Lectrosonics PDR User manual

Quick
Start
Guide
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
This guide is intended to assist with
initial setup and operation of your
Lectrosonics product.
For a detailed user manual, down-
load the most current
version at:
www.lectrosonics.com
PDR
Portable Digital Audio Recorder
microSDHC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC
23 April 2018
CAUTION: See card
formatting warning
on page 6

LECTROSONICS, INC.2
Features and Controls
MicroSDHC memory card
slot cover
Time code
sync port
Headphone/
Line output Audio input
The audio input circuitry is the essentially the same as on Lectrosonics SM
and L Series transmitters. Any microphone wired as Lectrosonics “compatible”
or “servo bias” will work with the PDR. (See manual for details.)
If the unit is booted with an unformatted SD card, the prompt to format the
card will be the first window to appear after the boot sequence completes. Fol-
low the screen instructions to format the card. If the card has an interrupted
recording on it, the Recovery screen will be the first screen to appear.
If there is no card or the card has good formatting, the first display that ap-
pears on the LCD after the recorder is turned on is the Main Window. Settings
are accessed by pressing MENU/SEL on the keypad, and then using the UP
and DOWN arrow buttons, and BACK button to navigate the menu items and
select functions. The buttons also provide alternate functions as labeled by
the icons on the LCD.
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REC
i
LAST
TC
00 : 01 : 33
Functions
indicated by the
icons on the LCD
are activated
by pressing the
adjacent buttons
on the keypad
Icons in each corner of the LCD define the alternate functions of the adja-
cent buttons on the keypad. For example, in the Main Window shown above,
recording is started by pressing the UP arrow button on the keypad, in which
case, the display switches to the Recording Window.

www.lectrosonics.com 3
In the Recording Window, the functions of three keypad buttons change to
provide the needed operations during recording.
-40 -20 +0
TC
00 : 01 : 33
i
REC
HOLD HOLD
In the Playback Windows, the icons on the LCD change to provide the
functions needed during playback. There are three variants of the playback
window:
• active playback
• paused playback in the middle of the recording
• paused playback at the end of the recording
The icons in the corners of the LCD will change depending on the status of
the playback.
-40 -20 +0
TC
00 : 01 : 33
NOTE: Refer to the Operating Instructions section for details on the
specific button functions and operations in the Main, Recording and
Playback Windows.

LECTROSONICS, INC.4
Battery Installation
The audio recorder is powered by a single AAA lithium battery, offering over
six hours of operation. We recommend using lithium batteries for longest life.
NOTE: Although alkaline batteries will work in the PDR, we strongly
recommend that they be used only for short-term testing. For any
actual production use, we recommend the use of disposable lithium
AAA batteries.
The battery status indicator circuitry requires compensation for the difference
in voltage drop between alkaline and lithium batteries across their usable life,
so it’s important to select the correct battery type in the menu.
Push inward on the release catches to open the door.
Battery
polarity
marking
Press tabs to
open door
Insert the battery according to the markings inside the battery compartment
door. The (+) pos. end of the battery is oriented as shown here.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

www.lectrosonics.com 5
Belt Clip
PDR wire belt clip included
Compatible memory cards
The card should be a microSDHC memory card, speed class 10, or any
UHS speed class, 4GB to 32GB. The recorder supports the UHS-1 bus type,
marked on the memory card with an Isymbol.
An example of typical markings:
Speed class
UHS speed class
UHS bus type
Installing the card
The card slot is covered by a flexible cap. Open the cap by pulling out on the
side flush with the housing.
Insert the card
with the label
facing the
keypad side of
the recorder.
Pull up on this side of cap to open

