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Lectrosonics DBSM Single-Battery Digital Wireless Bodypack Transmitter/Recorder (A1-B1: 470.100 to 607.950 MHz)

BH #LEDBSM • MFR #DBSM-A1B1
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Lectrosonics DBSM Single-Battery Digital Wireless Bodypack Transmitter/Recorder (A1-B1: 470.100 to 607.950 MHz)
Key Features
  • For D Squared, DCR822, DCHR/DCHT & Duet
  • Transmits or Records at 24-Bit / 48 kHz
  • Use with Electret/Dynamic Lav or Line In
  • TA5M Input with Servo Bias Circuitry
Offering 100% digital architecture with secure AES-256 encryption, a wider frequency range, a high-density mode for incredibly tight channel spacing, extended battery life, and timecode jam sync support in the same ultracompact size and shape as its SMWB predecessor, the Lectrosonics DBSM single-battery digital wireless bodypack transmitter/recorder delivers premium audio quality, dependability, and versatility for professional sound recordists working in demanding production environments such as TV, film, sports, and live sound.
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Lectrosonics DBSM Overview

Offering 100% digital architecture with secure AES-256 encryption, a wider frequency range, a high-density mode for incredibly tight channel spacing, extended battery life, and timecode jam sync support in the same ultracompact size and shape as its SMWB predecessor, the Lectrosonics DBSM single-battery digital wireless bodypack transmitter/recorder delivers premium audio quality, dependability, and versatility for professional sound recordists working in demanding production environments such as TV, film, sports, and live sound.

From its rugged aluminum housing and non-corrosive finish to its water-resistant control panel and OLED display, the DBSM is ready to take on the challenges of any shooting scenario. The servo bias input circuitry can accommodate an electret lavalier mic, a dynamic mic, or a line-level input, and the TA5M input jack is also able to accept a timecode feed. Whether used as a transmitter or a standalone recorder, the DBSM delivers pristine 24-bit / 48 kHz audio. It is compatible with D Squared, DCR822, DCHR/DCHT, and Duet systems.

Built for Professionals
The DBSM digital transcorder (transmitter/recorder) was developed specifically for the needs of the film industry and offers timecode jam sync capability. It provides hands-free setup and adjustment using audible tones and can be put to sleep to conserve battery power during setup while buried inside costuming, then awakened for normal operation when the production begins.
100% Digital Architecture with Encryption
The DBSM is the latest in the long and hugely successful SM Series of miniature transmitters and is part of the Lectrosonics digital ecosystem including D Squared, DCR822, DCHR/DCHT, and Duet systems. The new model features a tuning range covering the A1 and B1 bands from 470.100 to 607.950 MHz. With 100% digital audio and transmission, the DBSM has an extremely low audio noise floor plus AES-256 CTR mode encryption with four different key policies.

Digital transmitters offer new opportunities including encryption, flatter phase and amplitude response, quieter noise floor, and increased metadata during transmission. The latest design can also increase battery life, allow for extremely tight channel spacing, and increased range per average RF power.
Variable RF Power and Extended Battery Life
The DBSM also offers selectable output power of 10, 25, and 50mW in D2 mode. A special high-density transmit mode (HDM) at 2mW allows for ultra-tight channel spacing of 200 kHz without concern for frequency coordination, giving you over 24 channels in just 6 MHz of bandwidth. Depending on the battery type and RF output power, the DBSM can give you up to nearly nine hours of continuous use.
Versatile Input Section with Limiter
The input section features the unique Lectrosonics servo bias input circuitry with a standard TA5M type jack for use with electret lavalier mics, dynamic mics, or line-level signals. A DSP-controlled analog audio limiter is employed ahead of the first mic preamp to protect the entire audio chain from overload. The limiter has a range of more than 30 dB for excellent overload protection, and a dual-release envelope that makes the limiter acoustically transparent while maintaining low distortion of brief transients and longer duration peaks.
Essential Features
  • Selectable output power to maximize operating range or battery life
  • Ultralightweight, corrosion-resistant housing
  • OLED interface with lockout option
  • Servo bias input circuitry
  • IR (infrared) port for fast setup
  • Alternate use as recorder on internal microSDHC memory card (16GB card included)
  • Timecode jam sync capability with TCXO for <1 ppm accuracy
  • High-density mode for ultratight channel spacing
  • Compatible with existing accessories from SMWB including SMBATELIM, pouches, and clips
  • Wireless Designer can include HDM in coordinations (requires PC version 2.0.31 and Macversion 2.0.26 or higher)
Fine-Tuned Audio
Input gain can be adjusted in 1 dB increments over a 44 dB range. A low-frequency audio roll-off is available at 20, 35, 50, 70, 100, 120 or 150 Hz (at 3 dB down points) to control subsonic and very-low-frequency audio content. The DBSM boasts a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response in D2 mode, 112 dB dynamic range, and linear phase response.
Rugged and Ready for Challenging Conditions
The housing is machined from solid aluminum blocks to provide an extremely lightweight and rugged package. A special non-corrosive finish resists salt water exposure and perspiration in extreme environments. A water-resistant control panel with LCD, membrane switches, and multicolor LEDs make input gain adjustments, frequency, and compatibility mode selection quick and accurate. The battery compartment accepts one industry-accepted AA battery (lithium recommended).
Alternate Recording Function
Instead of transmitting, the transmitters may also be used as a standalone recorder. The industry-standard .wav (BWF) file format is compatible with essentially any audio or video editing software. The DBSM records at 24-bit / 48 kHz resolution to microSDHC cards (16GB card included).
Included Accessories
  • 1 x AA battery
  • AMM-19 antenna
  • AMM-22 antenna
  • SMWBBCUPSL belt clip
  • PSMWB pouch with swivel clip
  • SMKITTA5 connector kit with boot
  • 16GB microSD card

