Zaxcom ENG Stereo Wireless Cam Links

[Ed_Scott]

Anyone familiar with them? Good, Bad, Worth it?

ZAXCOM (http://www.trewaudio.com/zaxcom_eng_esale.htm)

[Matt Box]

There are opinions on both side over on the RAMPS newsgroup. But everything I have heard about them seems pretty good. I may get one before too long. I give zaxcom alto of credit for really pushing the envelope with their products. I keep waiting for lectro to put out a stereo but at this point I think the zax unit has proven itself.

[Stoney]

There is nothing better than losing the cable and feeling free from your audio tech!

That said, on the Discovery show I was shooting, we got a lemon of a unit. The thing was really poor. Bought it from Trew and they were less than stellar with customer service. First, it was a problem with hum coming from the mixer bag. Zaxcom warns of this; it is a problem from many things connected to a battery distribution box.... which is exactly what a batt box is used for. Trew made a cable for us, has a hum eliminator in it, it solved the problem.

Then, the unit started dying out. The receiver was bouncing between antenna signals and hits and dropouts were evident. So, back to Trew... trew says unit is fine, sends it back, unit still messed up. Weeks go by before we have a new unit and the diagnosis was a bad transmitter. Duh! That's what we originally told them.

To be fair, Trew customer service was not so great for this unit but Zaxcom techs were very helpful. Calling Zaxcom was the only way we got good advice on how to proceed.

Moral of this story... Zaxcom units are finicky and they are somewhat rare compared to Lectros, or even Sennheisers. So, don't expect a ton of customer service from your dealer if it acts funny.

Reasons to get one:
wireless baby!
small and lightweight

Reasons not to get one:
they are expensive
they are prone to problems
you need custom cables for receiver
difficult user menus and interface
customer service

Personally, I think that someone a while back had a better solution: take two Lectro's and use them instead of a Zaxcom. Price is better and you end up with two units in your kit. Sure, it's bulkier... but I think until Zaxcom really gets the unit to be bombproof, or at least as robust as a Lectro, it is the way to go.

[Andy T.]

First off I should let you know that I am an audio tech who owns the Zaxcom Stereo link. I own one TX with 2 RXs . I have the 2nd RX so I can feed audio to 2 cameras at the same time. In the 2 years that I own them I have had only one drop out that was reported to me by a cameraman. They are not cheap but are cheaper in price than 2 Lectros of equal quality. There were some initial problems with fluctuating TX audio output due to temperature changes that affected the photo cells but that was with the earlier TXs and Zaxcom has pretty much fixed that. There is a noise problem when using certain mixers as Stoney described. It is an issue with some mixers and the Zaxcom TX being powered externally from the same power source, like the NP1. The correction is to put a capacitor inline with the external power cable powering the TX. Zaxcom gave me 2 capacitors for free and I made my own cable or you can have your audio dealer make you one. An easy fix. Not everyone will need one it depends on what mixer you are using. I have a 3 channel and a 4 channel Sound Device mixer and I do need to use a capacitor. If you power the TX internally with 2 AA batteries the noise does not occur.

I would disagree that the Zaxcom links are prone to problems. Since they fixed the photo cell problem I have not had a problem with either the TX or RX. But like any piece of electronic gear anything can happen. I’ve talked to Zaxcom’s tech people many times and they are very accessible and very helpful. I am surprised that Stoney had problems with Trew Audio. I have always had great customer service and tech support from them. Although generally if I have a tech problem with a piece of gear I usually call the manufacture if possible.

The menu interface is really not that difficult and once you set it up you rarely have to change anything. The original display especially on the TX was a little hard to decipher at first but you get use to it after a few uses. I believe on the newer TXs the display is much improved. The only time I have to check the display is to set up levels on the TX with tone and if necessary to change frequencies. By the way I can scan and change frequencies on both the TX and RX in 20 seconds. It’s really fast. Try doing that with 2 lectros RX and 2 Lectro TX. One reason it is so fast is that the Zaxcom stereo link only uses one carrier frequency for 2 channels which speeds up frequency selection. The Zaxcom TX also has up and down arrow keys to scroll to the desired frequency. No tiny little rotary screws to turn. The scan function on the RX is also extremely fast. I really love that.

