Presently, Fonseca's Lectrosonics equipment arsenal consists of SMQV, UM450, and UH400a transmitters, a Sixpack multi-channel wireless receiver system fitted with two UDMS 230 UHF RF distributor units, and UCR411a receivers. For IFB purposes, he also uses T4 transmitters and R1a receivers. These are augmented with SNA 600 dipole antennas and an RM remote for use with his SMQV transmitter.
"The sound quality of this equipment is fantastic," Fonseca reports, "and I find that many actors love the SMQV for its incredibly compact, low, profile design that can be easily hidden in wardrobe. With the RM remote, I can adjust the SMQV's audio input gain, operating frequency, lock and unlock the front panel controls, and control sleep mode on and off. This is tremendously helpful. I am equally impressed with the range I get in difficult shooting situations with this equipment."
Fonseca went on to describe how his Lectrosonics gear helps him get first-class results, "Both Game and especially Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara have multiple scenes shot with actors in moving cars. With my Lectrosonics equipment, I never had to worry out about dropouts in the signal . . . we used only actor mics in all these scenes. Further, when we shot the scenes at the San Fermin Bull Run in Spain for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, this was extremely difficult because of the nature of the scene and the vast crowds required for the shoot. With my Lectrosonics setup, I was able to sneak out of sight and still capture all the dialogue and crowd sounds that you hear in the film."
In addition to sound quality and range, Fonseca is equally complimentary of Lectrosonics' reliability and the company's customer / technical support services. "My Sixpack, the receivers, and my transmitters are all highly reliable," he reports. Equally important, the gear is extremely easy to use and the company's support services are exceptional. The most complicated scenes become extremely easy to execute thanks to the never failing reliability of this equipment and the support Lectrosonics provides. Even if it's a simple question, people like Larry Fisher, Gordon Moore, and Dean Slotness are ever present with answers."
(Lee Baldock)