Sound Devices A20-Mini User Manual
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Summary of Contents for Sound Devices A20-Mini
- Page 1 A20-Mini Digital Transmitter User Guide...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Included Accessories PowerStation-8M A20-Mini User Guide Revision List Auto Power with Lav Mic Connection Connecting Lavalier Microphones to A20-Mini Tuning A20-Mini and the Audio Ltd A10-RX GainForward Adjusting Audio of the A20-Mini Signal from the A10-RX Adjusting Audio of the A20-Mini Signal from the 8-Series or 688... -
Page 3: Welcome To The A20-Mini
Welcome to the A20-Mini 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 • Built-in 32-bit float, 48 kHz recorder with 64 GB storage app. Control frequency and RF power, turn the Mini on and for over 80 hours of record time. off, start and stop recording, mute the microphone, format the media, view the status of all your Minis, and more. • Offload recorded WAV files via USB-C and optionally conform/convert with SD-Utility. • GainForward Architecture: set the Mini’s gain levels via trim control (with an 8-Series) or at the A10-RX (other • Powering via AAA or NP-BX1 (Li-Ion) with built-in charging mixers). for NP-BX1 Li-Ion battery. • Full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth; 100% digital RF • Internal supercapacitor-powered timecode generator can modulation and transmission. Same excellent range and be jammed via USB-C. audio quality as the A10-TX. • Water-resistant with a rounded form factor. -
Page 4: Panel Views
• Solid Blue = Microphone is muted Antenna Connector • Flashing Blue = Timecode 00 frame (only when unit is off) SMA connector. Attach antenna with a length specific to the frequency in use. Using the wrong length of antenna reduces RF Note: Due to the high dynamic range of the microphone input, range. See Antenna Guide for more information. under normal use the audio LED should never light up red. If it does, this is an indicator that the microphone itself (not the mic USB-C Port preamp) is clipping and the audio level should be attenuated Multifunction port used for: acoustically by moving the mic capsule or using a lower • Powering A20-Mini sensitivity microphone. • Charging internal Sony NP-BX1 LEFT FRONT RIGHT BACK Bottom Panel Charge/Pair/Record/Media/Timecode LED rechargeable battery (not included) • Timecode input and output LED indicates charging status, timecode sync, Bluetooth pair- • Transferring files to and from a computer ing, recording, and media activity. Positioned on the bottom... - Page 5 FRONT LEFT RIGHT FRONT BACK (Door Open) Battery Door Red Button BOTTOM BOTTOM BOTTOM BOTTOM Access to the battery compartment and red button. This button is used to power the A20-Mini on or off and enter Bluetooth Pairing mode. Door Latch • Power On = Press and release button. Slide left to unlock the battery door. • Power Off = Press and hold button for 3 seconds. • Pairing Mode = While A20-Mini is off, press and hold Battery Compartment button for 5 seconds. The Pairing LED on the bottom and .717 Accepts either 3x AAA Lithium batteries or one rechargeable top panel flashes blue rapidly while in Pairing mode. Sony NP-BX1 Li-Ion battery. Sound Devices recommends using genuine Sony NP-BX1 or Energizer AAA Lithium primary batteries for best performance. Alkaline and NiMH are not recommended because of compromised run times. A20-Mini User Guide...
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Page 6: Power
1. Connect a USB power source to the A20-Mini’s USB-C port. 2. Lift the battery door using the indented space on the bottom right-hand side of the battery door. 2. Open the battery door then press the red button. Closing the Battery Door 3. To power the A20-Mini off, press and hold To close the A20-Mini battery door: the red button for three seconds. 1. Slide and hold the door latch to the left. To charge the Sony NP-BX1 from USB-C: 2. Close the battery door. 1. Open the battery door and insert a Sony NP-BX1 into the battery compartment. 3. Release the door latch to lock the battery door. 2. Connect a USB power source to the A20-Mini USB-C Powering from AAA or Sony NP-BX1 Li-Ion port. - Page 7 PowerStation-8M The PowerStation-8M is an optional accessory for the A20-Mini. An A20-Mini using a Sony NP-BX1 battery can be inserted into a charging bay of the PowerStation-8M to charge the battery. See PowerStation-8M for more details. Auto Power On and Off with PowerStation-8M The A20-Mini automatically powers off when inserted into a charging bay of the PowerStation-8M. To save time from having to manually power on the A20-Mini, use the Power On When Removed from the PowerStation-8M feature. When this feature is selected, removing an A20-Mini from the PowerStation-8M immediately powers on the transmitter. This feature is turned on or off in the A20-Remote application. See A20-Remote for more details.
