Sound Devices A20-Nexus Go User Manual
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Sound Devices A20-Nexus Go User Manual

Sound Devices A20-Nexus Go User Manual

4-, 6-, and 8-channel, true-diversity receiver with spectraband technology
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A20-Nexus Go
4-, 6-, and 8-Channel, True-Diversity Receiver
with SpectraBand Technology
User Guide v1.50

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Summary of Contents for Sound Devices A20-Nexus Go

  • Page 1 A20-Nexus Go 4-, 6-, and 8-Channel, True-Diversity Receiver with SpectraBand Technology User Guide v1.50...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Digital Wireless Modulation NexLink Wireless Transmitter Control GainForward Architectural Overview Panel Views Typical Setup Quick Start Powering Navigating the A20-Nexus Go User Interface RX Views Menus RTSA (Real Time Spectrum Analyzer) Scan Mode AutoAssign TX List RF Menu Antenna RF Overload Indication...

  • Page 3: Welcome To The A20-Nexus Go

    RF link. The A20-Nexus Go is ideal for use in a portable bag setup or mounted in a standard 19-inch rack. Additionally, the A20-Nexus Go can be docked to Sound Devices 833, 888, or Scorpio mixer-recorders using the A20-QuickDock accessory, which provides convenient power, audio, and timecode connections with no additional cables.

  • Page 4: Spectraband

    Audio levels from the transmitter are controlled either directly from the 8-Series (or any other mixer) trim controls, or from the A20-Nexus Go receiver screen. If the talent speaks too softly or emotes too loudly after being...
  • Page 5 When the A20-Nexus Go is docked on an 8-Series, the Nexus receiver’s gain, low cut, and polarity settings are bypassed and hidden. In this case, adjust the 8-Series’ trim, low cut and polarity gain as necessary. See the 8-Series User Guides for more information.

  • Page 6: Architectural Overview

    24 MHz of IF energy into a digital version of that signal. The real magic of the entire A20-Nexus Go happens within the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). An FPGA is essentially a giant custom, massively parallel processor programmed in house.

  • Page 7: Panel Views

    Rotate to scroll frequency cursor or adjust horizontal/vertical zoom in RTSA/Scan view. 6: Multicolor Ring LED ● Solid blue when powering up ● Flashing orange when selected Sync Reference is not detected. ● Solid green when the front panel is locked out. See menu (Main Menu>System>Lockout Mode). A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 8 Dual SMA-F ports for connecting 2.4 GHz SMA-M antennas for NexLink. Both antennas need to be connected. Important: Only use the 2.4 GHz SMA-M antennas supplied with the A20-Nexus Go or equivalent. Do not use 2.4 GHz RP-SMA antennas such as those used for the 8-Series bluetooth antenna.
  • Page 9 ● The USB-A port has the following capabilities: ○ Pairing A20 transmitters to the A20-Nexus Go by connecting a USB-C cable from the transmitter to the USB-A port. ○ Attaching a USB keyboard for entering text directly (e.g. receiver channel names) into the A20-Nexus Go.

  • Page 10: Typical Setup

    Typical Setup The versatile A20-Nexus Go can be used in many types of setups and workflows. Here is an example with a 6-ch A20-Nexus Go (one expansion license installed) docked to an 8-Series mixer-recorder. The A20-QuickDock accessory enables the A20-Nexus Go to be docked to an 8-Series mixer-recorder.

  • Page 11: Quick Start

    Ensure Country is set to the country that you are in. The Country setting determines which Tuning Bands and RF frequencies are legally unrestricted and available for selection in the A20-Nexus Go. If using A20 transmitters, make sure that the A20-Remote app they are paired to is also set to the same country.
  • Page 12 The antenna icons will show a lightning bolt icon next to them when bias power is enabled. 12. Pair and NexLink A20 transmitters. Pairing is a process that adds A20 transmitters to the A20-Nexus Go TX List. The TX List is an inventory of available transmitters that can be selected for wireless remote-control (via NexLink) and assigned to receiver channels.
  • Page 13 Control knob to bring up the gain until you see audio signal from the lav connected to the A20. Press the Control knob to store the gain value. Congratulations! You have your first wireless channel ready to go. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 14: Powering

    Enable or disable each DC Output from the Power menu. ● When powered via its TA4 DC input, the A20-Nexus Go supplies 500 mA maximum between both DC outputs. DC Output voltage is passed through from the DC input (10-18V).

