Choosing between Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, or others for first wireless package

Z

Zander Burstein

Member
After reading a decent amount of threads about different wireless packages, I've come to understand that Lectrosonics and Zaxcom are the industry standard. The stickied $500 wireless question went in depth on some of the more decently priced systems, but not much into Lectrosonics or Zaxcom.

I rented a Lectrosonics UCR 401, the UM400a, and a Sanken COS11 recently and really enjoyed working with them. To buy this package would be near $2,000 if I'm not mistaken, or less if used, but I have some questions.


1) I really loved the Lectrosonics UCR 401 and UM400a with the Sanken. But what does the 411a offer if I decide to upgrade? And is the 411a still compatible with the UM400a? Also, if I decide on getting a few different LAV's, such as the Rode LAV. Does this still work with this Lectrosonics series? (I'm pretty sure I read that the Rode needs an adapter but I thought I'd ask)

2) Unfortunately I'm only familiar with the Lectrosonics 400 series so if there's a less expensive one that does the trick I'd love some advice. And comparison of Zaxcom vs Lectrosonics would be pretty sexy.

3) If I'm buying used gear, specifically wireless, where's the best place for me to go looking? Do I stay away from Ebay?

I've been doing mostly ENG work throughout my short career and still need to learn a ton more. So I appreciate any feedback!
 
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The Sennheiser G3 is the industry standard at the affordable level.

Lectro (USA), Audio Ltd. (UK) and Sennheiser 2000 or 3000 series (Europe) tend to be the industry standard at the higher level.
 
i'm a Lectro man, myself. and i have used them mostly with Tram lavs. i've always been pleased with the performance and rugged construction of the Lectros, but i have to say, stick with the 400 and don't even bother with the 100 series. i've heard awful noises come out of 100's.
 
The UCR400 and UCR411a receivers are very similar, except that the 411a is designed for use in "congested" RF environments and has some extra features to make that easier (and is therefore more expensive. Either should be compatible with just about any transmitter Lectrosonics still makes. They're all about flexibility over there... :)
 
Here in the states it's Lectro or Zaxcom. The Zaxcom systems are pretty expensive, but it has Zaxnet built in, and the transmitters have a recording feature that can be remote controlled. I have to be honest and tell you that I've sold lots of Lectro and lots of Zaxcom back in my salesguy days, and I did see (and continue to hear) of more service issues with Zaxcom than with Lectro. Once I started doing production work myself, I used either the Lectro Venue system (if I was on a cart), or the 411 systems, and I never had a problem. Sennheiser makes good wireless (the high end stuff), but they just don't have the range that Lectro and Zaxcom have, but their small transmitters are really nice. Audio Limited isn't as popular in the states. It's too bad because their systems sound really nice, and are easy to use, and the receivers are nice and small. Audio Ltd. used to be the industry standard here a while ago, but since the rise of Lectro and Zaxcom, they haven't seen much action. If anyone has any specific questions, feel free to PM me, as I know both Lectro and Zaxcom very well (I'm friends with both companies).
 
Lectrosonics seems the way to go, and the 411 would be worth it if I have the budget for it. The UCR400 is ta-3 connected right? So then any LAV as long as it's connected with a ta-3 or adapter would work with the 400? I ask because I read a lot of great reviews on the countryman's b6 and want the option of switching them out. (If I start with a Sanken)

And is buying this gear used the way to go?
 
Lectro typically uses TA5 for the mic, not TA3. And I would not at all be confident in saying that "any lav as long as its connected with X connector" will work, regardless of the connector, mic, or body pack, because there's the potential for different manufacturers to use a different wiring scheme with the same connectors.
 
Captain Pierce said:
Lectro typically uses TA5 for the mic, not TA3. And I would not at all be confident in saying that "any lav as long as its connected with X connector" will work, regardless of the connector, mic, or body pack, because there's the potential for different manufacturers to use a different wiring scheme with the same connectors.
Click to expand...

What's the best way to handle that/figure that out?
 
Check out the lectro SRa dual channel recievers, I have 2 and love them for talent and hop setups. The ta5's for lectro plugs are wired 2 different ways, servo bias and non servo biased. I have both but forget which is which. 1 works with all tx's and the other only works with newer ones.
 
Zander,

Most manufacturers, including Rode, either wire their lav mics or provide adapters specifically for the Lectrosonics TA5 connector and wiring scheme. The most common wiring setup is known as the "compatible" setup which will work with either the older (UM200, UM400, LM) transmitters or the newer (UM400A, SM Series) transmitters. Here is a reference page explaining the various wirings for the different lav mics: http://www.lectrosonics.com/component/option,com_fss/Itemid,81/catid,4/view,kb/

Let us know if you have any other questions.
 
Lectrosonics any day!

Lectrosonics any day!

I have used just about everything out there and for the money there is no better wireless then the Lectrosonics 411a with the UM 400a. There are many industry standards and if price is no object, I would go with Audi Limited, but you are near $5000 a system. The Zaxcom have some really good features, but you need to scan in every location and check for firmware just about every week. Lectrosonics systems and Sanken lavs are the way to go, 411a is the best, SR would be the next best and the 401 after that, but look, any would not disappoint.
 
hdpictures said:
... if price is no object, I would go with Audio Limited, but you are near $5000 a system.
Click to expand...

Audio Ltd. do systems at a lower price than this - this would be the top system.

They are virtually the industry standard in the UK.


There is also a new radiomic. company - Audio Wireless. This is owned by Aldo Hakligil who used to be the man at Micron.

Certainly worth a look at, I would think.
 
Not to throw this off topic but have people tested out the new shure wireless. It seems like it might be a contender for a little cheaper than the lectros. I am planning on going this route since I come from a live sound background and am very comfortable with shure systems. But I would like to hear if any body has used them yet since I haven't seen much online about them.
 
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