Lectrosonics DBSM Specs

Key Specs
Wireless Technology
Digital UHF
Max Operating Range
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Included Transmitters
1x Bodypack
Microphone Type
No Microphone Included
Included Charging Case
No
System
Wireless Technology
Digital UHF
RF Frequency Band
A1-B1: 470.1 to 607.95 MHz
Max Operating Range
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Encryption
AES 256
Built-In Recorder
Yes (on Transmitter)
Timecode Support
Yes
Mobile App Compatible
No
Transmitters
Included Transmitters
1x Bodypack
RF Output Power
2 / 10 / 25 / 50 mW (Selectable)
Antenna
Removable SMA 1/4 Wave External
Input Level
Microphone / Line
Audio I/O
1x TA5M/Mini-XLR 5-Pin Male Input
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
5 V Bias/Plug-In Power
No Phantom Support
USB I/O
No
Muting
Off/On Switch
Gain Range
-7 to +44 dB (1 dB Steps)
Auto-Level/Gain
No
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB (Dependent on Mic)
Sync Method
IR
Display
Backlit LCD
Microphone
Microphone Type
No Microphone Included
Power
Transmitter Battery Type
1x AA (Included)
Transmitter Battery Life
High:
4.75 Hours (Lithium)
1.17 Hours (Alkaline)
4.33 Hours (NiMH)
Low:
8.92 Hours (Lithium)
2.25 Hours (Alkaline)
5.42 Hours (NiMH)
Included Charging Case
No
Physical
Environmental Resistance
No
Housing
Aluminum
Dimensions
2.4 x 2 x 0.6" / 6.1 x 5.1 x 1.5 cm
Weight
3.2 oz / 91 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.915 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.9 x 7.9 x 2.8"

Lectrosonics DBSM Reviews

Tough, solid, excellent range and audio

By Mariel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-09

The DBSM via DCR822 has been very solid for me. The range is excellent, the sound is extremely transparent, and the durability is classic Lectro. I use these mostly at 10mw in a variety of situations with ALP690 shark fins and range or dropouts are hardly ever a concern. At 50mw they go extensively. Battery life is significantly better than the analog hybrid SMWB with over 6 hours at 10mw with lithium AA. As everyone, I wish for the recording while transmitting feature that patent law so far has not allowed.

Good, But Not There Yet

By Matthew
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-24

I finally gave in and bought Lectros digital version of their famous transmitters. In short, I won't be replacing my transmitters with these. FYI, I used the DCR822 for my testing with both transmitter types. PROS: 1. Battery Lasts Longer 2. Better in certain situations than their others CONS: 1. Does not work well with a heavy wifi or terradeck situations 2. Very picky with the Antenna (can't hide it or move around compared to the non digital transmitters), they even confirmed this on their website 3. Not a lot of features like the Sound Devices or Zaxcoms transmitters I've had the same issues with their SSM transmitters where they started to go digital. At Trew audio one of the guys said that none of his sound guys use their SSMs as well which is something to think about. OVERALL, I think the digital realm has started but is still not there quite yet, especially when there is a bunch of other digital transmission going on (routers, terradecks, access points from the city, etc.)

See any errors on this page?

Will this work with the LR’s single A1 band? I’m ...

Will this work with the LR’s single A1 band? I’m eventually going to purchase the Lectrosonics DSR I only have LT now
Asked by: Jeremy
No, the Lectrosonics DBSM Single-Battery Digital Wireless Bodypack Transmitter/Recorder is not compatible for use with the Lectrosonics LR Camera-Mount Wireless Receiver. The DBSM is only compatible with the Lectrosonics DSR, DSR4, and DSR5P Digital Slot Receivers.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2024-03-25
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