  • Page 15: Navigating The A20-Nexus Go User Interface

    Rotate to scroll frequency cursor or adjust horizontal/vertical zoom in the RTSA/Scan view. Touch Screen UI Elements The A20-Nexus Go uses a number of different UI elements for changing settings i.e. toggle switch, list button, value button, action button, etc.
  • Page 16 Action Button: A button that initiates a process, e.g. Format USB Drive. The button contains the name of the process. ● Two-State Button: A button that has two values or options other than On/Off. The top row labels the function and the bottom row shows the current setting. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 17: Rx Views

    ● 4RX View (available when at least one channel expansion license is installed) ● 1RX View Upon power up, the A20-Nexus Go shows the last displayed RX View. ALL View (‘All’ View when two 2-ch expansion licenses are installed) ●...
  • Page 18 (12-character maximum) using the virtual keyboard. The transmitter name can be edited if the channel is NexLinked to an A20 transmitter The transmitter name cannot be edited if the channel is being fed from an A10-TX. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 19 If NexLinked to an A20 transmitter, the frequency is automatically pushed to the transmitter unless System > More > NexLink Tuning Mode is set to Manual. HPF: Indicates if the HPF is active either on the transmitter (if an A10-TX) or receiver channel (if an A20 transmitter). A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 20 Whether the channel is sourced from a NexLinked or non-NexLinked (e.g. A10-TX) transmitter. ● Whether the channel’s Mode is set to RF Only, REC Only, or RF+REC ● Whether the A20-Nexus Go is standalone or docked to an 8-Series mixer-recorder Some 1RX View Layout examples A20-Nexus Mode...
  • Page 21 Gray = No connection or out of range For receiver channels that are sourced from a single transmitter, tap the NexLink RSSI meter to display the NexLinked Transmitter List from which you can select an A20 transmitter to NexLink to. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 22 11. Privacy: Tap to set a Privacy Key. This prevents unauthorized A20 receiver users deciphering the transmitter audio signal. Tap New Key to generate a random 4-digit key or Clear Key, to reset to zeros. The key is pushed to NexLinked transmitters assigned to the receiver channel. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 23 19. Transmitter Timecode Status (only available in Rec Only or Rec+RF mode): Tap the TC Icon to display whether the A20 transmitter has synced successfully to the A20-Nexus Go. Displays ‘TC synced’ when successfully synced. Tap again to return to the TC Icon.
  • Page 24 Display Background: A20-TX Only. Selects Light or Dark background color Display Orientation: A20-TX Only. Select between Normal or Flipped. 21. RX View Navigation Icons: Tap to navigate to another RX View. The 4RX icon is only displayed if the A20-Nexus Go has at least one 2-ch expansion license installed.
  • Page 25 A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 26: Menus

    Menus All the A20-Nexus Go settings are organized into menus that are accessed via the top level Main Menu. The triangle button cycles between the current RX view, Main Menu, and RTSA. Press the triangle button one or two times to display the Main Menu.

  • Page 27: Rtsa (Real Time Spectrum Analyzer)

    Access the expanded RTSA View by tapping the center of the single screen RTSA View or by tapping the RTSA icon on the Main Menu or bottom of screen 1 on other menus. ● Exit the expanded RTSA View by pressing the triangle button. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 28 Ant A+B: Highest of Ant A and Ant B. Ant A,B: Both Ant A and Ant B. Tuning Band: Sets the A20-Nexus Go’s Tuning Band and displays its trace across the first three screens. The Tuning Band can also be set from the RF Menu.
  • Page 29 -130dBm, -10 to -130 dBm, -30 to -130 dBm, and -50 to -130 dBm 13. Trace: The real time trace of the received RF spectrum. 14. Restricted Frequency Band: Vertical gray region indicates unselectable restricted frequencies. RTSA showing restricted frequency band A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 30: Scan Mode

    Tap the AutoAssign icon. The RTSA View appears with the full tuning band range highlighted blue. The AutoAssign Range popup is displayed on screen 4 with the Start button already selected. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 31 AutoAssign can also be instigated from the RTSA View. Press the Control knob to display the ‘Assign Frequency To:’ list. Select ‘Auto Assign All’. Note: Channels are not necessarily assigned in numerical order from lowest to highest frequency. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 32: Tx List

    TX List The A20-Nexus Go TX List is an inventory of all paired A20 transmitters and which RX channels, if any, they are assigned to. Up to 64 transmitters can be paired with the A20-Nexus Go. ‘Pairing’ is a process that establishes a NexLink wireless connection between the A20-Nexus Go and A20 transmitter.
  • Page 33 Tap On to power on all NexLinked transmitters. Tap Off to power off all NexLinked transmitters. Note: If multiple transmitters are assigned to a receiver channel, only the last transmitter being received over the forward link is powered on. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 34: Rf Menu

    BNC can be set to Cascade Out, ideal for daisy chaining units. When daisy chaining A20-Nexus Go, it is recommended to use an external powered antenna to overcome the 3 dB splitting loss in the Nexus so that the receivers maintain excellent range.

