Sennheiser unveiled the Spectera wireless system featuring up to 64 channels (32 in / 32 out) in a single receiver, greater protection from RF fading dropouts, and streamlined frequency coordination.

Spectera is Sennheiser's first product line utilizing the recently approved WMAS technology for far more efficient and flexible spectrum use in a bidirectional wireless ecosystem that communicates data and audio over a single RF carrier.

Pre-orders are open now with shipping expected to start in the first half of 2025:

• Spectera Base Station $9999
• Spectera SEK Bodypack Transceiver $1999
• Spectera DAD Antenna $1599
• Spectera Madi Card $149

Chris Phillips, Technical Applications Engineer at Sennheiser, joined us for an Ask Me Anything session about the uses of Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems for production sound and how they're applied in Spectera:

The Sound Devices 888 is a portable mixer-recorder with eight ultra low-noise 8-Series microphone preamplifiers on eight analog inputs, 16 channels of Dante I/O, and 20 total tracks.

Fully routable inputs, multiple powering methods, a remote control app, and support for multiple USB control surfaces make it easy to tailor the 888 to your workflow in a bag or on a cart.

• 8 analog input channels - four XLR, four TA3

• 16 channels via Dante I/O

• 2" x 10" x 7.3"

• 10 buses, 20 tracks

• 8 analog outputs

• Ultra-accurate time code

• 256 GB internal SSD

• 2 SD card slots

• SD-Remote app-controllable

• Linear fader control 

• Dugan or MixAssist Automixing for up to 16 channels

Many features are carried over from the Scorpio, such as the redesigned 8-Series preamplifiers, dual SD card slots, internal 256GB SSD, and dual L-Mount battery charging and powering. Alternatively, power your 888 using a smart battery, NP-1 battery, or an in-line power supply via its TA4 DC input.

The ultra-accurate, fully-featured time code generator contains its own battery to hold time code for up to four hours after power off.

A built-in three band EQ may be set to either pre- or post-fade for each channel to tackle any problems directly on-set.

The User Guide is available here.

The 888 is expected to start shipping next week, but initial stock may be limited, so get your pre-orders in now for earliest possible delivery!

• 888 Recorder $6995

Comparison chart for the 883, 888, and Scorpio under the jump.

Update,9/3: The initial production batch has been sold through. We are anticipating the next units to start arriving at the end of September and will distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis to customers with pre-orders.

The Sound Devices MixPre II series is here with improved hardware and a whole passel of great new features, including 32-bit float recording. They also have all the capabilities of the original MixPre recorder series at the same or lower price!

New features available in all models of the MixPre II include:

• Bit depth up to 32-bit float for increased 142 dB dynamic range
  (more info and samples)
• Internal LTC time code generation and output
• 192 kHz recording
• Adjustable limiters
• Auto-copy to USB drive
• 10 second pre-roll buffer

The combination of the bit depth and low noise Kashmir mic preamps give you the flexibility to fix signal in post-production. Tracks recorded either too low (down to -50dBFS) or high can be normalized without adding any additional noise or digital clipping distortion. The limiting factor to great recordings is primarily the input source, not the preamps or A to D converters in the recorder.

They're starting to ship, so get your orders in now for earliest possible delivery:

• MixPre-3 II Recorder: $649
• MixPre-6 II Recorder: $849
• MixPre-10 II Recorder: $1399

Comparison chart under the jump.

Get the power of four wideband Lectrosonics receivers in an incredibly compact half-rack space with the D Squared Digital Wireless System!  It fits neatly on your cart or even in your sound bag!

Best of all, it works with most of the Lectrosonics transmitters you already own; the receiver is backwards compatible with the SM, LT, HM, SSM, HH UM400(a), LM, MM, and WM transmitters!

The system sounds great, with 24 bit/48 kHz digital audio, and features two-way IR sync, three levels of encryption, and tuning from 470-608 MHz in the United States

The system is shipping now and consists of three components:

• DSQD Half-Rack Receiver $4990
• DBu Beltpack Transmitter $1599
• DHu Handheld Transmitter $1599

Initial supply may be limited, so order now for earliest possible delivery.