I have some 600 MHz Sennheiser EW 100 G3 lavalier systems I need to replace. My plan is to stick with 400-500 MHz systems. I have primarily been looking at Lectrosonics LMb/R400a systems and Shure ULXD systems. The Venue receiver is nice but more expensive (money is not abundant). Interestingly, I have looked around the internet for feedback on the R400a and have found virtually no information. Ultimately, I'm looking for feedback on these two choices from others with experience because I have no experience with either. I know the R400a is narrower in freq coverage than the bodypacks which is unfortunate but don't know much else about it with respect to user experiences.
Our receive rack is in our balcony about 50-60 feet from the stage and these systems are primarily used by our pastor and worship leader. Because they are our primary systems, I obviously want to buy quality gear.
Our main board is a 40-channel analog Soundcraft (did I say money was tight?) but I expect we will replace it with a digital board in the next few years. We have 6-7 systems to replace, two that are primary, two others that are used semi-routinely and then two others that are used infrequently.
Our Sennheisers have been very good to us but I was leaning towards one of the newer digital products. Our G3 systems run 30 mW of output where as the ULXD is 20 mW (max) and the Lectro will run 50 mW. In the increasingly combative spectrum environment, I was thinking that the 50 mW Lectro vs the 20 mW Shure might be a positive. I suppose that Sennheiser's analog G4 systems could be an option (30 mW up to 50 mW and cheaper) but I thought if we were upgrading that we should should move to digital.
Thought I would throw this out for any feedback. Thanks in advance.
Jay Cobb