News

Zaxcom is proud to announce Nova, a sound solution that combines a mixer, a recorder, ZaxNet™ remote control and wireless receivers into one compact and lightweight device. By combining features of the popular Nomad and Deva 24 with two integrated wireless receivers, Nova sets a new standard in sound recording capabilities for the feature film, television broadcast, live performance and high resolution sound effects recording.

Nova can record up to 12 channels of audio to two compact flash cards. The unit has 4 mic/line NeverClip™ inputs, 2 line level balanced inputs, 4 external AES inputs and 6 analog/AES output buses. 2 AES42 microphones can also connect to the AES inputs and are powered by the Nova. 

The 4 channels of AES sample rate converting inputs can also connect to external wireless receivers. The 4 NeverClip™ microphone preamps have 140 dB of dynamic range eliminating the need for limiters that can distort the recorded mix track and ISO track.

Nova is also equipped with ZaxNet™ remote control which gives the ability to adjust frequency, preamp gain and output power on Zaxcom transmitters eliminating the need to approach the talent.   

Two optional QRX212 dual receivers can be installed inside the Nova effortlessly. All connections including antennas are made within the Nova without external cables. The QRX212 receivers are the same as found on the Zaxcom RX-12 and RX-12R and are interchangeable with the Nova. The QRX212’s can receive audio from up to 4 separate transmitters in mono or stereo mode for up to 8 channels of wireless audio total.

The QRX212 receivers are fully integrated into the Nova. When a frequency is changed, both the receiver channel and the transmitters on the talent are changed at the same time. When frequency scans are initiated, all transmitters on talent are put in non-transmission mode so an accurate scan can be done. Once the scan is complete all transmitters and receivers can be assigned to clean frequencies instantly with the touch of a single button. The transmitters will automatically be enabled on the new frequency.

Full integration of Zaxcom Digital Recording Wireless with the Nova makes for a unique and powerful system. Track names from the recorder can be automatically sent to the backup recordings on the wireless transmitters for easy identification in post. As an alternative, transmitter names can automatically rename the ISO tracks of the recorder. The Nova’s transport control can automatically control the recording on the bodypack transmitters so that there is a matching file on the transmitter for each recorded file on the Nova. Timecode is automatically jammed on each recording transmitter without the need to jam with a hardwired cable.

Nova includes Zaxcom’s 35 MHz tunable tracking front end filter on the wireless receivers. This filter allows for rejection of interfering sources like UHF walkie talkies. The RF distribution system is immune to intermodulation overload.

Zaxcom’s Audition and Re-record allows for instant remix and recovery of dropouts due to RF transmission interruption.

Nova’s graphical user interface is intuitive and simple. All buttons and knobs are ergonomically spaced to eliminate accidental bumping of levels due to overcrowding of buttons and switches on the front panel. An LCD paired with 6 push buttons provides menu navigation that can be used in adverse weather conditions.

The 5 faders are high resolution continuous encoders with LED indicators to indicate fader position and can display precise input audio level metering. The faders are user organized into 4 banks of 5 sources. Fader control, trim control and ZaxNet™ transmitter preamp gain are all quickly accessed with the touch of a single button.
Nova uses Zaxcom’s reliable MARF recording system to keep audio safe from corruption. IFB audio transmitted is wireless and is encrypted. Additionally, Nova uses two power inputs for redundant operation. External power distribution is not necessary as no external hardware is needed when using the Nova.

Nova can be used with any wireless system utilizing the analog and AES external inputs.

Making its debut at NAB 2019, the ZMT3-X is Zaxcom’s most rugged and longest running transmitter to date touting up to 12 hours of runtime and 48 hours of standby time on a single battery.

For those familiar with Zaxcom’s Digital Recording Wireless, the ZMT3-X is packed with similar features including simultaneous transmission and internal recording with timecode, encrypted audio, ZHD modulation, ZaxNet™ remote control and NeverClip™.

