Lectrosonics: imperceptible (L1) e indestructible (S1) en NAB 2026

Electrosonics presents in NAB 2026 the L1 subminiature lapel microphone, which represents a “paradigm shift” in professional audio thanks to its new Sonaura capsule, and the S1 ultra-resistant shotgun microphone, which also stands out for its lightness.

He L1 comes to NAB 2026 with the aim of establishing a “new reference” in the sector regarding performance, consistency and environmental resistance. The new subminiature microphone stands out for including the “revolutionary” Sonaura capsule, result of a five year investigation and an investment of 10 million dollars.

Manufactured by Infineon, this silicon technology MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) replaces traditional designs based on FET for a patented encapsulated diaphragm. Unlike traditional capsules, the L1's silicon manufacturing “ensures unprecedented precision”: each unit is calibrated in both sensitivity and frequency response with an accuracy of 0,5 dB, offering sound technicians “absolute repeatability” between multiple microphones.

Among the characteristics of the Lectrosonics L1, a noise of ultra low background, with an EIN of only 11 dB(A); a 83 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and a way of switchable sensitivity which allows it to support up to 135 dBA SPL. Designed for the most demanding production environments, the L1 is “practically waterproof” to moisture thanks to a specialized hydrophobic internal coating and hydrostatic pressure sealing through laser-drilled 0.4mm holes in the lid, allowing the microphone to continue working even when completely submerged.

The L1 has a size of 5.4mm diameter and is compatible with industry standard mounting accessories. It has a cable ultraflexible reinforced with Kevlar and a unique system of identification rings on the connector for quick identification on set. According to highlights Karl Winkler, executive vice president of product and sales at Lectrosonics, the launch represents “the culmination of the acoustic experience of the Freedman Group”: “By leveraging MEMS technology, we have overcome the physical limitations of traditional microphones to offer our users a tool that is more consistent, more robust, and quieter than anything previously possible. And wait until you hear the sound: it's incredible!”

S1: an ultra-durable and lightweight shotgun microphone

Electrosonics also exhibits in NAB 2026 the new microphone S1, which has a condenser capsule precision polarized RF offering strength and moisture protection when used in harsh environments. Added to this is a precision line tube that offers a narrow polar pattern and consistent with off-axis rejection, uniform and low coloration.

The microphone measures 215 mm long and is made in aircraft grade aluminum to offer resistance with a total weight 78g. With a diameter of 19mm, it is compatible with a wide range of mounting solutions. This combination of resistance and lightness makes the S1 suitable for use in poles.

The Lectrosonics S1 tube stands out for having a total radial symmetry, meaning the S1 microphone delivers consistent performance regardless of vertical orientation. Featuring superior off-axis rejection and a consistent polar pattern across the entire frequency range with minimal lobing, the S1 also features a broadly flat frequency response profile with a slight enhancement in the high frequencies, to provide clarity in capturing dialogues. In addition, its electronic design translates into low noise of only 10 dBA, with a maximum SPL handling capacity of 130 dB SPL.

IFBT 2.0: the new Lectrosonics base station

The news of Electrosonics in NAB 2026 They are completed with the new IFB transmitter base station: IFBT 2.0. The solution arrives in a ½ rack chassis and has two independent transmitters, matching the rack density of the old unit T4.

The IFBT2.0 has improved input connectivity and menu selectable, including analog and microphone line level, Dante and AES digital, Clear-com and RTS. The inputs are compatible with “wet” signals, allowing use with connections where direct current (DC) is present in the audio lines. The new unit also includes connections USB-C y Ethernet for use with software Wireless Designer, which manages system monitoring, frequency coordination and configuration.

IFBT2.0 offers compatibility modes IFB, NU Hybrid and EU Hybrid, so the unit can be used in IFB and other applications, including point-to-point audio. This transmitter unit is also fully compatible with the existing line of receivers IFBR1B y IFBR1C (IFBlue); the receivers IFBR1 y IFBR1A above, and all receivers Digital Hybrid Wireless and current digital receivers Electrosonics: from the Venue 2, to the LR, DSQD, DCR822 and DSR4.

Hay three tuning ranges available for the new IFBT2.0: A1 (470-537 MHz), B1 (537-614 MHz) and C1 (614-692MHz). These versions exactly match the receiver packages IFBR1B e IFBR1C (IFBlue) currently available and together cover the frequencies of UHF TV from most regions.

Likewise, IFBT2.0 offers RF power settings User selectable 10, 25, 50, 100 and 250 mW (North American versions), and 10, 25 and 50 mW (EU versions). The unit comes standard with rack-mount accessories and can be mounted together with Lectrosonics M2T or DSQD units, or mounted individually with the optional RMPRM2T-1 kit. The front panel has a LCD screen color for menu navigation and monitoring, and touch buttons for ease of use.

"The Lectrosonics IFBT4 was a legendary standard in IFB systems for two decades thanks to the power, simplicity and robustness these devices offered. Following customer requests for a modern unit with digital audio connectivity, along with control and monitoring via Wireless Designer, we developed the IFBT2.0 for a wide variety of applications, starting with broadcast IFB. This unit has the same rack density as the original, but is much easier to use, with a modern interface and more audio input options,” he adds Winkler.