Overview
Experience ultimate flexibility as you find open spectrum away from the crowded UHF TV band. The A20-RX two channel true diversity receiver features industry-exclusive SpectraBand technology, which delivers a tuning range of 470 – 1525 MHz in a single unit. Superior low-loss, brick-wall SAW filters deliver excellent performance in noisy RF environments, while the AutoAssign feature makes frequency selection and setting quick and easy.
- SpectraBand Technology: compatible with the A20-Mini from 470 MHz – 1525 MHz and all tuning ranges of the A10-TX.
- Advanced Digital True Diversity topology uses two complete RF receivers for each of the two channels, with four RF receivers in total.
- SuperSlot compatible with the SL-2 and 8-Series mixer-recorders.
- State-of-the-art 100% digital long-range modulation delivers the longest transmission distance of any digital system on the market.¹
- GainForward Architecture compatible with the A20-Mini. Set the Mini’s gain levels via trim control (with an 8-Series) or at the A20-RX (for other mixers).
- Full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth; 100% digital RF modulation and transmission.
- Excellent immunity from nearby IFB or camera hop transmitters without the need for external filters or extra cabling.
- Maximum connectivity: SuperSlot, XLR, and TA3 (coming soon) backplates, A-RXMON headphone amp, and A-15PIN two-channel AES Sony camera slot adapter.
- Analog line-level or AES digital audio output.
With SpectraBand technology, you won’t need to purchase another receiver dedicated to a specific country or frequency band. SpectraBand gives you access to nearly twice the frequencies available with other systems worldwide – almost 2600 available channels.
The A20-RX’s AutoAssign scans a tuning band and selects available frequencies for you – perfect for any fast-paced shoot. Meanwhile, brick-wall SAW filters eliminate out-of-band interference so you can get the best RF performance possible. Enjoy immunity from nearby IFB or camera hop transmitters without the need for external filters or extra cabling.
Specifications
RF Tuning
- 470 to 1525 MHz
- SpectraBand Technology
- Transmitters tunable in 25 kHz steps
- Available frequencies depend on country of operation
Modulation
- Proprietary digital RF modulation
- Standard or Long Range, selectable
Latency
- Standard modulation = 2 ms
- Long Range modulation = 3.9 ms
- Measured at analog output
Maximum Output Level
- +14 dBu, +2 dBu, -10 dBu, or -22 dBu, menu-selectable, with a 0 dBFS signal at the transmitter input, 130 ohms output impedance
Digital Audio Output
- AES3 balanced connection, 110 ohms output impedance, left=channel 1, right=channel 2
Menu and Controls
- OLED menu display, 3 button navigation
Privacy
- User settable 4-digit PIN
Operating Temperature Range
Weight
- 165 g, 5.8 oz, Measured without backplate accessories
Dimensions(H x W x D)
- 113.7 mm x 78.5 mm x 26.6 mm, 4.48 in x 3.09 in x 1.05 in, Measured without backplate accessories
Overview
Sound Devices’ first miniature transmitter incorporates state-of-the-art features such as full remote control via the A20-Remote app, GainForward Architecture, internal 32-bit float recording, a worldwide tuning range of 470 MHz – 694 MHz, and more. The A20-Mini is fully compatible with Sound Devices’ existing A10 Digital Wireless System.
- Full remote control of the Mini via A20-Remote companion app. Control frequency and RF power, turn the Mini on and off, start and stop recording, mute the microphone, format the media, view the status of all your Minis, and more. Create a custom group or use the all transmitters group to power up and down your Minis simultaneously and start and stop recording.
- GainForward Architecture: set the Mini’s gain levels via trim control (with an 8-Series) or at the A10-RX (other mixers).
- Full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth; 100% digital RF modulation and transmission. Same excellent range and audio quality as the A10-TX.
- Worldwide tuning range of 470 MHz – 694 MHz.
- Built-in 32-bit float, 48 kHz recorder with 64 GB storage for over 80 hours of record time.
- Offload recorded WAV files via USB-C and optionally conform/convert with SD-Utility.
- Powering via AAA or NP-BX1 (Li-Ion) with built-in charging for NP-BX1 Li-Ion battery.
- Internal supercapacitor-powered timecode generator can be jammed via USB-C.
- Water-resistant with a rounded form factor.
Conceal…
The A20-Mini digital wireless transmitter combines legendary British audio quality with the best of American design. The sleek, rounded form fits perfectly into body contours and underneath tight clothing.
…and control.