The ZMT3-X can transmit audio supporting up to two lavalier microphones in stereo mode thanks to its two microdot input connections or a single source in mono mode. The unit is also equipped with Zaxcom’s patented internal recording where audio can be simultaneously recorded to a microSD card whether transmitted or not.
Transmission security has never been more important. Audio picked up by a third party can put productions in an unwanted position. That’s why Zaxcom uses an encryption system to keep audio private.

Timecode is wirelessly jammed through ZaxNet™, a long range remote control system allowing users to change frequency, input gain and power output without removing the transmitter from the talent. The timecode reader/generator has a clock accuracy of 1.54 ppm.

Activating ZHD modulation allows users to increase the number of wireless frequencies to 9 channels in a single MHz of bandwidth. This functionality is ideal in an overcrowded location or when less wireless spectrum is available. 

Designed with tough nylon polymer and rubber materials, the unit is powered by a single rechargeable and replaceable Motorola BT100 battery. Other key features include selectable output power of 25, 50 or 75 mW and an OLED display. Dimensions are 2.6 x 1.8 x .9 inches (66 x 46 x 23 mm) with a weight of 4.4 oz (125 g) including battery.

Zaxcom today unveils its new URX100, a multipurpose UHF receiver that can be configured as a camera link receiver, an IFB receiver with walkie talkie interface or a standalone IFB receiver with timecode view and delay.  

“We created the URX100 to be the most flexible receiver for monitoring production sound,” says Glenn Sanders, President of Zaxcom.

Receive any transmitter type

Robust and reliable, the URX100 is capable of monitoring any Zaxcom Digital Recording Wireless transmitter. As a UHF diversity receiver it utilizes Zaxcom’s tunable tracking front end filter to combat interference and extend range. Two antennas (one internal one external) offer dropout resistance while receiving audio. Audio is encrypted to maximize privacy and operating distances can exceed 500 feet (152 m).

Camera link

The URX100 is a low-cost solution for getting audio and timecode to camera. There are two modes of operation: stereo audio output or mono audio output with SMPTE timecode that is sub-frame accurate. Stereo audio or balanced mono audio is output from the 3.5mm headphone jack. SMTPE timecode and mono unbalanced audio is output from the auxiliary TA5 connector.

Walkie talkie interface with optional URXL1 Lanyard

The URX100 can be connected to the remote speaker/mic port of a walkie talkie. You can route the walkie talkie audio left, right or center by the URX100 and/or mix the walkie audio with the URX100 receiver audio. This configuration allows both the URX100 and walkie talkie audio to be heard at the same time with a single pair of headphones when using the URXL1 Lanyard.

The URXL1 Lanyard contains a push-to-talk button and a microphone to allow the lanyard to function as a remote microphone for the walkie. Volume control is also provided from URXL1 Lanyard and any headphone with a 3.5mm jack can be plugged directly into the URXL1 Lanyard. The URX100 is compatible with the most common brands of walkies.

IFB receiver

As an IFB receiver, you can listen to mono or stereo audio and view timecode on the OLED display. Up to six frames of programmable delay allow for synchronization with video village. When using the optional URXL1 Lanyard, you can listen to both the IFB audio and walkie talkie audio. You can talk back using the built-in URXL1 Lanyard microphone and adjust the volume.

he URX100 can also monitor a stereo signal or route the audio to left, right and both ears as a mono mix. The stereo signal can be selected at the URX100 so that a boom operator can monitor one of two transmitted channels that can include a public IFB feed as well as a private communication channel. This monitored audio can also be combined with the audio from a connected walkie with left, right or center routing.

Remote control

In development is a browser based remote control interface that will allow any number of URX100’s to be programmed remotely. Pre-set frequencies and operating parameters can be instantly loaded into the URX100 remotely.

Design and battery life

The URX100 is lightweight at 4.5 oz (127 g). A front panel provides controls for channel selection and volume adjustment and a top screen displays channel names. The URX100 is powered by 3-AA lithium batteries provide up to 10 hours or runtime and alkaline lasts up to 8 hours.