Cameramen I work with really love that the Stereo RX is less weight than one mono Lectro RX. And as an audio guy I love that the stereo TX is less weight than one mono Lectro TX. Don’t get me wrong I love Lectrosonic products. I own their 411 wireless units. They are excellent. But for a camera link the size, weight and sound quality makes the Zaxcom an easy choice.

Zaxcom just came out with a slew of new TX options. Check out their website. Of course these options cost more money. You will have to check with you dealer how much more. One option is a stereo TX that can also record 2 tracks of audio onto a compact flash card plus you can input or output smpte timecode. Now this is pretty damn revolutionary if you ask me. I am considering upgrading to this TX. It's nice to have a backup when going wireless. It could also be used for Transcription purposes.

Andy

[Skipcam]

I have one of the earliest units that I bought to replace two Lectrosonics and I have liked the Zaxcom. That said, I have had problems, but they were eventually fixed. If you use a Schoeps or Neumann shotgun mic in your kit, they need an in-line filter between them and the mixer if the mixer is feeding a Zaxcom transmitter. Trew audio made mine. The Zaxcom website details the problem. I also have had trouble on three different occasions where the Zaxcom unit got hot (all three instances were in very hot, humid weather) and simply quit. They just shut down! If you have trouble with one of two individual wireless sytems as your link, you almost always have a least one channel still operating. If you have trouble with the Zaxcom, you're dead in the water! I returned the unit to Zaxcom and they updated the software and returned it to me. No troubles since, but I haven't really been in very hot weather since. It might have been made worse by the unit used in the metal box carrier bolted to the Anton Bauer battery mount. The box may not let it cool like it would standing on it's own. When it works, it works well. I found the customer service from both Trew and Zaxcom to be very good, with Trew Audio tech really going above and beyond what I would have expected.

[Baltimore Shooter]

I wonder if 2 of the Sennheiser units, using the plug-on transmitters would work better for wireless transmission to the camera. Use the Lectros for your subjects and Sennheisers strictly for the mixer-to-camera link. Would they be cheaper and more reliable?

Warren

[freedom]

Sennheisers more reliable than lectros?

I'm too cheap to buy a zax but I'd like to. I use 2 lectros on the camera when I need to. Hate the weight but love the cost...I already own them.

Any bag system can have issues of wireless fighting each other. I did a 6 wireless gig and that was very interesting to rig up. Do not assume that you can just plug everything in and roll. I had to move things around and tinker a bit to eliminate various hums. All lectros. There is a problem called intermodulation interference that can happen with any 2 wireless. It's not just avoiding the same channel. I don't understand it but I know it's a problem, the more wireless you put close together. This is not a problem with zax digital wireless.
Surf the lectro site for more info.

I too had a customer service repair issue with Trew and now only buy from them when necessary.

[Mike]

Using one unit for both audio channels really scares me--there is no redundancy. I use 2 Lectro 201 receivers on my camera and they are on different frequency blocks. If you get a bad RF hit on the Zaxcom unit, it has the potential of being on both channels (since both channels are in the same freq range). Also, if the Zaxcom were to malfunction or die, again, as stated above, you are dead in the water. With 2 separate receivers, you still have a back-up if one of the receivers (or transmitters) goes bad.

[freedom]

I have had by far the most hits on the 201 I used to own. The 201 has a wide front end as opposed to the narrow front end of most lectro's. Don't get near an airport with a 201. So I'd feel much better with a Zax than the less expensive lectros or senns. By all accounts I've seen, hits are almost non existant on zax. But then, same for my 195D's and my 210's.

[Baltimore Shooter]

Sennheisers more reliable than lectros?


