Lectrosonics Venue2 Six Channel Modular Receiver (Freq. 470.100 to 691.175 MHz)

About: Lectrosonics Venue2 Six Channel Modular Receiver (Freq. 470.100 to 691.175 MHz)

The Venue 2 Receiver is a modular solution that effectively deals with a congested RF spectrum with a variety of options that allows a system configuration to be idealized for a particular installation or application.

• VRM2WBL tunes bands A1, B1, B2, C1 - 470.100 to 691.175 MHz
• Six-channel modular configuration
• Ratio or Antenna Phase diversity reception
• 3-block tuning for up to 76 MHz and 3072 synthesized UHF frequencies per receiver module
• IR port for quick transmitter setup
• DSP emulation modes for compatibility with analog wireless systems in addition to the Digital Hybrid mode
• iQ dynamic tracking filters for enhanced RF performance
• Wireless Designer setup and control software included
• Talkback function with select transmitters
• Ethernet, USB and RS-232 computer interface ports

The receiver is comprised of several components:

• The master rack mount host assembly
• Up to six receiver modules
• Built-in antenna multicoupler with loop-thru output • Software for setup and control

Flexibility is the core concept of the design. The receiver modules can be operated separately, each with switched diversity reception for a total of six audio channels, or operated in pairs for more robust diversity reception with one audio channel per module pair. Combinations can also be used for special applications where some modules operate independently and others are paired.

The receiver modules are easy to change with no tools required. The wideband multicoupler allows the use of any frequency module in any position, except when modules are paired for ratio diversity reception.

A major benefit of the design is the inclusion of a high quality antenna multicoupler. The multicoupler is actually a dual 1 in, 7 out splitter with six outputs for the receiver modules and an additional output as a “loop thru” for another Venue receiver. This allows multiple Venue receivers to operate from a single pair of antennas. Phantom power for remote antenna amplifiers is available from the multicoupler antenna inputs via menu selection.

Digital Hybrid Wireless

A revolutionary design that combines digital audio with an analog FM radio link to provide both out- standing audio quality and exemplary, noise-free RF performance.

Using a patented algorithm to encode 24-bit digital audio information in the transmitter into an analog format, the encoded signal is then transmitted over an analog FM wireless link.

At the receiver, the signal is then decoded to restore the original digital audio. This process eliminates compandor artifacts and produces an audio frequency response flat to 20 kHz.

Front Panel

The front panel provides an easy-to-use LCD interface for setup, and provisions for quick monitoring to assist in troubleshooting. In normal operation, the LCD shows RF and audio levels, diversity status, pilot tone status (where applicable) and transmitter battery status for all six receivers at the same time.

Individual screens for each receiver are also available at the touch of a button to provide additional information and setup adjustments. A headphone jack and level con- trol is provided for individual channel monitoring. A USB jack allows for monitoring, control, and firmware updates. An IR port provides for quick transmitter sync setup.

Rear Panel

The rear panel provides six balanced audio outputs on standard XLR connectors, 50 ohm BNC antenna inputs, 50 ohm BNC antenna outputs from the built in zero-gain multicoupler, power jack with a locking connector, Ether- net port and RS-232 serial port for the computer interface. The receiver assembly is powered from an external source at 10 to 18 volts DC through a locking connec- tor, allowing the unit to operate from a wide variety of sources in stage, studio and mobile applications.

Receiver Module

The receiver module features a unique design that tunes across a range of over 76 MHz (less than this in some tuning ranges - see specs). IQ dynamic tracking filters are employed to suppress RF signals above and below the carrier. The filters automatically shift to stay centered over the selected frequency and adjust to RF levels.

The modules are a triple conversion, frequency synthe- sized design, controlled by the microprocessor in the host assembly. A common DSP in the host assembly is used for all six receiver modules to decode the received signals and restore the digital audio. Using a single DSP results in a significant reduction in cost per channel.

The host assembly will handle up to six receiver modules via multi-pin connectors on the side of the main hous- ing. The modules are held in place with snap-in retaining clips. The clips hold the modules firmly but are easy to remove without tools to make needed changes.

Module Pairing

Each module can provide a single audio output chan- nel using SmartDiversity antenna phase combining. For more robust ratio diversity reception, two adjacent modules can be paired, with both of them delivering the same audio signal at each of their outputs. The pairing requires that the modules be in adjacent positions in the mainframe chassis.