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Page 8: A20-Mini Holster
A20-Mini Holster The A20-Mini ships with an easy-to-assemble holster. The A20-Mini can be inserted with the antenna and lavalier microphone coming out of the top or bottom of the holster. Inserting the A20-Mini in the A20-Mini Holster Slide the A20-Mini into the A20-Mini Holster’s pocket in the orientation that works best for the situation. Fold the security flap over, securing the transmitter in place using the hook-and- loop fastener strips. Use the clip on the back of the holster to attach the transmitter to the talent’s garments. A20-Mini User Guide... -
Page 9: Introduction To A20-Remote
A20-Mini. IMPORTANT: The mobile device’s location is used to determine available frequencies, RF power levels, and TV channel mapping of the A20-Mini. The Country setting is automatically set using the mobile device’s Location Services. The mobile device’s system date and time are used in the metadata of recorded files. A20-Mini User Guide... -
Page 10: A20-Remote Overview
A20-Remote Overview Tablet View Record & LTC Transmitter Transmitter Active Manage Transmitter Transmitter Transmitter View Status Window Window Menu Controls List Transmitter Transmitters A20-Mini User Guide... - Page 11 Status This menu offers control of the active transmitter’s Name, indicator. Touch the Back button to return to the Transmitter Frequency, Mute Mic, RF Power, Mode, and power options. The List. menu also provides access to format media and information about the transmitter. Active Transmitter Transmitter Controls Touch any transmitter in the Transmitter List to make it the active transmitter. From a tablet, the highlighted transmitter in Allows control of the active transmitter’s Power, Identify mode, the Transmitter List indicates the active transmitter shown in the Record, and Stop. Transmitter View displayed on the right-hand side of the app. From a phone, the active transmitter is the one displayed in the Transmitter View and underlined in the Transmitter Quick List. A20-Mini User Guide...
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Page 12: Manage Transmitters
Paired transmitters that are not within Bluetooth range or are connected to another device are displayed in italics and the Enable switch is grayed out. Enter Manage Transmitters at any time by touching the Transmitter List gear icon. Pairing an A20-Mini with A20-Remote With A20-Mini off, press and hold the red button until the blue LED blinks continuously. USB must be disconnected from computers to enter Pairing mode. Make sure all instances of A20-Remote are fully closed on other mobile devices before attempting to pair to a new device. -
Page 13: Transmitter List
A20-Mini Status Indicator Icon Description A20-Mini Off The A20-Mini appears gray when it is powered off. A20-Mini On The A20-Mini appears black when it is on. A20-Mini Recording The letters “REC” appear in red in the top left corner when the A20-Mini is recording. A20-Mini Transmitting RF The A20-Mini appears with RF waves coming from the antenna when it is transmitting RF. - Page 14 Displays when USB is powering the A20-Mini and there are no batteries inserted. Bluetooth Signal Strength Indicator Bluetooth Signal Strength Indicator Displays the signal strength of the A20-Mini Bluetooth signal received by the mobile device. The Bluetooth meter border is red when the mobile device is not communicating with the A20-Mini. A blue dot appears after the Bluetooth icon when the A20-Mini is connected. A20-Mini User Guide...