Control the A20-Mini from your phone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.2 with companion app A20-Remote. Set frequency and RF power, turn the Mini on and off, start and stop recording, mute the microphone, format the media, view the status of all your Minis, and more. The A20-Mini’s high-efficiency internal 2.4 GHz antenna ensures excellent Bluetooth range.
Group Powering and Recording.
All transmitters can be powered up and down simultaneously or made to start and stop recording with a single tap from your smartphone or tablet. Use A20-Remote to create custom groups with selected transmitters or use an automatically-created all-transmitter group.
GainForward.
With the Mini’s GainForward Architecture, easily set the Mini’s gain, low-cut, and limiter directly on your 8-Series. This immediate, local control of gain allows quick adaptation to changing volume levels and saves time during production.
32-bit float recording.
The A20-Mini records in 32-bit float for an astounding >130 dB of dynamic range. This allows for audio gain decisions to be made after recording, with zero loss in headroom or noise performance.
Built-in 64 GB media.
No more SD card management – the ample-sized media stores more than 80 hours of continuous, uncompressed 32-bit float recording. Simply offload the recorded WAV files via the high-speed USB-C port to a computer.
Never lose time.
The Mini’s ultra-accurate 0.2 ppm internal timecode generator can be jammed via USB-C with negligible drift over a 24-hour period.
Flexible, worldwide operation.
With a built-in 470 MHz to 694 MHz UHF tuning range, your Mini can go wherever work takes you.
Power away.
Use off-the-shelf rechargeable or AAA batteries – no adapter needed. 3 AAA batteries or a rechargeable Sony NP-BX1 give you the ultimate in powering flexibility. You can even recharge the NP-BX1 via the Mini’s USB-C.
Water-resistant.
With its extensive gasketing and waterproof connectors, the A20-Mini can easily withstand water and sweat.
PowerStation-8M
Optional accessory provides easy battery charging, file transfer, and timecode jamming of up to eight A20-Minis at a time. Powered via DC (TA4) or USB-C (USB-PD).
Specifications
Frequency Range
- 470 to 694 MHz
- Transmitters are tunable in 25 kHz steps
- Available frequencies are dependent on region
RF Output Power
- Off, Low – 2 mW, Normal – 10 mW, High – 20 mW, Max – 40 mW, selectable
Modulation Mode
- Sound Devices proprietary digital RF modulation
Antennas
- UHF RF: SMA connector, removable
- 2.4 GHz built-in
Audio Frequency Response
- 10 Hz – 20 kHz, +/- 1 dB re 1 kHz
Audio Input Type
- Lavalier Microphone via 3-pin LEMO
- Pin-1 ground
- Pin-2 5 V bias
- Pin-3 audio/bias (8k ohm to 5 V)
Menu and Controls
- Power & Pair button protected inside battery compartment
- A20-Remote, mobile device application of iOS, iPad, and Android
Remote Control
- A20-Remote Android, iOS, and iPad app via Bluetooth 5.2 LE
Recording Media
- Internal 64 GB
- 10% over-provisioned for optimum performance
Recording File Format
- 32 Bit Float, 48 kHz, Monophonic
- Broadcast WAV (<4 GB), RF64 WAV (>4 GB)
Simultaneous Record and Transmit mode is not available on A20-Mini units sold or operated in the United States of America.
Timecode (LTC)
- Input via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO or XL-TC-USBC-BNC: 0.3 V – 3 V p-p (–17 dBu to +3 dBu), 20k ohm impedance
- Output via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO: 3 V p-p, 400 ohm impedance
Timecode Clock
- 0.2 ppm accuracy
- Holds accurate clock for four hours while powered down with batteries inserted, holds for one hour without batteries via internal supercap
- Auto Jams timecode from LTC source via USB-C connector, or from optional PowerStation-8M
Timecode Frame Rates
- 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 DF, 29.97 ND, 30 DF, 30 ND
- Frame rates are auto-detected from incoming source
USB-C
- Mass Storage (USB-C): USB 2.0 high speed for file transfer
- Powers A20-Mini
Powering
- 3x AAA batteries (Energizer Ultimate AAA Lithium primary batteries recommended), or Sony NP-BX1 rechargeable Li-Ion
- Built-in Li-Ion charger via USB-C (7.5 W or more needed)
- Sony NP-BX1 is rechargeable via optional PowerStation-8M.
Environmental
- Water Resistant
- Operating: -20° C to 60° C, 0 to 90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
- Storage: -40° C to 85° C
Dimensions (H x W x D)
- 75.8 mm x 48 mm x 19 mm
- 2.98 in x 1.88 in x 0.74 in
Weight
- 51 g (without batteries)
- 1.8 oz (without batteries)