plug-on transmitter

[King Cheung]

Dear All,

I'm interested in Lectronsonics plug-on transmitter. I'm wondering in terms of sound quality, does this kind of plug-on transmitter is not as good as traditional balanced cable connection? What is the main disadvantages of plug-on transmitters?

Thanks in advance.

King

[Marc Wielage]

There's no difference in terms of sound quality per se. The Lectro plug-ons (HM's) are limited to 100mw, as opposed to 50/100/250mw on the SMQV's. One potential issue is that the plug-ons use their own body as the transmitting antenna, so there's no attached antenna per se. Like all antennas, they're position-sensitive, but if they're plugged into the back of a boom pole, at least they're up in the air and away from a body, which is a good thing.

The other issue with the HM plug-ons is that they can't go into "sleep" mode, which you can do with the regular SM's or SMQV's. I think they're good for specialized purposes -- handheld microphones for documentaries, or plugged into the back of a boompole -- but the conventional wireless xmitters are more versatile. Both are usable.

[shashbugu]

There's no difference in terms of sound quality per se. The Lectro plug-ons (HM's) are limited to 100mw, as opposed to 50/100/250mw on the SMQV's. One potential issue is that the plug-ons use their own body as the transmitting antenna, so there's no attached antenna per se. Like all antennas, they're position-sensitive, but if they're plugged into the back of a boom pole, at least they're up in the air and away from a body, which is a good thing.

The other issue with the HM plug-ons is that they can't go into "sleep" mode, which you can do with the regular SM's or SMQV's. I think they're good for specialized purposes -- handheld microphones for documentaries, or plugged into the back of a boompole -- but the conventional wireless xmitters are more versatile. Both are usable.

Thanks for the info. I have always wondered about those plug on transmitters. I had never see anyone use them or talk about them, so I stayed away. Are they very sensitive to movement?

[Marc Wielage]

Thanks for the info. I have always wondered about those plug-on transmitters. I had never see anyone use them or talk about them, so I stayed away. Are they very sensitive to movement?

Yes and no. The Lectro HM's have a locking collar that stays connected to the XLR socket pretty firmly. In fact, they're actually pretty hard to take off. They work well if you can keep them up high on a boom. The real issue is when they stick out from the boom, because there's a danger of denting them if you whack into a wall, or drop the pole onto the floor.

Most of the time, though, they're used for news reporters and interviews, working about 10' or so away from the receiver.