LECTROSONICS, INC.6
Formatting the SD Card
SD cards come pre-formatted with a FAT32 file system which is optimized for
good performance. The PDR relies on this performance and will never disturb
the underlying low level formatting of the SD card. When the PDR “formats”
a card, it performs a function similar to the Windows “Quick Format” which
deletes all files and prepares the card for recording. The card can be read by
any standard computer but if any write, edit or deletions are made to the card
by the computer, the card must be re-formatted with the PDR to prepare it
again for recording.
To format the card with the PDR, select Format Card in the menu and press
MENU/SEL on the keypad.
See pages 9-12 for details on navigating the menus.
NOTE: An error message will appear if samples are lost due to a poor
performing “slow” card.
WARNING: Do not preform a low level format (Complete Format) with a
computer. Doing so will render the memory card unusable with the PDR. With
a Windows based computer, be sure to check the Quick Format Box before
formatting the card. With a MAC, be sure to format as “Master Boot Record”
as setting.
IMPORTANT
The formatting of the PDR SD card sets up contiguous sectors for maximum
efficiency in the recording process. The file format utilizes the BEXT (Broad-
cast Extension) wave format which has sufficient data space in the header for
the file information and the time code imprint.
The SD card, as formatted by the PDR, can be corrupted by any attempt to
directly edit, change, format or view the files on a computer.
The simplest way to prevent data corruption is to copy the .wav files from the
card to a computer or other Windows or OS formatted media FIRST. Repeat
– COPY THE FILES FIRST!
Do not rename files directly on the SD card.
Do not attempt to edit the files directly on the SD card.
Do not save ANYTHING to the SD card with a computer (such as the take
log, note files etc) - it is formatted for PDR use only.
Do not open the files on the SD card with any third party program such as
Wave Agent or Audacity and permit a save. In Wave Agent, do not IMPORT -
you can OPEN and play it but do not save or Import - Wave Agent will corrupt
the file.
In short - there should be NO manipulation of the data on the card or addi-
tion of data to the card with anything other than a PDR. Copy the files to a
computer, thumb drive, hard drive etc that has been formatted as a regular
OS device FIRST - then you can edit freely.
iXML HEADER SUPPORT
Recordings contain industry standard iXML chunks in the file headers, with the
most commonly used fields filled in.

www.lectrosonics.com 7
Operating Instructions
Quick Start Steps
1) Install good battery and turn the power on
(see p. 4, 7).
2) Insert microSDHC memory card and format it with the PDR (p. 5-6)
3) Sync (jam) the timecode source (p. 9, 10).
4) Connect microphone or audio source.
5) Set input gain (Mic Level p. 10-11).
6) Select record mode (see p. 12).
7) Set HP (headphone) Volume (p. 11).
8) Begin recording (p. 10-13).
Powering On
Press and hold the Power Button until the Lectrosonics logo appears on the
LCD.
Powering Off
Power can be turned off by holding the Power Button in and waiting for
the countdown. The power off will not work while the unit is recording (stop
recording first before powering down) or if the front panel has been locked out
by the operator (unlock the front panel first).
If the power button is released before the countdown reaches 3, the unit will
remain turned on and the LCD will return to the same screen or menu that
was displayed previously.
Main Window
The Main Window provides a view of the battery status, current timecode and
the input audio level. Icons in the four corners of the screen provide access to
the Menu, Card Info (available recording time if SD card installed, PDR info if
no card in unit), and the REC (record start) and LAST (play last clip) func-
tions. These functions are invoked by pressing the adjacent keypad button as
shown on page 2.
Battery status
Record Start
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REC
i
LAST
TC
00 : 01 : 33
Play Last Clip
Card Info
Clock
Time
Menu
Audio Input Level
Press the keypad
button next to each
icon to operate the
functions indicated
by the icons

LECTROSONICS, INC.8
Recording Window
To start recording, press the REC button in the top right corner of the Main
Window. The screen will switch to the Recording Window.
-40 -20 +0
TC
00 : 01 : 33
i
REC
HOLD HOLD
Recording
info
Menu
Record icon
blinks
Press and Hold BACK
and DOWN arrow to
stop recording
Press the keypad
button next to each
icon to operate the
functions indicated
by the icons
Playback Window
Icons in the Playback Window provide button functions used for playback on
a recording device. The icons will change depending on the status of the play-
back: active playback, paused in the middle, or paused at the end.
Press the keypad
button next to each
icon to operate the
functions indicated
by the icons
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TC
00 : 18 : 21
...
i
Main
Menu
View
Timestamp
Blinking icon changes
from Play to Pause
STOP Play/Pause
Progress Tracker
TC
00 : 18 : 11
HOLD
002A .WAV
[PDR-HD24]
Len
02/05 05:01
00:00:11
All files created are
given a time stamp. See
File Naming
for options.

