Re: Lectrosonic Question

Hello Jeremey.

*Disclaimer - I'm not a Lectro expert and my brain is slightly fried after working the A-Rod fiasco today with the Yankees, but I'll try to answer some of your questions.

The R200A is a model I'm not familiar with. It's not listed on Lectro's website as either a current or discontinued model. But I'm guessing by the nomenclature that it's simply a rackmounted version of the 200 series receivers that were popular earlier this decade. It's good technology, very solid, just not the latest, greatest...

There is a difference between the two transmitters you listed besides just an output power figure. The UM400A has some servo bias built into its input jack that makes it a bit more friendly to a wide variety of electret mics. Does this mean the LMa works best with the Lectro lav that is normally provided - I'm not sure. Also, the UM400 has some extra output staging. I'm not familiar with much of the tech involved, but it's built into the UM and not into the LM. There's the obvious build quality difference between the two - the UM being a bit more robust, but that doesn't mean the LMa is fragile.

The power output differences are not as critical in a controlled studio environment where the antennas can be placed close to talent. However, if you have interference coming from another source, it's best to have more mW to help combat it. If it's a large studio and there's some distance between the transmitter and receiver antennas, then the UM400a would be a better choice.

So, depending on your application, the LMa may be just fine. Considering you are looking at what must be an older, used Lecto rackmount system, budget must be an issue. If that's the case and you don't have any difficult applications for this, I would say the LMa would be fine and will save you money.

I hope this makes sense to you - my brain may not be working at full capacity at the moment!

Rodney

Freelance Sound Technician/Mixer