Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/635406
C A S Q U A R T E R L Y W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 39 that the predecessors of the LT (essentially anything in the UM series) were introduced to the market as far back as 1997 (if we pick up from when UM200s were introduced). And any of these would still work brilliantly with the receivers Lectrosonics has to offer today. Including … the Venue 2 rack. Wow! The Venue 1 is the center- piece of performance and reli- ability in many people's packages. As far as cost goes, the Venue 1 was more cost effective than purchasing six single 411a (portable) receiver units. Though still a very serious investment in a wireless receiver package when you need a high number of wireless channels. So, now that this Venue descendant has hit the market, it's difficult not to raise an eyebrow at the idea of upgrading immediately. You could be in favor of it and in opposi- tion of it at the same time. But, if you currently own a collection of "older" transmitters that are limited to the single-block tuning, you can still upgrade to the Venue 2 and your old transmitters are very much usable (but within their originally organized, but now seemingly limited, frequency configuration). Just as new transmit- ters offer more sophistication, Venue 2 offers the same Size comparison of the SMV and its descendant, the SSM One Venue 2 receiver unit and more of the older unit as well as including the wider tuning bands discussed, more sophisticated filtering on the front end cleverly called "IQ Filtering," a larger dis- play that allows for more and clearer telemetry, a USB port on the front end for easier access, antenna phantom power as a menu selectable feature (as opposed to going under the hood to accomplish engaging or disengaging), advanced frequency coordination control, and IR (infra- red) control of their "new" transmitters. These changes are revolutionary, thoughtful, and innovative. But what I really like is that they are not so revolutionary that they leave their previous product lines in the dust. CONCLUSION So, great … Lectrosonics makes their new stuff play well with their old stuff and vice versa. Big deal. Well, honestly, it is a big deal because of the real possibility to develop something new when the technology presents itself where the manufacturer can render the previous equip- ment useless once their new gear is released (no name dropping, please). Planned obsolescence, as it's called, is so very com- mon with technology products. So Lectrosonics, as well as many of our other manufacturers, have made it a part of their business model and development plan to make your upgrade path sustainable and reason- able throughout your whole career. These companies know their clientele on a first-name basis. The choice becomes yours as you either upgrade when it's necessary, versus when you just desire the shiny new toy with new features. Do the math or just feel it out. Either way, know that the value of our tools can sustain themselves for years as they help generate an honest income for you as a Sound Mixer. • Two Venue 1 receiver units