Sorry, what I meant was cheaper and more reliable than the Zaxcom. I know the Lectros are rock solid.

Warren

[Matt Box]

The Zaxcom unit definitely fits a specific need. If you do lots of bag work and already own a bunch of good wireless units Id say go for it. I would still make sure you already have a few good wireless systems and a snake for back up but thats what any pro would do.

I almost got one last year but bought 2 411's instead. My inventory of wireless mics at the time was kinda of a weak point so the 401's made sense.

[Andy T.]

In the usual situation where you need to record two discrete channels of audio I would never consider the 2nd channel as back up. If I lost one channel of wireless audio then I would go hardwired to regain both channels and not try to work with just one channel of wireless audio. I always have my hardwire snake nearby if I need to go hardwired. I have a very thin diameter cable in my mixer bag as my hardwired breakaway cable just in case I need to go hardwired but I have never needed to use it. I have owned Lectros models 185, 210 211 201. and now only 411. I have had the least amount of trouble with drop outs with the Zaxcom compare to the Lectros. Probably because it is a digital signal. Although the 411s are pretty darn good. If a frequency problem arises it would only take 20 seconds for me to scan and reassign a new frequency where it would probably take about 10 minutes to do that with 2 Lectro units. As I mentioned in my earlier post I have only had one reception problem with the Zaxcom and that was in Washington DC during the inauguration. There was (not surprisingly) a lot of RF jamming going on there. I've used my Zaxcom wireless link in NYC, Boston, Hartford, Albany, Cleveland, Providence, New Hampshire during Primaries without problems. A lot of these situations were in the middle of a Network News Media Circus or just walking around Times Square. I would never feel good about using a lower end Lectro or Sennheiser as a wireless link in a high RF situation. But with the Zaxcom Stereoline I feel very comfortable in those high RF situations. Of course as confident as I am I still require my cameraman to monitor the audio. If he or she is not able or willing to do that then I will go hardwire.

Andy

[Ed_Scott]

Andy, you've almost sold me.

Is there a lag in the audio since the signal is being converted from analog to digital? I've read 3 to 6ms of lag, which I'm not sure is even noticeable.

[Andy T.]

There is a 2 to 3 ms of delay which is not noticeable or considered a problem. There are some other issues that you need to take in account before you buy a Zaxcom. Obviously you need to choose a frequency block that works well in the area that you work in. That Zaxcom TX block you use should be as far away from the other wireless receivers blocks that you will be using in your mixer bag. There is a lot of digital rf spray from the Zaxcom TX and you want to be as far away from the TX frequency block as possible. For example my Zaxcom TX is block 29 and my lectro RXs are blocks 26 and 21. You also want to keep you Zaxcom TX as physically far away from your RX as possible in your bag. I probably have about a 10 inch separation and that works fine. If you go onto the Ramps Audio discussion group website and search on "zaxcom stereoline" you will find a lot more info. You can also call up Zaxcom and ask them any additional questions you might have.

Andy

[freedom]

With any mix of TX & RX in close proximity there can be problems. I was working with a soundie who kept getting hits. We swapped wireless and kept getting hits. We were in a rural area. He was stumped. I suggested he move the TX's up onto his harness (read about this trick on RAMPS) which provided am 18" separation between his TX & the RX. Problem gone.
My system of 2 195D's & 2 210's doesn't have this problem. I keep both the TX & RX in the bag. I got lucky. I don't know the tech details of exactly why but it can be a big problem.
Make sure your cables that feed your TX are long enough to clip the TX onto the harness up high on the chest. It can make a huge difference.

[Canonman]

With any mix of TX & RX in close proximity there can be problems. I was working with a soundie who kept getting hits. We swapped wireless and kept getting hits. We were in a rural area. He was stumped. I suggested he move the TX's up onto his harness (read about this trick on RAMPS) which provided am 18" separation between his TX & the RX. Problem gone.

