Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Hi,

I'd like to buy Lectrosonics wireless portable transmitter and receiver. I was looking at the Micro Belt-Pack Transmitter and LR - L-Series Wireless Receiver. I'm not sure if I'm sacrificing anything with the Micro transmitter and would be better off getting one of the other transmitters. Is there something better than Lectrosonics? I'm not concerned about the cost, I want something of high quality and dependibility. Can someone give me some guidance here. I normally use a cable and I know that's the best but once in a while I have to use a wireless system, so it would be great to have something that is as close to cable as possible.

Thanks
Kathy

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I don't have any of the L-Series Lectros, but aside from the lower battery economy my SM TXs seem on par with the larger U400. I occasionally rent a Zaxcom system with the TRX recording transmitter (w/ never clip). It's not miniature, but it's the only recording Tx on the market AFAIK. Zaxcom's new ZMT3 Tx is is worthy of checking out, which is small to the extreme. The trouble with small devices, they get lost more often and you have to fight with production for replacements. I really like the Zax and am contemplating getting rid of my Lectros in favor of the Zax,. Unfortunately, funds are an issue for me.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Thanks, I just looked at Zaxcom, very interesting, about the same price as Lectrosonics but many more features. But which receiver could I use with it? Maybe I don't understand something but they only have one small receiver ERX3TCD, but how do you connect it to the recorder?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Most their current receivers and transmitters are compatible. I recall, I had the two channel version of the RS900.
"but how do you connect it to the recorder?"
The back up recorder is build into the Tx. If the Rx loses signal (out of range or interference) The recorded track/ file can be substituted or layed back in post. The files also have a TC stamp, so it's allegedly quick and easy.. On the projects I used it on, I didn't needed Tx audio files, so I never actually did it.
Glenn and the Zaxcom folks will be at the at the JJ Convention Ctr for the AES show. Visit them for more info. I think you can still get free AES exhibit passes, if you haven't already. Zax HQ is also close by in Pompton Plains (Jersey that is).

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I didn't mean the back up recorder, how do I connect it to my main recorder?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

"how do I connect it to my main recorder?"
- Just like any other wireless mic.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I didn't mean how to connect the mic. How do I connect the receiver to my audio recorder. Maybe the images they have on their website don't show the connection? See the attachment. Is the connection on the bottom? The image shows the top.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

If that's the ERX3TCD TC/IFB receiver, it is more for monitoring an audio mix and displays/outputs LTC. Good for a scripty, general IFB duties or a cam hop for instance. It has one 1/8" stereo unbalanced audio out (HP jack) which 'could' be used to feed a recorder, though it's HP impedance (32ohm) and level. Not Ideal for feeding a +4 line level balanced input.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Well, I don't see anything else that's small and portable. Do they not make a receiver that can be taken into a field?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Sure, Zaxcom makes portable receivers, but not small enough to mount on a DSLR. The Lectro LR looks nice, it's about the size of a portable G3, a little flatter maybe. No recording transmitters though, at least until a loophole is found for the Zax recording-transmitter patent.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Now, I got all hooked on Zaxcom but they don't have a receiver I need :(. Crazy question, can their transmitter work with another brand receiver?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

" can their transmitter work with another brand receiver?"
- in this case, I would not think so.
However, some of the analog systems can be (tuned to the same freq), if the pilot tones and companders are disabled. For instance, I've used Comtek and ListenTech IFBs together, i.e. Comtec Tx with multiple Comtek and ListenTech Rx.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Kathy,

I would highly recommend the L- Series from Lectrosonic. I have a set, and have also had their SR dual receiver, and SMqv transmitters. The L Series is in my opinion easier to use and has not failed me. You should use a quality mic like the Sanken COS 11d.

If you have any specific questions let me know and I will be happy to help.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

OK, ohh well, maybe I'll go to the AES show and see what's out there.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I do have Sanken COS-11D and I'm actually thinking of upgrading perhaps to one of the DPA D:screet microphones. Not sure if it makes sense as I'm recording straight to the camera so not sure if having a "better" mic will make any difference.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Switching from the Sanken to a 'better' mic would be negligible at best. An external preamp would help more if your plugging it direct to cam. An MixPre or MM1 for instance.

BTW, the Zaxcom RS200 Rx is pretty compact @ 1.0″ x 3.5″ x 3.5″. The RS900 Rx that I've used was plenty small enough for a bag, about 5"x3" (or 4)" as I recall.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Thanks. I guess I'll stick with my Sankens but I can't add a preamp to my set up (I mean I can but don't want to, willing to sacrifice the quality).

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Then you are sacrificing a lot more audio quality than exists between a Sanken Cos-11D and a DPA 4060, so changing mics won't fix your problem.

The weak link in just about any record-to-camera workflow is the mic preamps in the camera. Any camera. None of the in-camera micpres are as good as the bottom end SD mixers. And you can get a used MixPre-D for very little these days, and it's designed for your stated workflow (camera as recorder).

But if you don't want it, you don't want it. You know your situation better than anyone.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I don't really have a problem, and that's right, I know my situation so I will stick with what I have but add a good quality wireless receiver/transmitter for those situations when I really have to use it.

