The world of wireless audio for live sound is tough, and truthfully, it’s not getting any easier, with ever-increasing RF traffic, fewer available UHF bands and the uncertainty of a spectra landscape that may (or may not) change at the whim of any future FCC rulings. Specifically designed to address those very issues is Lectrosonics’ Venue 2 Digital Hybrid Wireless modular receiver. Lectrosonics’ Digital Hybrid Wireless process delivers a wide 20 kHz audio bandwidth, compander-free audio and uses an analog FM carrier to transmit a specially encoded signal that delivers digital audio quality while remaining highly spectrum efficient.
Enter the Venue 2
Operating across a wide 220 MHz range of available UHF frequencies, the single-rackspace Venue 2 houses up to six VTR2 receiver modules, each covering 75 MHz, and employs new IQ™ dynamic tracking filters providing rejection of out-of-band RF energy and enabling tight channel packing.
Venue 2’s modular design allows users to easily interchange receiver modules in a matter of seconds to provide the optimum frequencies for any application. Rental companies will appreciate this feature, as they can quickly create a custom setup with one to six VTR2 receiver channels (each with a discrete XLR output) for any client need. Modules simply lift out and can be securely snapped into place without tools.
Each VTR2 module supports up to 3,072 tunable frequencies across a 75 MHz range (three standard Lectrosonics blocks), matching the tuning ranges of the company’s SSM, LT, HHa, HMa and LMb transmitters. Modules are available in three different frequency ranges: A1 (blocks 470, 19 and 20) from 470.100 to 537.575 MHz; B1 (blocks 21/22/23) from 537.600 to 614.375 MHz; and C1 (blocks 24/25/26) from 614.400 to 691.175 MHz.
Modules can be set for independent operation, each with switched diversity reception for a total of six audio channels, or operated in pairs for more robust diversity reception with one audio channel per module pair. Combinations can be mixed and matched, depending on user requirements.
The receiver features an onboard antenna multicoupler with loop-through output. The multicoupler is a dual 1-input/seven output splitter with six outputs for the receiver modules and an additional output as a unity gain “loop thru” to feed a second Venue receiver. Via this function, a single pair of antennas can feed multiple receiver units. The antenna inputs can also supply phantom power for powering remote antenna amplifiers.
Venue 2 also provides a bright, easy-to-read front panel display showing system parameters and operational status. Data and settings are adjustable using a few clearly marked pushbuttons and a large rotary dial with a push-to-select function. Taking communications a step further, Lectrosonics includes its Wireless Designer software (for Mac and PC), which provides programming, coordinating and monitoring all receiver functions via a simple Ethernet or USB connection.
Power to the Venue 2 is via a DC adapter with a locking connector that securely holds it in place. I’m not a big fan of external power supplies, but it does serve the dual purpose of keeping the Venue 2 as a single rack design and keeping the power transformer away from the RF components.
While designed to operate with the latest-gen, compander-free Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitters, such as the popular SSM micro, the L-Series and the new HHa handheld (tested here), Venue 2 also offers DSP emulation modes that support older analog transmitters from Lectrosonics and several other manufacturers.
The HHa Handheld
Unveiled at last fall’s AES show, the HHa Digital Hybrid Wireless handheld transmitter offers a wide 75 MHz tuning range (three Lectrosonics blocks), switchable 50/100 mW RF power, infrared sync for fast, no-hassle setups and interchangeable mic head that accepts screw-on capsules (using the 1.25-inch/28-thread standard) from Lectrosonics, EV, Earthworks, Shure, Heil, DPA — and with adapters, certain Audix, Neumann and Sennheiser capsules.
The HHa also features an onboard USB port (for uploading any firmware updates) and a programmable push switch on the underside of the mic can be set to function as a mute, cough, power or talkback switch — or entirely bypassed. The mic operates on two AA batteries and battery life is about 5.5 hours at 100 mW.
Diving In
Using any new wireless system can be somewhat scary, given the amount of setup and system tweaks. However, the process with the Venue 2 and HHa was a breeze. Navigation through the menus —both on the transmitter and receiver — is fast and intuitive — in fact, users will barely need to consult the manual. Even with the HHa’s tiny half-inch square display on the mic body presented no issues, and combined with the large, clearly marked nav buttons inside the battery compartment, setup was a no-brainer.
Throughout the entire system, it was clear that Lectrosonics spent a lot of time tweaking the design of even the smallest details to enhance the user experience. A few examples? The handheld ships with a removable hexagonal rubber ring that prevents the mic from rolling (every wireless mic should come with this!); another nice touch is an “eject” lever in the battery compartment that simplifies removal of the AA cells. I also appreciated the built-in antenna multicoupler with loop-through output, for ease in setups and reducing antenna multiple clutter.
Construction of all the components is rock solid and first-rate — even on the LT beltpack transmitter (an area where competing products often fall short), where its robust, all-metal housing seems nothing less than bulletproof.
The entire system is built for speed. All setup procedures are logical and straightforward — you will never get lost in an awkward menu structure or experience those typical “now where is that function?” dilemmas I’ve encountered on other products. And this applies not only to the Venue 2 receiver bus also the HHa and LT transmitters. The Wireless Designer Mac/PC software is equally facile and makes the entire coordination / monitoring / setup process even smoother.
But the bottom line here is performance. The compander-free Digital Hybrid Wireless system offered clean, clear, natural audio — with no perceivable artifacts — and was 100 percent dropout free, even in some dodgy RF areas. Clearly, this is no low-cost system — the HHa handheld retails at $1,750; the unloaded Venue 2 VRM2 Frame is $3,325 and the VRT2 modules are $950/each — but going first-class has a certain cost, and experiencing the pitfalls of a “budget” wireless rig in the middle of a performance is a daunting experience, to say the least.
At a Glance
High-Performance Wireless
Lectronics next-gen receiver and new HHa handheld combine superb audio performance in a frequency-fluid design that’s versatile with fast setups and solid RF reliability.
Lectrosonics Venue 2/HHa
PROS
• Natural, dropout-free sound
• Rugged construction
• Versatile and easy to use
CONS
• Receiver uses external DC supply
• Somewhat pricey
STATS
Configuration: Six-channel modular receiver
Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1dB
Signal to Noise: 105 dB, A-weighted
MSRP: Unloaded Venue 2 VRM2 frame, $3,325; individual VRT2 modules, $950; HHa handheld, $1,750.
Manufacturer: Lectrosonics
More Info: www.lectrosonics.com
