Lectrosonics gets personal with a novel recorder
Published: PRODUCTS
The Personal Digital Recorder (PDR) has been developed by Lectrosonics as a micro digital recorder for situations when a wireless microphone cannot be practically used. Designed to synchronise with a SMPTE 12M – 1999 timecode, the portable recorder records in 24-bit, 48 kHz digital onto a Micro SD card (HC type) in the .wav (Broadcast Wave File) format. The PDR can be jammed to an external time code via a 5-pin Lemo connector, whilst a headphone output jack allows monitoring of the signal input or playback of previously recorded files. A TA5M input jack accepts any mic or line level signal, providing bias voltage to power a wide variety of electret lavaliere microphones.
The input connection and wiring is compatible with microphones pre-wired for use with Lectrosonics’ wireless microphone transmitters with servo bias type inputs. The PDR runs for over six hours on a single lithium AAA battery, for which setup and adjustments can be made on the keypad interface or the LCD. Measuring 60mm x 54mm x 17mm and weighing 71g (with battery), the PDR’s ergonomic shape has been machined from a solid aluminium billet before being hard anodised. The resultant form factor claims to make the PDR easy to place in garments and costumes or to conceal as a plant microphone for capturing environmental or location sound.
Adding to its DSW (Digital Secure Wireless) microphone system, Lectrosonics has manufactured the DBa digital belt pack transmitter for use in a variety of demanding applications. It boasts 24-bit/48kHz digital audio, a lightweight yet tough build for durability, and AES-256-CTR encryption technology to ensure privacy.
With a wideband tuning range between 470 and 698MHz, the DBa also possesses an RF output stage that’s highly linear to decrease inter-modular distortion and 50mW transmission RF power of that aims to negate dropouts. It also features a TA5M mic/line input.
The transmitter has an audio frequency response of approximately 20Hz – 20kHz, 2.5ms system latency and a dynamic range of 108dB. A pair of AA batteries power the device, with alkaline batteries providing more than ‘five hours of use and lithium ones over nine’.