tracks instead of 24, a reduced number of inputs and outputs, resulting in a considerably smaller size and a more lightweight unit – just 2.8 Kg (6.17 lb) with 2 batteries on board – almost half the weight of the X3. Of course, most of the software comes across also from the well developed Cantar X3 software.

Like the X3, the Mini also has the indispensable tilting display, it uses the same batteries, and is compatible with the add-on mixer panel Cantarem 2.

At 7600 Euros, the Cantar Mini will be a more affordable option to the world’s sound recordists. Jacques Delacoux, CEO of Aaton Digital and Transvideo said, “Research tells us that the Cantar Mini will be a desirable product for those professionals who already have one or two Cantar X3s and want to have an additional, more lightweight recorder for particular tasks, perhaps with a boom, or to work with the recorder shoulder-mounted.”

“We also address the up and coming sound recordists who have learned of the Cantar X3 but are looking for a more affordable alternative. We address the rental houses, who want to stock a recorder of the same quality and durability as the X3, but at a lower cost. We address other markets such as the USA and India where many desire a Cantar—the Mini, with its very practical specifications, presents a more affordable route.”

Aaton Digital will take orders at the BSC Expo and will deliver 8 weeks thereafter.