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Page 15: Transmitter View
Transmitter View The Transmitter View displays further details of the active A20-Mini and provides control of functions and menus of the selected transmitter. Active A20-Mini in the Transmitter View The active A20-Mini in the Transmitter View is indicated by the highlighted entry of the Transmitter List. Touch any transmitter in the Transmitter List to make it the active transmitter. Quick List (Phone Only) The Transmitter Quick List is available on phones only because the nature of the phone’s smaller screen size does not allow the Transmitter List and the Transmitter View to be simultaneously displayed. -
Page 16: Controlling An A20-Mini From A20-Remote
Transmitter View (Cont.) Controlling A20-Mini from A20-Remote From the Transmitter View you can control parameters of the A20-Mini while it is powered on. The A20-Mini continues to communicate with the app when powered off. While off, the A20-Mini settings and timecode are displayed. The A20-Mini can be powered on or put into Identify mode from the app while the A20-Mini is powered off. Transmitter Controls The far right-hand side of the Transmitter View provides easy access to Power, Identify mode, Record, and Stop. Transmitter Power Touch the Power button to power the A20-Mini on or off. The icon is white when the transmitter is off and green when on. By default a confirmation pop up message appears when powering off the A20-Mini from the app. This can be deactivated in Manage Transmitters by deactivating Power off from app requires confirmation. Identify Mode Touch the Identify button to put the A20-Mini into Identify mode. The LEDs on the A20-Mini flash making it easy to locate a specific A20-Mini. The Identify button and the A20-Mini Status indicator also flash when Identify mode is active. Touch the Identify button again or press the A20-Mini red button to disable Identify mode. Record Touch the Record button to start a recording on the A20-Mini. The button is red while... -
Page 17: Setting Frequency
A20-Remote as some legal restrictions may apply. Touch the RF Power button and make a selection from the list. Mode Touch the Mode button to enter the Mode menu. Select between RF Only, REC Only, and REC + RF. Simultaneous Record and Transmit mode is not available on A20-Mini units sold or operated in the United States of America. Record & Timecode details are not displayed in the TX Status Window when RF Only is selected. RF Transmission details are not displayed in the Transmitter Status window when REC Only is selected. Formatting Media Formatting the A20-Mini media deletes all recorded files. It is good practice to periodically format media. Make certain to... -
Page 18: A20-Mini Information
• Power = On Auto Power On When Removed from the PowerStation-8M The A20-Mini automatically powers off when connected to a charging bay of the PowerStation-8M. To save time from having to manually power on the A20-Mini, activate the Power On When Removed from the PowerStation-8M feature. When active, removing the A20-Mini from the PowerStation-8M powers the transmitter on. This feature can be turned on or off. See PowerStation-8M for more details. Auto Power with Lav Mic Connection The A20-Mini can auto-detect the presence of a lavalier microphone connection and power on and off accordingly. When Auto Power with Lav Mic Connection is active, connecting a lavalier microphone to the A20-Mini automatically powers on the transmitter. Removing the lavalier mic connection... -
Page 19: Tuning A20-Mini And The Audio Ltd A10-Rx
From the A10-RX home screen, press the channel’s arrow button twice to enter the Input menu. From the Input menu, press the middle button to select a sub-menu to adjust gain, low cut, or limiter of the incoming A20-Mini transmitted signal. Gain is adjustable from 0 to 60 dB. Low cut can be set to Off, 40 Hz, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, or 200 Hz. Limiter can be turned on or off. The information menu displays the status of the tuned A20-Mini. See the A10-RX User Guide for more details. Adjusting Audio of the A20-Mini Signal from the 8-Series or 688 When the A10-RX receiving A20-Mini signal is slotted into the SL-2 or SL-6, the A10-RX Input menu settings are bypassed and all gain, low cut, and limiter activity are performed and controlled by the 688, 833, 888, or Scorpio. See the Mixer- Recorder User Guides for more information. Recording WAV Files The A20-Mini records 32-bit float Broadcast WAV (under 4 GB) or RF64 WAV (over 4 GB) files at 48 kHz sampling rates. 32-bit float files are recorded such that gain decisions can be made after recording. Because of the high dynamic range of the A20-Mini audio levels are never too high or too low. Learn more... -
