Lectrosonics SSM Digital Hybrid Wireless Miniature Transmitter, Frequency Block A1 (470.100-537.575MHz)

The SSM is ideal in theatrical or any other production where concealment in costuming is required. In spite of its tiny size, the transmitter offers an extensive feature set and performance on par with all of the Digital Hybrid Wireless models. Frequencies are selectable in 100 kHz or 25 kHz steps across a maximum tuning range of 76.7 MHz. This yields a total of 3072 available frequencies across three standard frequency blocks. The tuning range varies in some blocks to meet applicable frequency allocations.

Power is provided by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The formed stainless steel battery door latches closed securely and cannot be jarred open accidentally. The servo bias input accepts mic or line level signals with a wide range of gain adjustment in 1 dB steps. Accurate LED indications on the keypad allow precise gain adjustments to be made for the maximum signal to noise ratio and minimum distortion.

The limiter in the preamp can cleanly handle signal peaks over 30 dB above full modulation, allowing the input gain to be set high enough to achieve the maximum signal to noise ratio, yet provide protection against input overload. Compatibility with earlier analog Lectrosonics receivers, Lectrosonics IFB receivers and some receivers from other manufacturers is provided by DSP emulation modes selected in the LCD menu. The housing is constructed of machined aluminum, finished with an ultra hard, black electroless nickel finish called ebENi.

The audio input jack is a LEMO 00 Series 3-pin connector, common in theatrical production. A threaded collar adds additional ruggedness. An IR (infrared) port next to the antenna allows transfer of frequency and compatibility mode settings from IR enable receivers. The membrane switch panel and LCD enable access to all adjustments and settings. The menu structure is easy to navigate. Battery status is indicated by a bi-color LED that is green with a fresh battery, then turns to red as the battery runs down and finally starts blinking red when there are only a few minutes of runtime remaining.

The battery cover is made of stainless steel for durability and to preserve the thin wall thickness needed for a miniature design. The cover is hinged to the housing to simplify handling during battery changes. The belt clip slides over the end of the cover and is retained by tabs on the cover that nest into holes on the clip. Secure latches on the battery cover prevent accidental opening, yet are easy to operate. A USB port also on the bottom panel makes firmware updates quick and easy.

Digital Hybrid Wireless is a patented design that combines 24-bit digital audio with an analog FM radio link to provide outstanding audio quality and the extended operating range of the finest analog wireless systems. The design overcomes channel noise in a dramatically different way, digitally encoding the audio in the transmitter and decoding it in the receiver, yet still sending the encoded information via an analog FM wireless link. This proprietary algorithm is not a digital implementation of an analog compandor. Instead, it is a technique which can be accomplished only in the digital domain, even though the audio inputs and outputs are analog signals.