Lectrosonics the preferred wireless system by Mic Check One Two for the Apprentice Asia
Published: ASIA
ASIA: Lectrosonics digital hybrid wireless systems proved to be pivotal earlier this year in the production of The Apprentice Asia, a major 12-part reality TV series broadcast in Singapore, Malaysia and around Asia. The series saw Singapore-based production company Mic Check One Two commissioned by Freemantle Asia to provide a complete location sound solution.
The Apprentice Asia – based on a reality TV format first popularised in the UK and then the US – saw 12 aspiring business people compete for the chance to work with Malaysian airline entrepreneur Tony Fernandes.
Mic Check One Two used 28 Lectrosonics UM400a belt-pack transmitters alongside 28 UCR411a compact receivers plus a single IFB T4 transmitter and IFB R1a receiver to capture the sound during the all-important location tasks in which contestants sought to outdo one another during each episode. All of the Lectrosonics equipment was provided by distributor Audio Bridge. Countryman B3 and B6 omnidirectional lavalier microphones were also used.
The project was particularly high profile for Mic Check One Two, a relatively young company with a unique offering within the industry.
‘Mic Check One Two was born out of the needs of the industry as it is very challenging to find location sound businesses to provide a total sound solution for big reality shows at a reasonable rate,’ explained founder Nelson Pereira. ‘We were very happy to be given the opportunity to supply the complete location sound solution for this prestigious maiden project.’
Nor was there any debate regarding the choice of system. ‘When we first approached the project the first and only wireless system that came to our minds was Lectrosonics,’ Mr Pereira continued. ‘Having used and experienced the capabilities of their equipment, we were sold! We had a problem of getting so many units in on time but with the help of Audio Bridge and Lectrosonics’ fast response we were able to obtain the specific amount of units needed.
‘Thus we acquired the Lectrosonics UCR411a compact digital hybrid wireless as our receivers in the bag. The 411as are great! With front end tracking we could find an empty slot in an almost overcrowded bandwidth, and the front panel was a breeze to use when dialling up contestants on fixed switch sets. The 411a proved itself to be great in audio quality with no unwanted noise with the help of the Smart Squelch option.’
Mr Pereira was equally enthusiastic regarding the use of the UM400a belt-pack transmitters. ‘The UM400a is a true workhorse, helping to reach reasonable distances with superb audio quality. It withstood all kinds of abuse. The battery change was a breeze and the entire user interface was at the touch of a fingertip, making it easy to adjust even under clothing.’
He concluded: ‘Mic Check One Two are very happy and proud to have Lectrosonics as our preferred wireless system, and with the support they have given us through Audio Bridge. To everyone who made this project a success - cheers!'