Page 20: Jamming Timecode On A20-Mini
To jam timecode, connect a valid LTC source using one of the optional accessories, Sound Devices XL-TC-USBC-LEMO or XL-TC-USBC-BNC, to the A20-Mini USB-C port. Timecode is automatically jammed once a valid LTC source is connected. After a successful timecode jam, the Audio/LTC LED flashes blue on the 00 frame crossing. Timecode is output from the USB-C using the Sound Devices XL-TCU-LEMO, so that you can verify the A20-Mini timecode is in sync with the LTC source. The Audio/LTC LED stops flashing blue when USB-C is disconnected. For more information about the A20-Mini timecode accessory cables visit: https://www.sounddevices.com/product/xl-tc-usbc-bnc/ https://www.sounddevices.com/product/xl-tc-usbc-lemo/ A20-Mini can also jam timecode from 8-Series Mixer-Recorders using a standard USB-C to USB-A cable. Connect the A20-Mini... -
Page 21: File Transfer To A Computer
File Transfer to a Computer The A20-Mini connects via USB-C to a computer as an exFAT- formatted mass storage device. Copy WAV files from the A20-Mini to the computer. When file transfer is complete, eject the drive from the operating system and disconnect USB. Recording must be stopped on the A20-Mini before connecting to the computer. While connected to a computer RF transmission, audio, and recording are disabled. Up to eight A20-Mini transmitters can be connected to a computer for file transfer using the optional PowerStation-8M. See PowerStation-8M for more details. Updating A20-Mini Firmware Register your A20-Mini to stay informed of firmware updates. https://www.sounddevices.com/product-reg-email/ To update your A20-Mini firmware: 1. Connect the A20-Mini to the computer for file transfer using a USB-C cable or the PowerStation-8M. See File Transfer and PowerStation-8M for more information. 2. Download the A20-Mini firmware PRG file from: https://www.sounddevices.com/ download/?prod=a20-mini 3. Copy the PRG file to the root of the A20-Mini media. 4. Eject the A20-Mini from the computer. At this point, the LEDs “dance” to indicate the firmware update is in progress. The firmware update can take a few minutes to complete. Wait for all LED activity to stop before using or powering off the A20-Mini. When the firmware update completes, the A20-Mini automatically deletes the PRG file from the media. Firmware version information is displayed in A20-Remote Manage Transmitter view and in the Transmitter View Information menu. -
Page 22: Sd-Utility
SD-Utility Sound Devices SD-Utility is a companion application for MacOS and Windows. This application can be used to process files recorded by the A20-Mini to be more suited to the given workflow. A20-Mini 32-bit float, 48 kHz, monophonic WAV and RF64 WAV files can be renamed, snipped by timecode values, converted to 24 bit, conformed to a CSV Sound Report, and more. SD-Utility is also a companion application for the Audio Ltd A10-TX and A10-RX. For details specific to those products, please refer to their respective user guides. Installing SD-Utility Download the SD-Utility Installer for MacOS or Windows from: https://www.sounddevices.com/... -
Page 23: Removing Wav Files From The Source Window
Selecting Bit Depth of Exported WAV Files The A20-Mini records 32-bit float WAV files. To convert the WAV files to 24-bit integer, select the Convert WAV to 24 bit check box. Files that contain audio that exceeds 0 dBFS will be normalized to -0.1 dBFS to avoid clipping when exported as 24-bit. Conforming A20-Mini WAV Files to CSV Sound Reports CSV sound report files generated by Sound Devices recorders can be used to extract only relevant audio from the A20-Mini WAV or A10-TX MIC files. Audio is extracted and a new WAV file is created based on the timecode in/out values of takes listed within the CSV. The exported WAV file names and embedded metadata are changed to match the filenames and metadata of the corresponding takes in the CSV sound report. A20-Mini User Guide... -
Page 24: Powerstation-8M