What's happening in this scenario is called receiver front-end overload. The RX is in such a strong RF field that it can't reject the offending signal even if it's on another frequency. As you discovered, separation is the answer.

cm

[Matt Box]

I think Sony is now making a stereo wireless. I have not checked it out but I think I've seen ads for it in the trade rags.

[Andy T.]

Freedom I am wondering if just proper frequency coordination would have solve your problem. Were you using fixed frequency wireless?

If your wireless are frequency agile and your RX has a built in spectrun anyalizer then you can scan for interference OR if the receiver has good RF readouts, you can fire the systems up in the bag and look at the RX display to see how much the transmitters are affecting the receivers. Then you can tune your receivers and or transmitter so no interfering signals are picked up.


Andy

[freedom]

Andy
The system that had issues wasn't mine.
My system does not have any issues so I haven't needed to tune it. I don't know how I got lucky with it but I did.
2 camera links are 195D's on block 21 & 22. The other 2 are 210's on block 22. I've changed freq's on the 210's a few times and still no issues with interference.

[Andy T.]

Freedom,

I did understand that the wireless were not yours. I was just suggesting that if they were frequency agile and they had scanners or good RF readout that you more than likely would have been able to retune your wireless to work without having to put the TX up high on your harness.

The lectro 210s have a very tight front end filter and that is helping you with not having any issues. Plus I would also think that your frequencies you are using for your camera link are far enough away from your receivers frequencies also not to cause any issues.

In regard to the Zaxcom Digital TX, they seems to spew out more RF than an analog TX and for that reason it is recommended that you stay as far away as possible. Like a block or two away.

Andy

[netnews]

I've experienced several issues with the Zaxcom stereo camera links. The worst was during a AFC Playoff game. Even though the venue was frequency coordinated, at the end of the game during the locker room gangbang, some fool fired up their unregistered RF and stepped all over the Zaxcom. As mentioned earlier, we were dead in the water at that point. My soundie said he just needed to find a clear clear channel and everything would be OK. After a couple of minutes of his putzing around to no avail, I finally insisted we go hardwire. Needless to say, the producer was not amused (fortunately they provided the soundie). I vowed at that time never to use a stereo RF rig in that situation again. My two channel Lectro system would only have lost a single channel we could have easily gotten by on one channel.

In all fairness, in other less critical situations, the Zaxcom units have performed well. I just worked with one on a documentary last week in a variety of locations and experienced very few hits. My soundie told me it was the newer one (couple of months old) and the drift problems of the earlier units had been significantly improved. That said, he still said that he liked to have the system up for at least 10 minutes to avoid minor freq. drift, which he said he has seen on occasion. I know the older systems could drift quite a bit throughout the day. I also noticed that the Zaxcom unit was very warm when I removed it at the end of the day. I don't know how much power is required as I have never checked the specs. We power our wireless receive links from the camera and I have not noticed any discernable difference between the systems.

I'm also curious. When Zaxcom redesigned the system to fix the photcell drift problems, did they recall the older units for a fix and at what cost?

[Baltimore Shooter]

Wow Net, that sucks. But like you said, at least they provided the soundman.

I'm still trying to find out if using 2 Sennheiser units with the plug-on transmitters would work better for wireless transmission to the camera than the Zaxcom. You'd use the Lectros for mic'ing your subjects and Sennheisers strictly for the mixer-to-camera link. Would that be cheaper and more reliable than the Zaxcom?

Warren

[Andy T.]

Netnews

They way you scan and select frequencies on a Zaxcom is not how you do it on Lectros. It is much much faster and takes seconds not minutes. So your sound guy should have been able to access whether there was another clear frequency or not and if not go hardwired in a matter of minutes. Unless there was a Producer breathing down his back and not giving him the time to do this. The Zaxcom audio is excellent and is almost like going hardwire as far as audio quality. I chose the Zaxcom camera link because of it’s size, weight, it’s extremely quick scanning and retuning capability and most of all it’s superior audio quality. I’ve been on far more shoots where there has been a problem with the camera than any one of my wireless setups. Do cameramen always have another camera as back up? As I mentioned in an earlier post I always have a hardwire right there available if I need it. So what I am saying is that I would not choose a camera link system based on the idea that if one channel fails that there is another one available. The other thing to consider is the more wireless units you have in operation the higher the risk that there will be a problem.

