The New Lectrosonics L Series: Compact, yet Big on Power

Lectrosonics, the US-based manufacturer of wireless systems that professionals in film, broadcast, and theater rely upon daily, has announced three new products in their “Large Bandwidth” series of wireless microphone technologies. The additions include two hybrid digital wireless beltpack transmitters: the L Series LMb and LT, as well as a single hybrid digital miniature wireless receiver: the L Series LR. The new system provides Lectrosonics's much-loved crystal-clear audio in multiple frequency blocks, all in a battery-powered package that's considerably smaller than their current offerings.

The LR wireless receiver is a compact unit that will please the ever-growing field of independent digital filmmakers using DSLR, Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds, small 4K, and other increasingly compact cameras. The LR is designed to fit on the cold shoe of the camera with a compatible bracket, is powered by two AA batteries, and features selectable tuning steps at 25 and 100kHz for 3,072 operating frequencies. It's compatible with legacy analog transmitters, and utilizes a true-diversity, dual-antenna circuit design to improve reliability, range, and resistance to dropouts in reception. Lectrosonic’s Smarttune technology and an RF spectrum analyzer make it quick and easy to find a suitable transmission frequency. The receiver includes a large backlit LCD for visual feedback when calibrating parameters and monitoring reception. The antennas are detachable, so the receiver can be configured for remote antenna mounting.

The LMb beltpack wireless transmitter is Lectrosonic’s newest economical solution designed for ENG, TV, theater, houses of worship, video, film production, and other applications. Two AA batteries provide 50mW of RF transmission power in 25 or 100kHz tuning steps for 3,072 selectable frequencies. The unit is contained in an all-metal housing with a wire belt clip, and features a multi-function switch for selecting power, mute, or talkback. Transmission parameters are displayed on a graphic display and can be adjusted via a membrane switch panel or IR synch port.

The LT beltpack wireless transmitter expands upon the LMb by adding selectable 50 or 100mW RF power, a detachable antenna for remote antenna applications, a user-selectable 1MOhm input for instruments (such as guitars with passive pickups), and it's contained in a machined-aluminum housing with a hardened EbNi "Ebony" conductive finish. Additionally, the LT beltpack can be controlled using either the Lectrosonics RM remote control units or via compatible Smartphones using the Lectrosonics LectroRM remote control app. The additional features make the unit suitable for ENG, stage, musical instruments, camera hops, corporate AV, TV production, film production, and more.

The entire L Series line features 24-bit 88.2kHz audio resolution, a frequency response of 40 to 20,000Hz, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.3% in Digital Hybrid mode, a signal to noise ratio greater than 95dB, and adjustable audio output levels from -50 to +5 in 1dB steps. They utilize a wide Lectrosonics tuning range of 67.5 to 76.8MHz and implement their patented Digital Hybrid  compandor-free  wireless audio transmission. Like other  Lectrosonics  gear, the new L Series is backwards compatible with older analog wireless systems.

Both the transmitters and the receiver will be available in four frequency ranges for worldwide applications:

• A1 (470.100 to 537.575MHz)
• B1 (537.600 to 614.375MHz)
• C1 (614.400 to 691.175MHz)
• D1 (691.200 to 767.975MHz)  

UPDATE: The Lectrosonics L Series are now available for pre-order.