Lectrosonic PDR person reviews

[Paul Cronin]

Hi,
I use Lectrosonic, having owned the SR and two SMQV's, and now the LT and LR which I like better. All are used with Sanken COS 11d.

At times a recorder would be nice to use on some of my jobs. Would like to know if anyone has first hand experience, in the field with the PDR?

[Rick Reineke]

I've used the Zaxcom transmitter/ recorder a few times, it is nice. The drawback with Lectro's PDR is, it's just a recorder, so remote monitoring is an issue. I'm sure it's a great product though and based on Lectro's rep, I would not need to question quality/reliability. Maybe query this over at the JW Sound group, I'm sure some of my movie sound colleagues there have used it.

[Paul Cronin]

Thanks Rick,

I will go and check out JW Sound Group input. I have been there before and received great input.

[Chris Hurd]

Paul, I can get one for you to check out if you're willing to write up a review for the site.

If you're interested, shoot me an email with your shipping address.

chris at dvinfo dot net

[Paul Cronin]

Thanks Chris,

Email sent

[David Peterson]

For any one who is looking at the Lectro PDR but finds it to be waaaaaay too expensive, then check out the Tascam DR10L instead!

Same concept (actually, the DR10L has been around longer than the PDR!).

[Paul Cronin]

Dave, I have looked at the Tascam DR10L but a few of the reviews knock it down. Also I do not know how good the mic is with the recorder. But then again for that price, one can be purchased and if it is bad well not a lot lost.

From my experience Lectrosonic has never failed me in 15 years. Yes, cost more but I can use my Saken COS 11d mic.

Nice there are options.

[David Peterson]

You can use a Sanken COS-11D with the Tascam DR10L as well.

But yes, for sure if you can afford it then get the Lectrosonics PDR instead, the TC capability alone makes it worth it!

[Paul Cronin]

Hi David,

Yes, I could use the Sanken with the DR10L but the mic is wired for Lectrosonic. Also I agree TC is a huge asset for me.

[Rick Reineke]

"Yes, I could use the Sanken with the DR10L but the mic is wired for Lectrosonic"
- A TA-5 to locking 3.5mm adapter is cheap and easy to make (if you have soldering skills), otherwise, affordable adapters are available from the usual suspect shops.

[Paul Cronin]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the thought and I have used those adapters in the past, but not with great results.

[Jim Feeley]

Maybe consider one of the new Lectro wideband SM transmitters with built-in recorders (alas, you can't both transmit and record at the same time...I guess because of the Zaxcom patent...you have to switch from one mode to the other). And it looks like recording might be at 44.1k, a bit of a bummer if you're rolling with a 48K audio workflow.

Still interesting... transmits over three "lectro blocks" of frequencies (like their LT transmitters), all the SM transmitter goodness, and the potentially handy built-in recording:
SMDWB

SMWB

[Paul Cronin]

Interesting unit Jim,

But not for me.

[Chris Hurd]

Paul's review of the PDR is now published on the site:

Review: Lectrosonics PDR by Paul Cronin at DV Info Net

Thanks again Paul for taking the time and effort to do this.

[Paul Cronin]

You are welcome Chris,

It was fun to do and Chris is so easy to work with, as was Karl from Lectrosonic.

I gave the unit a good run and loved it so much I have since purchased one. Great addition to my audio kit and will be used often.