The PowerStation-8M only charges Sony NP-BX1 batteries within an A20-Mini. AAA battery charging is not supported. Inserting A20-Minis with AAA batteries into the charging bay will not damage anything, but the unit will not charge. Insert the A20-Mini into an enabled charging bay of the PowerStation-8M. The A20-Mini slides into a charging bay with the antenna-side first, the antenna may be left attached. Sound Devices recommends disconnecting lavalier microphones before inserting the A20-Mini into the charging bay. Charging status is indicated by the A20-Remote application and the A20-Mini bottom panel Charge LED. • Solid Orange = Charging • Solid Green = Charging complete... -
Page 25: Powering The Powerstation-8M
Insert the tongs into an empty charging bay for safe keeping. Removing A20-Mini from PowerStation-8M with the Tongs Align the Sound Devices logos of the tongs and the A20-Mini battery door, then slide tongs onto the A20-Mini until you hear a click. Pull the A20-Mini out of the slot. Pinch the handle to release the A20-Mini from the tongs. A20-Mini User Guide... -
Page 26: Powerstation-8M Specifications
PowerStation-8M Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website: www.sounddevices.com. Power • USB-C: PD (Power Delivery), 36 W or higher, or • TA-4: 10 - 18 VDC, 36 W or higher • Pin-4 hot, pin-1 ground, pin-2 and pin-3 data for smart batteries. Leave pins-2 and pin-3 disconnected if not using smart batteries. LTC Input • Input impedance: 5k ohm • Signal level: 0.3 - 5 Vp-p USB-C • USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, internal hub Dimensions (HxWxD) • 40 mm x 220 mm x 136 mm (without feet) -
Page 27: A20-Mini Specifications
A20-Mini Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website: www.sounddevices.com. Frequency Range Recording Media • 470 to 694 MHz • Internal 64 GB • 10% over-provisioned for optimum performance • Transmitters are tunable in 25 kHz steps • Available frequencies are dependent on region Recording File Format RF Output Power • 32 Bit Float, 48 kHz, Monophonic • Broadcast WAV (<4 GB), RF64 WAV (>4 GB) • Off, Low - 2 mW, Normal - 10 mW,... -
Page 28: Antenna Guide
Antenna Length Antenna Length 1. Determine the frequency range intended for the in mm in inches uncut antenna using the Antenna Length chart. 2. Measure the antenna for the cut point. Measurements 470 - 548 MHz 140 mm 5.51” should begin from the bottom of the SMA connector. 548 - 638 MHz 120 mm 4.72” 3. Using a pair of cutters, cut the quarter-wave antenna at the specified cut point. 638 - 694 MHz 104 mm 4.09” 4. Position the antenna cap onto the cut-end of the antenna and push the cap firmly onto the antenna. Use antenna 1, 2, and 3 in the United Kingdom and Europe. Use antenna 1 and 2 in the United States and Canada. 0 mm / in. Antenna Length A20-Mini User Guide... -
Page 29: Legal Notices
THE PRODUCTS OR THE END USER’S USE OR OPERATION • Increase the separation between the THEREOF, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES equipment and receiver. ARE CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit THEORY. “CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES” FOR WHICH different from that to which the receiver is connected. SOUND DEVICES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE SHALL INCLUDE, • Consult the dealer or an experienced WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, PENALTIES, DELAY radio/TV technician for help. DAMAGES, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND OTHER DAMAGES AND LIABILITIES WHICH END USER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY OR WHICH END USER OR ANY OTHER PARTY MAY INCUR Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF ITS CONTRACTS WITH ITS manufacturer could void the user’s authority to... -
Page 30: Weee Statement
A20-Mini User Guide Revision List Cet appareil est conforme avec Industrie Canada, exempts de licence standard RSS(s). Son fonctionne- ment est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: This document is distributed by Sound Devices, LLC in online electronic (PDF) format only. Published in the USA. (1) ce dispositif ne peut pas causer d’interférences, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les Date Description interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l’appareil. July 2021 v1.00, initial release This device complies with Industry Canada radiation exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled environments. The End-User must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This device must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. - Page 31 Post Office Box 576 E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA support@sounddevices.com +1 608.524.0625 main 800.505.0625 toll free (U.S. only) www.sounddevices.com...
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