Ratio diversity employs a panning action that blends the RF signals from the two receivers over a fairly wide range of levels to eliminate dropouts before they occur. The process is called OptiBlend as indicated on the label on the receiver chassis.

Built-in Antenna Multicoupler

Every Venue receiver has a built-in multicoupler that utilizes high current RF amplifiers and a Wilkinson type splitter for even signal distribution and high isolation be- tween receiver modules. Optimally matched levels allow multiple receivers to be stacked and share a single pair of antennas - a significant savings in space and cost in multi-channel systems.

Antenna BNC Connectors and Power

The Antenna input jacks can be front- or rear-mounted by simply moving the jacks to the appropriate location. This does require opening the top cover.

Remote antenna amplifiers can be powered by DC on the coaxial cable between them and the receiver. A menu item turns the power on and off.

The DC voltage from the receiver main power supply is passed through to the BNC connectors.

Computer Connections

The Venue receiver can be connected to a computer via the Ethernet or USB ports. Multiple receivers can be connected to a single computer using a hub or switch. The receiver also provides an RS-232 serial port.

Specifications

• Operating Frequencies / Host Mainframe: VRM2WBL: Tunes to bands A1, B1, B2, C1
• Operating Frequencies - VRT2 Module
  • Band A1: 470.100 - 537.575 MHz (blocks 470, 19, 20)
  • Band B1: 537.600 - 614.375 MHz (blocks 21, 22, 23) 
  • Band B2: 563.200 - 639.900 MHz (blocks 22, 23, 24) 
  • Band C1: 614.400 - 691.175 MHz (blocks 24, 25, 26) 
• Frequency selection: Up to 3072 frequencies 
• Frequency selection steps: Selectable; 100 kHz or 25 kHz
• Digital latency
  • 1.5 mS (receiver only - hybrid mode)
  • 3.0 mS (receiver and transmitter in hybrid mode)
  • 3.0 mS (receiver only - analog compatibility mode)
    • The 3.0 mS latency in analog compatibility mode time aligns the audio from analog and hybrid transmitters when they are used together in a Venue system.
• Wideband Multicoupler: Built in antenna mulitcoupler covers a 230 MHz range.
• Pilot tone: 25 to 32 kHz; 5kHz deviation; unique pilot tone frequency for each selected carrier frequency (Hybrid mode)
• Deviation: ± 75 kHz (max) (Hybrid mode)
• Receiver Type: Triple conversion superheterodyne
• Frequency Stability: ±0.001 %
• Multicoupler Bandwidth: 470 - 691 MHz or 537 - 768 MHz
• Front End Bandwidth
  • ​iQ filter wide mode: 15 MHz
  • iQ filter narrow mode:10 MHz
• Sensitivity (20 dB Sinad): 0.9 uV
• AM Rejection
  • >60 dB, 2 uV to 1 Volt
  • Image and Spurious
• Rejection: 85 dB
• Third Order Intercept
  • iQ filter wide mode: +5 dBm
  • iQ filter narrow mode:+12 dBm
• Diversity Methods
  • Antenna Combining Phase switching
  • Opti-blend ratio diversity 
• FM Detector: Digital pulse counting detector @ 300 kHz
• ​Audio Performance (overall system)
  • Frequency Response: 32 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-1dB), overall system (400 Series mode)
  • THD: 0.2% (typical) (400 Series mode)
• SNR at receiver output (dB) In Hybrid operating mode

  • SmartNR	No limiting	w/ Limiting
    OFF	103.5	108.5
    NORMAL	107.0	111.5
    FULL	108.5	113.0

    • Note: the dual envelope “soft” limiter provides exceptionally good handling of transients using variable attack and 108.5 release time constants. The gradual onset of limiting in the design begins below full modulation, which reduces the measured figure for SNR without limiting by 4.5 dB).
• Input Dynamic Range: 125 dB (with full transmitter limiting)
• Audio Output Level: -35 dBu to +8 dBu, in 1 dB increments
• LCD: High resolution graphical display
• Power Requirements: 10 VDC/2A to 18 VDC/1.2A
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 19 x 1.75 x 7.75 inch (482.6 x 44.45 x 196.85 mm)
• Weight: 4.4 lbs. (2 kg)

What's Included

• 1x USB cable (Part #21713)
• 1x Power Cord (Part #21499)
• 1x Power Supply/AC Adapter (Part #DCR15/4AU)
• 1x Software CD - Wireless Designer (Part #WDDISK)
• 1x Cable (Part #MC65)
• 1x Manual