When your career spans commercials, documentaries, sports, and news across the gulf south, the unpredictable nature of these productions demands gear that is not only flexible but undeniably durable and reliable. For nearly two decades, New Orleans-based Eric Ledet, has relied on Lectrosonics wireless equipment including SRc and LR series receivers and SMV, SMQV and IFBR1 transmitters, citing their ability to perform consistently even when “life happens” on location.
Originally pursuing political science and law school, Ledet’s journey into audio production started one fateful day when a friend needed help with sound for a short film, because Ledet “was a musician” and “knew more about audio than anyone” the friend knew. Admittedly, Ledet’s first attempt went badly, as he lacked the right equipment or know-how. But with his interest piqued, Ledet decided to seek guidance and called Al McGuire, CAS, a seasoned production sound engineer in Jacksonville, FL. McGuire became his mentor and quickly began to show him the ropes, first taking him on a commercial shoot and later hiring him as a boom operator. Ledet’s career path was set. He abandoned his law school plans and never looked back.
McGuire wasn’t just a mentor, he was an avid believer in the Lectrosonics brand and through Al, it was the gear that Ledet used right from the beginning. Ledet shares that he’s never stopped, and has stayed loyal to the brand throughout his career, progressing through early receivers like the UMC195, UCR211, and UCR411, to the SRs and SRc receivers used in his bag today. He utilizes SMV and SMQV transmitters, as well as IFBR1B UHF receivers. Ledet also appreciates the compact LR digital hybrid receiver, finding it “great for those small cameras where there’s not a lot of real estate. You just pop in a couple of batteries and you’re good to go.”
A key reason for his continued reliance on Lectrosonics is their durability. Ledet recounts shooting a pilot in the rain for the Bert Kreischer show during the Cajun Mardi Gras Festival in Eunice, Louisiana. “All of a sudden, Bert started rolling around in the mud, exposing the transmitter to the elements, but it never stopped the whole time. I still use that transmitter to this day and it’s one of the reasons why I’ll always say Lectrosonics’ durability is something that nobody else compares with.”
Ledet also highlights the range of Lectrosonics offerings. While working on an ESPN documentary about Buddy Teevens, the revered football coach from Tulane University and Stanford, he needed to capture audio covering an entire football field. The SMQVs, particularly using the quarter-watt option, performed flawlessly, “not missing a beat the whole time.” Camera operators using R1As across the field also had reliable reception. “They came back to me and said how surprised they were with the performance. Even a producer listening from the top of the score box had no issues.” Ledet emphasizes, “You just can’t beat the range of Lectrosonics products.”
The flexibility of Lectrosonics gear allows him to handle diverse and sometimes unexpected situations. On a commercial for Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, the director suddenly decided they wanted to drive through the French Quarter, and capture the audio from a follow van. Ledet quickly set up his Lectrosonics gear with antennas to run to the back of the vehicle and the outside of the follow van, and the system performed without issue. “Sometimes we have plenty of preparation and sometimes we have to tinker and make things happen on the spot. No matter what I throw at it, my Lectrosonics gear has never let me down in the moment.”
For an upcoming CBS Sunday Morning design segment filmed across New Orleans, Lectrosonics gear was used to capture clarinetist Doreen Ketchens in a picturesque setting overlooking Jackson Square. “By planting our mics and transmitters we allowed them to capture a wide shot while still getting crystal clear audio of her performance.”
“Thanks to their consistent durability, reliability, and flexibility, Lectrosonics products provide what I need to focus on capturing great sound, regardless of the production environment,” said Ledet. “But beyond the performance and durability, I can’t say enough good things about their hands-on approach to customer service. With Lectrosonics, you talk to a real person who understands what you’re trying to accomplish. You don’t get that level of support from most companies these days. Lectrosonics has been a great partner to me over the years and I stand by them 100%.”
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