www.lectrosonics.com 9
Navigating Menus
Timecode...
SEL
BACK
Scene&Take
SD Card...
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
Use Clock
Plug in time code
source and sync
Format Card
File Naming
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
Takes/Play
About Card
SEL
BACK
TC Jam
JAM NOW
SEL
BACK
TC Jam
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
30
SEL
BACK
Use arrow keys to select
frame rate
30 23.976
29.97 30DF
25 29.97DF
24
SEL
BACK
LOADING
TIMECODE
FROM
CLOCK
Use arrow keys to set
scene or take number
Scene: 1
Take: 1
Press to choose
scene or take
Use arrow keys to select
No or Ye s
Format Card?
No
Yes
(files lost)
Files/Play #.wav
#.wav
Use arrow keys to select
file number
Press to set
function
Settings...
Date & Time
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
Bit Depth
SEL
BACK
Record Mode
S 1 T 1
S 2 T 1
Use arrow keys to
choose take
Press to select
take and play
Sequence
Clock Time
Scene/Take
Use arrow keys to select
file naming preference
Press to set
function
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
[PDR ]
Max Rec Time
E.........................F
0/ 14G
Fuel gauge
Storage used
Storage capacity
Available recording time (H : M : S)
(For information
purposes only. )
Bat Type
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
Backlight
SEL
BACK
Lock/Unlock
Mic Level
HP Volume
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
Use arrow keys to select
level
28
-40 -20 +0
Use arrow keys to select
headphone volume
HEADPHONE
Remote
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
HD Stereo
Split Gain
Use arrow keys to select
record mode
Press to set
function
2017/01/15
11:03
Use arrow keys to make
changes
Press to select
date and time options
Yes
No
Use arrow keys to select
key pad locking preference
Press to set
function
Always On
30 Seconds
5 Minutes
Use arrow keys to select
backlight duration
Press to set
function
Yes
No
Use arrow keys to select
analog or digital
Press to set
function
Alkaline
Lithium
1.41 volts
Use arrow keys to select
battery type
Press to set
function
Remote
enabled?
About PDR
Default
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
Rev: v2.00
(For information
purposes only. )
24
32
Use arrow keys to select
bit depth
Press to set
function
Locked?
Use arrow keys to return
to default settings
No
Yes
Restore
defaults?

LECTROSONICS, INC.10
Timecode...
TC Jam (jam timecode)
When TC Jam is selected, JAM NOW will flash on the LCD and the unit is
ready to be synced with the timecode source. Connect the timecode source
and the sync will take place automatically. When the sync is successful, a
message will be displayed to confirm the operation.
WARNING: Timecode uses the main audio path. Take your
headphones off when jamming timecode. DO NOT leave timecode
cable in place during recording.
Timecode defaults to zero at power up if no timecode source is used to jam
the unit. A timing refrence is logged into the BWF metadata.
Frame Rate
The frame rate affects embedding of the timing reference in the BWF file
metadata and display of timecode. The following options are available:
• 30 • 23.976
• 29.97 • 30DF
• 25 • 29.97DF
• 24
NOTE: While it is possible to change the frame rate, the most common
use will be to check the frame rate which was received during the
most recent timecode jam. In rare situations, it might be useful to alter
the frame rate here, but be aware that audio tracks many not line up
correctly with mismatched frame rates.
Use Clock
Choose to use the clock provided in the PDR as opposed to a timecode
source. Set the clock in the Settings Menu, Date & Time on page 9.
NOTE: The PDR time clock and calendar (RTCC) cannot be relied on
as an accurate time code source. Use Clock should only be used in
projects where there is no need for the time to agree with an external
time code source.
er circuit in the input provides 30 dB of clean limiting, so an
L symbol will ap-
pear at the onset of limiting.
Mic Level
-40 -20 +0
35
Cor Lappears here
Audio level
Gain in dB
Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the
input gain. When the audio level meter reading
exceeds the zero at the top, either a “C” or an “L”
icon will appear, indicating respectively clipping in
the non-safety track (Split Gain mode) or limiting
(HD Mono mode). In HD Mono mode, the limiter
compresses 30 dB of input level into the top 5 dB,
reserved for “overhead” in this mode. In Split Gain
mode, the limiter would rarely be engaged, but it
will engage if necessary (with no graphical
indication) to prevent clipping of the safety track.
NOTE: See Record Mode.

