Rio Rancho, NM – January 2008… Lectrosonics, recognized the world over as a leading manufacturer of wireless microphone systems and audio processing products, and Heil Sound, creators of world-class microphones for recording, live sound, and broadcast professionals, are pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic partnership. The agreement–reached in late November 2007–combines two of professional audio‘s leading technology producers, with the result being a new handheld wireless microphone destined to re-define the landscape for high quality, professional wireless microphone systems.
The first product resulting from the combined effort is known as the Lectrosonics UTPR20. Combining the capsule from Heil Sound‘s legendary PR20 dynamic microphone–recognized as one of the industry‘s premier instruments for vocals, snare, and cymbals–with Lectrosonics highly acclaimed UT Series Digital Hybrid Wireless® transmitters; this new handheld wireless microphone system integrates two leading technologies into a single device. The Lectrosonics UT transmitter makes the most of the PR20 capsule with its Digital Hybrid Wireless technology, thus ensuring compandor-free audio for wide dynamic range and neutral frequency response.
The new UTPR20 will have a distinctive look when compared to the standard UT transmitters in the Lectrosonics line. The UTPR20 employs Heil’s grill basket and capsule identifier ring. At the foot of the transmitter, this exciting new product features a gold-colored battery access ring to match the unit‘s overall color scheme. Featuring 100 mW RF power that facilitates long range application usage, 256 synthesized frequencies, and full compatibility with Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless and analog receivers, the new UTPR20 is a state-of-the-art, handheld wireless microphone system incorporating many advanced features that provides users with a wide range of possibilities for high-quality speech and vocal performance.
Karl Winkler, Lectrosonics Director of Business Development, commented on the new strategic partnership, “I’m personally very excited about the partnership between Heil Sound and Lectrosonics. Bob Heil literally wrote the book on concert sound and has worked with everyone in the industry. The combination of the UT transmitter and the Heil PR20 capsule brings out the best in both components. This is a win-win partnership in every way.”
Bob Heil, CEO and Founder of Heil Sound, echoed Winkler‘s enthusiasm. “We‘re very proud and honored to announce that two American companies–Lectrosonics and Heil Sound, Ltd.–have collaborated on an exciting new product for the entertainment and commercial audio industries,” said Heil. “We have recognized for some time that we needed a wireless microphone offering, but we were more interested in partnering with an established player as opposed to re-inventing the wheel. This past summer, Karl and I were working together on a project for American Idol, and the opportunity for collaboration presented itself. We now have a product that combines our incredible PR-20 element with Lectrosonics‘ robust Digital Hybrid Wireless technology. I believe this new wireless microphone will address many wireless issues people routinely encounter, and it will provide world-class sound quality in the process.”
Lectrosonics will show the new UTPR20 at Winter NAMM in January 2007, and anticipates delivery of this product in February 2007. MSRP is estimated at $1695.
About Heil Sound
With a history dating to the 1950‘s, Bob Heil has pioneered numerous innovative products for audio professionals, including the Heil Talk Box as well as perfecting the first electronic crossover. A recipient of the first ever “Pioneer Award” at the 1995 Audio Engineering Society convention, Heil‘s microphone designs have won accolades for their sonic performance and the ability to capture a performance with all the character and subtleties of the original. Heil was recently invited into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to put up a display of his historically important gear–a first for any equipment manufacturer.
About Lectrosonics
Well respected within the film, broadcast, and theater technical communities since 1971, Lectrosonics wireless microphone systems and audio processing products are used daily in mission-critical applications by audio engineers familiar with the company’s dedication to quality, customer service, and innovation. Lectrosonics is a US manufacturer based in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Visit the company online at www.lectrosonics.com.
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