Zaxcom Wireless Preamp Quality

S

sfdirector

New member
I am looking at wireless kits, such as the new Zaxcom TRX992 transmitter. I am curious to know your experience with the Zaxcom systems. Specifically I want to know if the preamp used is a high enough quality that I don't require an additional preamp. No sense in having good mics and still be getting hiss from a subpar preamp. But I also want to keep the gear to a minimum.
 
zaxcom preamps are superb( i have few of their products) , but i dont think 990 ever made it to the market
what exactly you want to do ?
 
I want to record audio for independent film. Lots of dialogue. I have typically done documentary projects, where there was so much ambient noise that preamp noise was never an issue. Now that I'd like to take a step up for my audio. Just curious if I will get much benefit from adding a juicedlink or beachtek device in front of the Zaxcom, or if I'm good to go.
 
you don't go wireless if you don't need 2
start with buying stand alone recorder , decent mics and leave the zax ( if it go out would be around 5 k )
i have a nice hhb tc dat - did with few films which went to Berlin and cans festivals + 2 best sound awards for sound in motion picture in a place i live - yours for 400 usd :-)
 
Wow you're worried about the quality of the pre's on a Zaxcom system and you're willing to put a Beachtek in front of it????? Way to blow $5k and turn it into crap.

If you think the quality of the Beachtek's is good, then don't waste your money on Zaxcom - go ahead and get Sennheiser G2's. They will be more than sufficient for what you need to do.

Seriously Zaxcom and Lectrosonics stand solidly on their own.

Phil
 
I'm just throwing names out there. I've been using an H4 and a good mic for some time, but starting to realize the preamp on the H4 isn't good enough for what I want to do. Then there's the wireless addition. So that was my question--if I go wireless with Zaxcom, do I still need an additional preamp?
 
You won't need it from the standpoint of improving the pre-amp quality. You will probably want to throw a good mixer in front of all of your mics to adjust levels and set up your mix, though. Something like a mix-pre or 302 from Sound Devices will serve you well (and hold its value).

As far as the wireless itself goes, look at Lectrosonics before you look at Zaxcom. They certainly offer more cost effective offerings. But, bottom line, both Lectro and Zaxcom make outstanding products and you can't go wrong with either.

Phil
 
Good point. I only went with Zaxcom as I found a great deal. I bought a used goldline receiver in block 28 and had Zaxcom retune it to a different block. Saved a ton of money that way.
 
I went the same route - picked up a Goldline set in block 25 for $900 and then had to send it to Zaxcom for refurb for another $500 or so...still a good deal. But, I'm actually looking to sell it now so I can be consistent and go Lectro across the board.

Anyone interested??? ;-)

Phil
 
Didn't need to. I like block 25 here in Northern CA. I used it for a wireless boom on my last feature and it worked great. No drop outs and no RF hits. I even ran the antennae through my Lectro Venue to my sharkfins.

Phil
 
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