www.lectrosonics.com 11
HP Volume
Use UP and DOWN arrows to adjust headphone volume.
Scene & Take
Each time recording is started, the PDR automatically begins a new take.
Takes can run up to 999. The scene numbers can be manually entered and
are limited to 99.
SD Card...
Format Card
This item erases all files on the card and prepares the card for recording.
Files/Play
Choose to play the files based on their name. Use the arrows to scroll, MENU/
SEL to select the file and the DOWN arrow to play.
Takes/Play
Choose to play the files based on scene and take. Scene and take numbers
can be manually entered, and are embedded in the filenames and iXML head-
ers of recordings. Take number automatically increments each time the record
button is pressed. When browsing by scene and take, recordings that span
multiple files are listed singly and played as one long recording.
File Naming
Filenames of the recordings contain industry standard iXML chunks in the file
headers, with the most commonly used fields filled in. File naming can be set
as:
• Sequence: a progressive sequence of numbers
• Clock Time: the time of the internal clock at the beginning of the recording;
recorded as DDHHMMA.WAV. DD is the day of the month, HH is hours,
MM is minutes, A is the overwrite-prevention character, incrementing to
‘B’, ‘C’, etc. as needed to avoid a naming conflict A final character serves
as the segment identifier, being absent in the first segment, ‘2’ in the sec-
ond segment, ‘3’ in the third and so on.
• Scene/Take: the progressive scene and take automatically cataloged each
time a recording is begun; S01T001.WAV. The initial ‘S’ is meant to
suggest “Scene” but also serves as the overwrite prevention character,
decrementing to ‘R’, ‘Q’, etc. as needed to avoid a naming conflict. The
“01” after the ‘S’ is the scene number. ‘T’ means take, and the “001” is
the take number. An eighth character is used only for the second and
subsequent (4 GB) segments for very large recordings. Scene numbers
are entered manually. Take numbers increment automatically.

LECTROSONICS, INC.12
About Card
View information about the microSDHC memory card. See storage used, stor-
age capacity and available recording time.
[PDR ]
Max Rec Time
E.........................F
0/ 14G
Fuel gauge
Storage capacity
Available recording
time (H : M : S)
Storage used
Settings...
Record Mode
There are two recording modes available in the menu, HD Mono, which
records a single audio track and Split Gain, which records two different tracks,
one at the normal level and another at -18 dB as a “safety” track that can be
used in place of the normal track in the event that overload distortion (clip-
ping) has occurred on the normal track. In either mode, long recordings are
broken into sequential segments so most recordings will not be a single file.
NOTE: See Mic Level.
Bit Depth
PDR defaults to 24-bit format recording, which is a more effecient space sav-
ing format. 32-bit is available if your editing software is older and won’t accept
24-bit. (32-bit is actually 24-bit padded with zeros, so more space is taken up
on
the card.)
Date & Time
The PDR has a real time clock/calendar (RTCC) which is used for timestamp-
ing the files it writes to the SD card. The RTCC is able to keep time for a mini-
mum of 90 minutes with no battery installed, and can keep time more or less
indefinitely if any battery, even a “dead” battery, is installed. To set the date
and time, use the MENU/SEL button to toggle through the options and the UP
and DOWN arrow buttons to choose the appropriate number.
WARNING: Since the real time clock/calendar can be manipulated
and/or stop with loss of power, it should not be relied upon for
accurate time keeping. Only use this option when a time clock is
not available.
Lock/Unlock
The LOCKED mode protects the recorder from accidental changes to its set-
tings. When locked, menu navigation is possible, but any attempt to alter set-
tings will prompt a “LOCKED/can use menu to unlock” message. The unit can
be unlocked using the Lock/Unlock setup screen. The “dweedle tone” remote
control will still work.