In regards to the drift problem you referred to. There was never a problem with “Frequency” drift with Zaxcoms. I think you are referring to the audio level drifting upwards or downwards as the TX heated up or cooled down. This never effected anything to do with the Frequency. There was never a recall but anyone who had a problem like myself could send it in for new photo cells.

I have heard of Zaxcom Receivers shutting off if they get too hot but I have not experienced this. I’ve heard of people putting them in a fanny pack and them over heating. But they turn back on if they are allowed to cool a couple of minutes. If you compare the single stereo Zaxcom RX consumption to 2 single RXs I think you will find that they are equal or less in consumption. Here are a few comparisons. I got this info. from their manuals. These are at 12 volt powering
The Zaxcom RX = 180mA.
Lectro 411 RX = 170mA x 2 = 340mA
Lectro 195 RX = 140mA x 2 = 280mA
Lectro 201 RX = 100mA x 2 = 100mA

Andy

[Andy T.]

Baltimore Shooter,

Which Seinheisers are you talking about. Just so you get an idea. The only thing in the Lectrosonics line that would be comparable to the Zaxcom is the Lectro 411s and they run around $2500 a piece.

Andy

PS How come no one uses names in this discussion group?

[Andy T.]

Sorry Warren I didn't see you name at first

[Baltimore Shooter]

I don't know the exact model of the Sennheisers, but they are the freq. agile type. I rented 2 of them early last year because the client wanted 4 units but I never got a chance to use them (weren't needed).

Warren

[netnews]

Andy T.

I appreciate the comments in your reply. I stand corrected regarding the drift problem as being a frequency drift. The ultimate result of the problem we experienced was significant varying of the output levels. I was mistaken that this was a result of frequency variation when actually it was the result of defective photocells.

Regarding my locker room situation a couple of comments; Yes, the producer was breathing down the audio techs neck, actually he was "breathing fire" down his neck! We probably lost 3 or more interviews due to having to make the change over to hardwire. And running around a jammed locker room with audio tethered to camera is not the way you want to operate in that enviroment! Furthermore, scanning for a new frequency, which we were not authorized to use, would have only compounded the RF problem as we would then be operating unauthorized on someone elses authorized frequency. With two separate receivers we would not have been "dead in the water". As I said in my post, the stereo receiver works well in many situations but I will never trust one again in this type of shoot.

And I have to say, knocking on wood, on a daily basis we have far more problems with RF (both audio & video) than with any type of camera problems.

And one additional question, when you sent your system back to Zaxcom have the photocells replaced, did they do everything (repair & shipping) on their nickel or yours?

[freedom]

I made up a quick disconnect for my 2 Lectro camera feeds. It has 2 right angle XLR's that plug into the lectro RX's that ride on the camera. This Y cord feeds into a quick disconnect that most ENG cables have. I plug this into my ENG camera pigtail that feeds the camera. If I need to switch to hardwire, I pull the wireless Y cable and plug in the ENG cable from the mixer. I've preset my levels so both mixer feed and wireless feed are matched. The switch over takes 30 seconds tops, depending on how fast the soundie can get me the wire.
Granted, it's not ideal in a group grope in a locker room, but it is quick.
Luckily I haven't need it.

[Mike]

Netnews, your encounter with RF inerference in the locker room and not having a quick way to get around it is exactly why I don't like the idea of a one-piece 2 channel receiver like the Zaxcom (in addition to the lack of robust construction, as compared to the Lectros).