Thanks

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

One more question is it possible to use two transmitters but just one receiver?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

The Zaxcom QRX 200 is a dual channel receiver for in the bag. You can receive two separate transmitters with this unit. They don't make a single channel unit that I'm aware of. The ERX is for listening and/or sending scratch track with or without time code. I have a Zaxcom Nomad but have Lectrosonic LR/LTs. I do use ERXs because the Nomad has a built in transmitter for them.
If you have any questions about the LR/LTs I'd be happy to answer them.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Yes, if its a two channel receiver like the Lectro SRC, Lectro SRa or SRb, or the Zaxcom QRX 200.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

OTOH, it's common to use multiple receivers with one transmitter. i,e; hopping audio to more than one camera, but not the other way around with single channel wireless systems.

... It should be noted though, the 'one Tx, multiple Rx' scenario will NOT work with the new WiFi band GHz systems, like the Sennheiser AVX, RODE filmmaker, AT System 10, ect.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Zaxcom makes a miniature transmitter, the ZMT3.

Zaxcom ZMT3 miniature transmitter announced: get two, you might lose one - Newsshooter


Also, every one should watch this (BEST ADVERT EVER! Well, for wireless at least):

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Cool unit, but best avert ever? Not for me, I could not get through it.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Well most adverts for pro wireless are pretty dry affairs!

This one has some humor to it :-D

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Well, sometimes I have two speakers and record to one camera so I need two receivers and it's not very convenient.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Yes, I saw that transmitter, I just can't find a small receiver.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

https://zaxcom.com/products/qrx200/
Lectrosonics Introduces the SMWB and SMDWB Wideband Transmitters
SRb Series
SRc Dual Channel Slot Mount ENG Receiver
All of these require external power but there are battery options available. Sony makes a dual channel receiver for $700 that works with their inexpensive transmitter.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._receiver.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...e&N=4232860122
Sony also makes some higher end dual channel receivers and transmitters but are slot in units that can be adapted for stand alone use.
And here's a set with two tx: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...iver_with.html

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I meant I can't find a small receiver for the Zaxcom transmitter, one that I can attach to the camera.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

This is the size of the Zaxcom QRX200 1.25″ x 3.25″ x 5.25″. Then of course you would have to add a battery to power it. Are you looking for something that can attach via a cold shoe adaptor? I don't know what camera you use. You could get a cold shoe plate and velcro it to that and then attach to your camera. If the size is in the ball park you just need to get creative to figure out a way to attach it and power it. This is a two channel unit so when you need to add a second tx you're good to go.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I use Canon C100. Yes, I was hoping to use something I could just use in a shoe plate. I went to the AES Convention and did see both the Lectros and the Zaxcoms. Between these two I want the Zaxcom. I'm not sure how I would power the receiver though even if I found a way to mount it on the camera.
I have not heard about Wisycom before but I'm reading good thing about them. Does anyone have any experience with Wysicom and could compare it to Zaxcom?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Do you use the internal battery with your camera or do you use a standard AB or V mount brick along with a rig? You could do a D-Tap cable to the receiver if the battery had a D-tap.

It would make for a slightly taller package but you could do a fairly small Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack that could stack on top of the receiver.

Wisycom is another excellent choice but I think Zaxcom is the only brand that records along with transmission.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I'm using internal camera battery. I feel like this is becoming a bit complicated. I wonder if I should rethink the whole set up and instead of recording to the camera I should simply get a good quality portable recorder, attach the Zaxcom receiver to it and I can perhaps have it all in over the shoulder bag, but that still leaves me with an issue of powering the Zaxcom receiver.
Could I use Zaxcom RX200?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Putting a recorder/mixer into a bag would give you a higher quality recording and more flexibility. Yes you could use the RX200 in that set up easily. With a central battery and power distribution box you could power the recorder and the receiver. Its a common set up for location sound bags. My system is a Zaxcom Nomad recorder/mixer plus four Lectro LR receivers and some other items and its all powered by a single Lithium Polymer battery. There are many other battery choices as well. Sound Devices just came out with three nice lower priced but excellent recorder/ mixers. Just be sure you feed the camera audio so you have a reference track to sync up your audio.
If you need help figuring this all out I'd be glad to lend a hand.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

I'm thinking of doing this. RX200 is a two channel receiver as well, right? So, I'm thinking of getting Zaxcom RX200, Zaxcom ZMT3, Sound Devices MixPre-3, and if I wanted to upgrade my mic (Sanken COS 11D) I'm thinking of one of DPA d:screet (not sure which one yet). Would there be a a significant improvement if I upgraded my mic, or should I stick with the Sanken? Both Zaxcom RX200 and MixPre-3 can ran on AA so I wouldn't need a battery pack (I can add that later if I find it necessary). How does all of this sound? What bag could I fit all of this in?

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

"RX200 is a two channel receiver as well, right?"
- Yes, I was just looking at the RX200 at AES, according to Glenn, it's more of a stereo cam hop than a two separate channel receiver with two separate Tx/mics.
I don't see any point in 'upgrading' to a more expensive lav, as was addressed previously

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Sound like I might have to go with QRX200!

Re: Monitoring headphones
 

Not sure why you couldn't use the RX200 for a two channel receiver. It does have internal batteries as you mentioned you wanted to use to start out with. The QRX200 only has external power so you're back to providing an external battery supply.

Re: Lectrosonics transmitter/receiver
 

Maybe I misunderstood when Rick said " it's more of a stereo cam hop than a two separate channel receiver with two separate Tx/mics". I thought this means that it's not a two channel unit.