www.lectrosonics.com 13
Backlight
The recorder backlight can be set to turn off after either 5 minutes or 30 sec-
onds, or to stay on continuously.
Bat Type
Choose either Alkaline or Lithium battery type. The voltage of the installed
battery will be shown at the bottom of the display.
NOTE: Although alkaline batteries will work in the PDR, we strongly
recommend that they be used only for short-term testing. For any
actual production use, we recommend the use of disposable lithium
AAA batteries.
Remote
The recorder can be configured to respond to “dweedle tone” signals from the
PDRRemote app or to ignore them. Use the arrow buttons to toggle between
“yes” (remote control on) and “no” (remote control off). The default setting is
“no.”
About PDR
The PDR’s firmware version and serial number
are displayed.
Default
To return the recorder to its factory default settings, use the UP and DOWN
arrow buttons to choose Yes.
Available Recording Time
Using a microSDHC memory card, the available recording times are as fol-
lows. The actual time may vary slightly from the values listed in the tables.
HD mono mode
Size Hrs:Min
8GB 11:12
16GB 23:00
32GB 46:07
Split gain mode
Size Hrs:Min
8GB 5:36
16GB 11:30
32GB 23:03
Recommended SDHC Cards
We have tested a wide variety of cards and these performed the best with no issues or
errors.
• Lexar 16GB High Performance
UHS-I (Lexar part number
LSDMI16GBBNL300).
• SanDisk 16GB Extreme PLUS UHS-I
(SanDisk part number
SDSDQX-016G-GN6MA)
• Sony 16GB UHS-I (Sony part number
SR16UXA/TQ)
• PNY Technologies 16GB Elite UHS-1
(PNY part number
P-SDU16U185EL-GE)
• Samsung 16GB PRO UHS-1
(Samsung part number
MB-MG16EA/AM)

LECTROSONICS, INC.14
PDRRemote
By New Endian LLC
Convenient remote control is provided by a phone app available on the Ap-
pStore and Google Play. The app uses audio tones (“dweedle tones”) played
through the phone’s speaker that are interpreted by the recorder to make
changes to the recorder settings:
• Record Start/Stop
• Audio playback level
• Lock/Unlock
The PDR tones are unique to the PDR and will not react to “dweedle tones”
meant for Lectrosonics transmitters.
The setup screens appear differently for iOS and Android phones, but provide
the same control settings.
Tone Playback
The following conditions are required:
• The microphone must be within range.
• The recorder must be configured to enable remote control activation. See
Remote on the menu.
Please be aware this app is not a Lectrosonics product. It
is privately owned and operated by New Endian LLC, www.
newendian.com.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.

www.lectrosonics.com 15
iOS Version
Select Function
REC
Aud
Loc
Select
Mode
Tap to
play tone
Playback
Volune
Android Version
Select
Function
Tap function
name or down
arrow to select
mode
Playback Volume
Touch and hold
to play tones

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
The equipment is warranted for one year from date of purchase against defects in
materials or workmanship provided it was purchased from an authorized dealer. This
warranty does not cover equipment which has been abused or damaged by careless
handling or shipping. This warranty does not apply to used or demonstrator equipment.
Should any defect develop, Lectrosonics, Inc. will, at our option, repair or replace any
defective parts without charge for either parts or labor. If Lectrosonics, Inc. cannot
correct the defect in your equipment, it will be replaced at no charge with a similar new
item. Lectrosonics, Inc. will pay for the cost of returning your equipment to you.
This warranty applies only to items returned to Lectrosonics, Inc. or an authorized
dealer, shipping costs prepaid, within one year from the date of purchase.
This Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of New Mexico. It states the
entire liablility of Lectrosonics Inc. and the entire remedy of the purchaser for any
breach of warranty as outlined above. NEITHER LECTROSONICS, INC. NOR
ANYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT
SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL,
OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
THIS EQUIPMENT EVEN IF LECTROSONICS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF
LECTROSONICS, INC. EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF ANY DEFECTIVE
EQUIPMENT.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional legal rights which
vary from state to state.