[PHX Shooter]

Warren,
To answer your question about the Sennheisers, I did just that a couple of weekends ago. I was at the Long Beach Center for the Performing Arts covering a corporate event and had a hardwired house feed to a tripod location. I wanted to go handheld cuz too much tripod is just plain boring. I attached my Sennheiser plug-in TX to the house feed and sent a mono mix to my camera RX. BTW, I was using the Evolution 100 series. I know they aren't in the same league as the Zaxcom and Lectros mentioned here, but hey, it's better than nothing.

They were using multiple wireless mics in the auditorium I was working in and had an Herbalife event next door and a Disney on Ice performance going on in the adjoining arena. Worked like a champ. I did need to attenuate the incoming signal from the house, but that was no big deal. I've worked smaller events as well using this and had good luck.

Granted, this is not the same as a swamped news event, but it worked for me.

[Ed_Scott]

After reading this thread, I've come to the conclusion that since I'm a cameraman, it does not make sense for me to own the Zaxcom. Since I do not work with a specific Audio Tech day in day out, I would be creating a storm by giving an audio tech my Zaxcom and say "Let's Go". Seems the audio bag needs to be configured specifically for the TX system.

Now if I were doing Sound, I'd probably go ahead and get a Zaxcom system to compliment my Lectros. That way, the Audio Tech can give the links to any cameraman and - assuming the quirks of the system as defined in this thread are worked out, you could go out with confidence.

[Skipcam]

In answer to the earlier question of how much power does the Zaxcom draw, the service dept. says it uses 175 MA when powered thru the external DC input (such as the 4 pin Hirose output on the back of the camera). If you use it with internal AA batteries, it will eat them at a much higher rate! (lower voltage = higher current). I used it with internal power on a Z1 and the AA batts only worked for about 2 hours.

[Stoney]

After reading this thread, I've come to the conclusion that since I'm a cameraman, it does not make sense for me to own the Zaxcom. Since I do not work with a specific Audio Tech day in day out, I would be creating a storm by giving an audio tech my Zaxcom and say "Let's Go". Seems the audio bag needs to be configured specifically for the TX system.

Now if I were doing Sound, I'd probably go ahead and get a Zaxcom system to compliment my Lectros. That way, the Audio Tech can give the links to any cameraman and - assuming the quirks of the system as defined in this thread are worked out, you could go out with confidence.

Exactly! My experience with the Zaxcom units is mixed. I love the wireless feed, the light weight, the two channels. However, I am not a sound op and I don't really want to spend my energy on figuring out these systems. Sound is complicated and I want to know that my gear is universally easy to operate. Not easy if you use different sound ops regularly.

Fact is, Zaxcoms are somewhat rare in the field. Since most people understand Lectro systems, Lectro operating procedures are the standard. I looked at the Zaxcom and, without a manual in your hands, it is impossible to set correctly.

As a cameraman, forget it. If I were an audio tech with my own Zaxcom... great! They are nice units if appropriate for you.

Regarding Trew, I have used them for several years. Never a problem. Then, the Zaxcom bugs out and they are really difficult. It was only that one situation, but it was strange. I still like them, just not happy with that experience.

[Deaf and Blind]

Well for alternative items out on the market you have the sony dual diversity reciever which is exceedingly expensive.
Azden make a unit but i have never seen one in the flesh.
Audio Technica have released a dual diversity reciever unit the ATW-1823 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/460226.jpg
[img] [/url] (Linked)
The main thing I like about this unit is you can turn one of the recievers off so saving power if not needed. Price wise it's way ahead of the pack I am just waiting to get hold of one to test for a while.
As for ZAXCOM well I have been hearing too many horror stories for me to seriously condsider one.
Of late I have been working in 40c / 120f heat and my current AT's have been extremely hot to the touch but have not shut down on me (yet)
Sennheiser do make a very nice diversity unit which is very rugged and easy to use if only I could remember the model number...
Lets not forget Audio Ltd, some say they are the Rolls Royce of radios but that could be a personal thing but the build quality is of a very high standard. Expensive but very very nice.
Finally Lectrosonics, yes exceedingly nice considered by many to be an industry standard. Definately a case of you get what you pay for. Lots of nice touches definately worth the $$$
Keep your eyes open at this years NAB as tucked away in a dark corner will be this little Australian mob who will be showing a dual channel reciever / transmitter unit. I will spill more info once final product testing is finalised. One thing I will add is this unit will have a return so you know your connected with no drop outs.

