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Lectrosonics

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US manufacturer of professional wireless microphone systems featuring Digital Hybrid Wireless technology, 24-bit/48 kHz audio, and 134 dB dynamic range.

Technical Details

Lectrosonics systems operate with digital hybrid modulation, offering 24-bit/48kHz audio quality with a dynamic range of 134 dB. Standard transmission power is 100 mW, with an optional 250 mW. Typical latency is under 2.9 ms. The SmartTune system automatically scans available frequencies and avoids interference. Digital Hybrid Wireless technology combines analog FM transmission with digital companding. Battery life reaches 8-12 hours depending on the model (LMa, LT, SMQV). The devices are splash-proof up to IPX4.

History & Development

Gordon Moore and Larry Fisher founded Lectrosonics in 1971 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The first commercial product in 1973 was a wireless system for live performances. In 1982, they entered the film market with the R-1a receiver. The 100 series established the UHF standard for film productions in 1995. In 2010, Digital Hybrid Wireless technology led to a quantum leap in transmission quality. Since 2018, the SRc series has integrated Dante networking capabilities for large multi-channel setups.

Practical Use in Film

Lectrosonics dominates Hollywood productions: "The Revenant" (2015) used over 30 channels for ensemble scenes in extreme weather conditions. In "Dunkirk" (2017), the waterproof transmitters enabled underwater shots. Bag systems (SRc/SRb) are integrated into boom poles, and bodypack transmitters (SMQV/LT) are hidden under costumes. Production Sound Mixers use up to 64 channels simultaneously via Dante networks. The SmartTune function significantly reduces frequency coordination during exterior shoots.

Comparison & Alternatives

Main competitors include Sennheiser (G4/EW-D series), Audio-Technica (System 10 PRO), and Shure (Axient Digital). Lectrosonics surpasses them in range and RF stability but costs 20-40% more. Sennheiser offers better menu navigation, while Audio-Technica provides more affordable entry-level models. For broadcast applications, Shure Axient competes with comparable channel efficiency. Zaxcom systems integrate recording functions, which Lectrosonics only began offering in 2019 (M2R). For low-budget productions, Røde Wireless GO or Deity Connect systems dominate the market.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ich schätze, dass Lectrosonics-Systeme praktisch nie in meine Bildgestaltung eingreifen – die kleinen SMQV-Sender verschwinden problemlos unter Kostümen ohne sichtbare Beulen. Bei Steadicam-Fahrten oder extremen Weitwinkeln muss ich mir keine Gedanken über Funkausfälle machen, selbst wenn der Toningenieur 50 Meter entfernt steht.

Director

Die Zuverlässigkeit gibt mir totale Freiheit bei der Szenengestaltung – ich kann Schauspieler durch komplexe Räume bewegen, ohne dass der Ton abbricht oder rauscht. Bei emotionalen Nahaufnahmen höre ich im Kopfhörer kristallklaren Dialog ohne technische Artefakte, die mich aus der Performance reißen würden.

Producer

Ein Lectrosonics-Set kostet 3.000-4.000€ pro Kanal, aber ich spare täglich Stunden durch weniger Takes wegen Tonproblemen. Die Geräte überstehen jahrelange Produktionszyklen ohne Ausfälle – meine Return-Rate liegt unter 2%. Bei großen Ensemble-Szenen reduziert sich mein Crew-Bedarf, da ein Tonmeister 20+ Kanäle gleichzeitig überwachen kann.

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