Get SSM Lavin

Get SSM Lavin'

Who's Down with FCC?

The dreaded FCC auction looms ever closer, when we'll get to see exactly what parts of our precious wireless spectrum will remain usable by the film, television, and broadcast industries. Lectrosonics Technical Representative Howard Kaufman gives a current view of the situation in the video above and we wrote up a summary when the FCC adopted the relevant reports, but here's some quick tips for making your kit future-resistant:

  • Buy wideband wireless systems, such as the Lectrosonics L-Series and SSM Transmitter. You'll need access to as much spectrum as possible, especially if your kit travels widely. It looks likely that the spectrum will remain clearer under 600 mHz, so we recommend sticking to Blocks A1 and B1. B1 might be especially useful, since there's a good possibility of some spectrum being permitted around TV channel 37 (608 to 614 MHz).
     
  • Get a part 74 license. I know we say it a lot, but it's still good advice. Many of the protections will be in place only for licensed users and unlicensed users are likely to have to deal with interference in crowded markets, such as New York. Local 695 has a good guide to getting yourself a license here.

Stay tuned for more updates as we have them and feel free to contact us with questions.

Pleasing SSM People All the Time

Pleasing SSM People All the Time

Update: The shipping date of the SSM has been revised to Fall 2015.

Pre-order the new tiny Lectrosonics SSM Transmitter and be one of the first to take them home when they ship this summer!

The SSM is incredibly lightweight and compact (2.52" x 1.48" x 0.57" and only 2.3 oz. w/ battery), but a great performer. Our range test had good signal all the way from our sales floor to the corner of 8th avenue, a distance of over 500 feet through brick and concrete!

Get a FREE rewiring of any compatible lavalier for the SSM when you pre-order! (or we'll be selling adapter cables if those are more your style!)


 

Not a Dream! Not a Hoax! Not an Imaginary Story!

Not a Dream! Not a Hoax! Not an Imaginary Story!

More details here, but here's the official press release:

April, 2015 - Las Vegas, NV, NAB 2015 -- Lectrosonics is introducing the smallest full-featured UHF bodypack microphone transmitter available - the SSM (Super Slight Micro). Part of the Digital Hybrid Wireless® Series, the SSM is fully compatible with all current Lectrosonics receivers including the UCR411A, SR Series, L Series, and Venue Series, along with several older models via compatibility modes. The SSM features a wide tuning bandwidth of three standard Lectrosonics blocks or up to about 76 MHz depending on the specific frequency range. RF power is selectable at 25 or 50 mW for flexibility in various applications. Dimensions for the SSM are 2.52 x 1.48 x 0.57 inches or 64.25 x 37.6 x 14.5 mm, and weight is 2.3 oz or 66 grams, including battery.

The SSM is available on four different frequency ranges for worldwide use: A1 (470.100 - 537.575 MHz or blocks 470, 19 and 20), B1 (537.600 - 614.375 MHz or blocks 21, 22 and 23), C1 (614.400 - 691.175 MHz or blocks 24, 25 and 26) and D1 (for export only, 691.200 - 767.975 MHz or blocks 27, 28 and 29). Tuning steps of 100 or 25 kHz can be selected in the menu, allowing for up to 3,072 frequency choices, depending on the band.

The SSM features an all-metal housing and uses the rugged, industry standard Lemo 3-pin microphone connector common to other bodypack transmitters used extensively in theatrical and TV applications. Thus, existing lavaliere and headworn microphones already terminated with this connector can be used with the SSM without an adapter. Different bias voltages and termination impedances can be selected via the transmitter's menu for optimum performance with a wide range of microphones. Pre-set values for several microphones are included as menu choices for DPA, Countryman B6/E6, Sanken COS-11, Sennheiser MKE1/MKE2, along with standard dynamic microphones and line-level input sources.

An infrared sync port on the SSM allows for quick setup with compatible receiver systems. A backlit LCD allows for ease of setup in any lighting conditions. A micro-B USB port makes it possible for firmware updates in the field as advanced features are added in the future. The SSM responds to remote commands for frequency, audio level, sleep modes and other settings from the RM remote unit or 3rd party smartphone apps. The hardened, stainless steel belt clip can be securely attached or easily removed without tools. The SSM is powered by an included 3.7v rechargeable lithium-ion flat pack battery.

"The demand for an ever-smaller bodypack transmitter has been with us for years." states Karl Winkler, director of business development for Lectrosonics. "The only way to make a full-featured unit smaller than the SMV was to change the battery type and the microphone connector. We chose the Lemo 3 because it is small, rugged, reliable, and already an industry standard. The battery was chosen for its availability, size, shape, and reasonable run time. All in all, the SSM is a really exciting product for us and we appreciate all the ideas and suggestions we've received from our customers pushing us in the right direction with this product."

NOTE: This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

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