Radio microphones here are amazingly expensive Lectrosonics are roughly twice the price so a set of 411's TX & rx will cost around AU$7K Audio technica U100 series around AU$3K against US$500! AT B&H some days I really do feel the local importers are taking the urine when it comes to pricing.

Personally I feel there is way too much snobbery concerning audio kit espechally when microphones and radios are concerned.
I had one cameraman running around saying my audio kit was no good because I was not using lectro 411's. Now if I sidled up next to that cameraman or went around saying his camera work was crap because he was not using a Canon lens or a Sony camera I would get crucified. So yes leave the audio to the audio guys we know our job.
Radio microphones can be a blessing most of the time but when it turns ugly we do need a little bit of time to fix the problem or go hard wired.

[Audio Slave]

With all wireless, other than Zaxcom (which I'll explain further) you must always be aware of intermodulation effects when multiple Tx's or Tx's& Rx's are in close proximity to each other. Intermod is the effect of two carriers of different frequencies beating against each other. They produce new frequencies called sidebands. For example, the primary frequencies 100 & 101 will produce first order sidebands at 99 & 102, third order sidebands at 97 & 104, etc. This is what frequency coordinators do at major events. There are complex calculators that can compute where these sidebands will appear given any number or primary frequencies. Audio, Ltd has one you can download from their web site. Lectro has a chart that tells you which blocks & channels will probably be compatible when using their gear. A quick & dirty method is to turn on one Tx at a time and scan for a good channel with each subsequent Rx, leaving each Tx on as you go.

Zaxcom has developed technology that eliminates this complication, requiring only 700kHz separation between channels, assuming all Zaxcom equipment. When used with other gear, they have a bandpass filtered remote Tx antenna you clip up on your shoulder harness.

I've been using, renting out & selling Zaxcom wireless for over 3 years. They have been very reliable given the continuous improvements, and the audio quality is unapproachable by any other system. I especially liked that it can not output any sound you do not put in. You'll never hear rf noise-ups, zips, etc.

The really good news is that as good as the Stereoline camera link was, it has been replaced by the new and greatly improved TRX system. The new system incorporates with the stereo transmitter a digital stereo recorder for backup and transcription and a receiver for camera return audio. The recordings are time code stamped from the camera.

Here's info on this new series http://ATSComms.com/zaxcom

[Audio Slave]

The only plug on transmitters that Sennhieser makes is for the Evolution wireless, which is an economy line. The plug on transmitters are physically too large to plug two into the XLR outputs on a typical ENG mixer, and you would not want to have two Tx's so close to each other for technical reasons. Their high ENG 300 series system is a first rate analog system, but does not have a plug on transmitter.

NetNews, your experience was unfortunately, but your supposition that you would have only lost one channel had you been using two separate transmitters is not necessarily probable. It depends on how many other Tx's were turned on and what type they were. Having said that, it is both a benefit and a price to pay that the Zxacom system requires only one RF channel for two audio channels. In any case, it should have been a simple affair for your soundie to find one clear channel, legal or otherwise - if there were any available.

The new RX-900 stereo receiver consumes less than 200ma of external DC, and will run up to 12 hours with 2 AA's, depending on the type. Only NiMH or Lithium's are recommended.

I am currently evaluating the new Audio Technica 1823 dual channel receiver. It is nicely built for a cost effective system. Audio quality has yet to be determined. It is power hungry @ 600ma for both channels, and there is no audio level indicator on either Tx or Rx.

[freedom]

For what it's worth...It should be noted that Marty, audio slave, does not sell Lectro but does sell zaxcom.