At Winter NAMM 2011, Lectrosonics introduced the Quadra digital wireless monitor (IEM) system.

Made up of the M4R belt-pack diversity receiver and the M4T half-rack transmitter, the new Quadra system features digital RF modulation, two or four channels of 24-bit, 48 kHz digital audio, analog or digital inputs, and a mixing interface. The Quadra system operates in the license-free ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) band between 902 and 928 MHz; it has a throughput latency of 1 ms for the analog inputs and <0.5 ms for the digital inputs.

The M4R diversity belt-pack receiver features a user-friendly interface with a high-resolution, backlit LCD and membrane switches. A four-channel mixer is provided to allow you to tailor the mix in real-time, based on what is sent to the transmitter from the monitor console. Several channel setups and knob configurations are available, providing you with a variety of choices as to how the system operates. The M4R runs for six hours on three alkaline AA batteries.

The Quadra system's other half, the M4T half-rack transmitter, features transmission power of 200 mW for extended operating range. Locking XLR connectors facilitates up to four channels of either analog or digital (AES / EBU) audio sources to be applied to the transmitter, while a large, high-resolution, backlit LCD and large membrane switches provide an intuitive interface that is operable even in the most challenging environments, according to Lectrosonics. The included hardware supports rackmounting of two M4T units together in a 1RU configuration, and a USB jack provides for future firmware updates in the field. The M4T operates on AC mains power, avoiding the use of a wall-wart.

"We have been asked repeatedly for many years to make an IEM system," states Karl Winkler, director of business development at Lectrosonics. "We didn't want to make a 'me-too' product, though. Instead, we based the Quadra system on our own D4 digital wireless platform, which has already been proven for film and TV production." Winkler continues, "With ultra-low latency, digital audio, and four channels, I’m confident we have a unique solution for the touring market.

Thanks to its use of the license-free ISM band between 902 and 928 MHz, the Quadra can be added to most existing wireless microphone installations. The Lectrosonics Quadra digital wireless monitor (IEM) system M4T transmitter is priced at $2,875 (MSRP) and the M4R receiver is priced at $1,765 (MSRP).

Lectrosonics plans on shipping the new Quadra system in February, 2011. For more information, visit lectrosonics.com.