Lectrosonics is introducing new firmware 4.0 for the IFBR1a Belt Pack Receiver that allows the receiver to be operated in two distinct user interface modes:

• Scan Mode, which exhibits the original behavior of the IFBR1a receiver where users can locate and store up to five different IFB carrier frequencies by scanning for them
   
• Direct Entry Mode, which takes away the scan capability and replaces it with the ability to program channels into the memories directly via the pushbutton and hex switches. In Direct Entry Mode, five additional channel memories are available, for a total of ten.

The new firmware also enhances the functionality of the IFB hardware and ease of setup for the user.

Users can identify the difference between a v4.0 IFBR1a in Scan Mode and a v2.4 IFBR1A by a burst of rapid LED blinks at power-on in the v4.0 version, to indicate that the unit has two modes available, and the first of those two modes is selected. Users with v4.0 firmware installed in their units can change modes with a simple, step-by-step procedure using the hex switches on the side of the receiver.

"The Lectrosonics IFB system has been a staple for broadcast and other applications for over two decades," states Karl Winkler, vice president of sales & service at Lectrosonics. "A number of our top users have suggested this feature and we're happy to add it via new firmware. This way, the functionality of the existing hardware is enhanced, especially for larger IFB systems with multiple frequencies. This should really speed up the setup time for users in those kinds of scenarios."

New IFBR1a receivers in the UHF blocks shipping from the factory already have this new firmware installed, but older units must be factory upgraded. If users with older units wish to have the new firmware installed , contact the Lectrosonics Parts & Repair department directly at [email protected] or 800-821-1121 or Gotham Sound at [email protected].

Lectrosonics has just announced their entry into the world of bodypack recorders with the PDR Digital Recorder!

The PDR is designed to record audio with time code in circumstances where a traditional full sized recorder or wireless system is impractical, such as extreme sports, public events, or complicated documentary or reality shows. The recorder is lightweight, unobtrusive, and easily hidden in clothes or as a plant mic.

The PDR provides a headphone output for monitoring or file review or can be set as a line level output to cascade to a transmitter via the MC70 adapter cable. It can also be tethered to a camera; the headphone output doubles as a line output to feed the AV input.

The BWF (.wav) file formatted audio tracks include time code data for easy synchronization. There are two recording modes: HD Mono records the audio in a single file; Split Gain records two different channels in the file, one at the normal level and another at -18 dB as a safety track.

It retails for $749 and is expected to start shipping soon. Initial supply may be limited, so preorder now for earliest possible delivery!

More details and specifications are available here.

Lectrosonics has officially announced the SRc and SRc5P Wideband Dual Channel Slot Mount Receivers! They're fully compatible with the SMV, SMQV, HM, and other narrowband units and feature tracking front end filters, an IR sync port for quick setup with LT, LMb, HHa, HMa and SSM transmitters, and native SuperSlot™ compatibility.

The SRc will retail for $2299 and the SRc5p for $2459. Once they start shipping (estimated for Q2 this year), it'll be first-come, first-served, so reserve yours today!

Here's what Lectrosonics had to say about them:

More info and specifications as we get it!