I have tested the FMX and the EDM side by side; The FMX is like a Yugo and the EDM is like a Toyota...
The EDM transmitter is an outstanding value when compared to Ramsey and others. Low harmonics and spurious emissions will reduce the chance of a visit from the FCC...
For the money the EDM is the best transmitter in regards to sound quality, signal quality & innovative design when compared to Panaxis & Ramsey...
For those who want to set up a part 15 FM station on a budget, I suggest the EDM transmitter and a Behringer UB802 or the older MX 602 mini mixer. Both include 2 XLR mic inputs and 2 stereo inputs all inputs include 3 band EQ, aux send which can be had for under $60 retail. Total cost $187 compare that to a Ramsey 100B kit priced around $269...
Add a Behringer DSP-1425 two band processor for under $150 and watch the EDM take on the best sounding FM station you have on the dial.
The new EDM LCD FM transmitter is a bit larger and heavier than the older LED version, unlike other transmitters using LCD's the EDM is strictly for frequency display. Other transmitter tend to use two or three buttons and display to adjust everything from audio & power levels to mono/stereo etc, the EDM LCD has smartly stuck with traditional trimmer pots to set power level, L/R audio & MPX levels. I prefer this method, as it is easier to finely trim levels with a potentiometer than up/down buttons which effect the on air product every time a mode is set up and adjusted. Power is adjusted two ways; first a switch determines max output; either 10 or 100 milliwatts, and a trimmer follows for fine adjustment with and ultimate range of 1-to100 milliwatts. Audio & RF connection remains RCA & the 12-volt DC input is a 2.1mm connector so you can unplug the old EDM and drop the new one in place. NOTE: Holes in the case now allow easy access to the audio trimmer pots, and channel up/down buttons, the MPX trimmer is accessed via a hole on the inner case.
The EDM is now shipped in easy kit form; you have to plug the micro - processor chip in to the IC socket and solder the DC connector to the PC board and then mount the LCD display to the main PCB, about twenty minutes work if you take your time. The end result is a rock solid FM transmitter that out performs all other transmitters in its class; yes even the older EDM LED version. Improvements include better low pass audio filtering which is designed to improve Stereo operation and offer even deeper bass and separation. The RF is also cleaner with improved filtering and a lower noise floor.
Coming in at just under $170 the EDM LCD FM transmitter is delivered with a compact switching power supply, a wire test antenna, an RCA to BNC adapter is available at low cost. The EDM LCD FM transmitter remains an outstanding value compared to the Ramsey FM30 or FM100b, It’s like getting a Mercedes Benz for the price of a KIA in terms of performance and quality. For the difference in price between the Ramsey FM30 & the EDM LCD FM transmitter, you could add the Behringer DSP1425p 2-band loudness processor to the EDM for a sound that will rival any FM station on the dial, and still have money left over.
On a score of 1-10 the EDM LCD FM transmitter is an easy 12, yes I am sold on EDM for a number of reasons, First quality: the EDM transmitters are solid performers in everyway, I have even drowned one while it was on the air! Dried it out, fired it back up and it went right back on the air. Second delivery: From the time the transmitter is ordered to the time it lands on the doorstep is within a week no matter where you live on the planet. Third: customer service is second to none, e-mails are responded to right away, even after I killed my first one, I had it back on the air in a week where it remains three plus years later. I have a second EDM LED as a back up; it has been on the air twice for less than an hour while I dried out the other one.