  • Page 35: Antenna Rf Overload Indication

    RSSI B: Displays Antenna B’s RSSI ○ Link Q: Displays Link Quality Antenna RF Overload Indication The A20-Nexus Go indicates whether its A and B antenna inputs are approaching overload or overloading. ● Red = Overload ● Orange = Approaching overload ●...

  • Page 36: Audio Outputs

    From an 8-Series channel screen, select any one of the A20-Nexus Go’s receiver outputs as channel source. A20-Nexus Go receiver outputs are only shown when an A20-Nexus Go is docked via the expansion port and enabled via the 8-Series System >...
  • Page 37 8-Series. ● If the selected sync reference input is not detected, the A20-Nexus Go switches to its internal clock AND the Control knob ring LED flashes orange to indicate that the selected sync reference is not present or invalid.

  • Page 38: Timecode

    Timecode With NexLink, the A20-Nexus Go is able to simultaneously sync multiple A20 transmitters when they are set to REC only or REC+RF mode. This feature ensures zero-frame drift between multiple recording transmitters, therefore making it easy to sync with picture in post, especially when the free SD-Utility software tool (https://www.sounddevices.com/sd-utility-v2-00/) is used to conform and merge the individual A20 transmitter recordings into a...

  • Page 39: System Menu

    Lockout mode can be enabled locally or via the web app. When Lockout mode is enabled, the Control knob ring LED is backlit green to indicate that the A20-Nexus Go is still on. To enable Lockout mode from the Nexus, tap the Lockout Mode button. The following popup is displayed: “Are you sure?
  • Page 40 Important ● The A20-Nexus Go and its paired A20 transmitters must be set to the same country for the Nexus to successfully set the transmitter frequencies via NexLink. ● To set Country for the A20 transmitters, use the A20-Remote app. Refer to the A20 transmitter user guides for more information.
  • Page 41 OK to stop the transmitter recording. Use this function to prevent accidentally stopping recording. Show Audio Off Warnings When the toggle is off, the A20-Nexus Go does not show a warning popup that audio will stop when switching Tuning Bands and when switching to Scan mode.

  • Page 42: Quick Setup Menu

    Quick Setup Menu Quick Setup provides a way to save and load A20-Nexus Go settings. Settings are saved to internal memory slots 1-4 or to a USB thumb drive connected to the USB-A port. Save Setup ● All A20-Nexus Go’s current settings are saved when saving a setup.
  • Page 43 Time Zone Daylight Savings On/Off TX List > Global TX Settings: Power Off confirmation, Stop Confirmation Default Settings The Load Setup list also includes a ‘Default Settings’ option for restoring the A20-Nexus Go to default settings. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 44: Updating Firmware

    Download new Nexus firmware PRG file from the Sound Devices website. Copy the PRG file to the root of a USB thumb drive that has been formatted by the A20-Nexus Go. See System menu. Insert the USB thumb drive into the rear panel USB-A port.

  • Page 45: Accessories

    Four 1/16” allen screws for securing the mounting plate to the bottom of the A20-Nexus Go. ● Three long 2 mm and two short 2 mm allen mounting pillars for securing the rear of the A20-Nexus Go with mounting plate to the top of the 8-Series.
  • Page 46 Place the A20-Nexus Go upside down on a clean, flat surface. Position the QuickDock mounting plate on the bottom of the A20-Nexus Go Align the four mounting plate holes (1) with the screw holes on the bottom of the A20-Nexus Go. Secure the mounting plate.
  • Page 47 Reattach the Quick Release mechanism. Squeeze both the rear red release levers and locate the quick-release mechanism so that the multi-pin connector mates with the expansion port on the A20-Nexus Go. Firmly press down and ensure the quick release mechanism is flush with the surface of the mounting plate.
  • Page 48 16-pin expansion port. To mount the A20-Nexus Go with attached A20-QuickDock to the top of the 8-Series: Start by hooking the Nexus mounting plate onto the two rear mounting pillars (833 and 888) or one rear mounting pillar (Scorpio).
  • Page 49 Next, squeeze both front red release levers together and press down firmly on top of the A20-Nexus Go. Once located in place, release the red levers. Finally, slide the A20-Nexus Go’s front-right black latch over the front-right 8-series mounting pillar.

  • Page 50: A20-Monarch Antenna

    Mounting an A20-Nexus Go to the shelf. Turn the shelf upside down then align the A20-Nexus Go front panel with the front edge of the shelf. The holes in the shelf tray allow the A20-Nexus Go to be positioned to the left, center, or right of the shelf.
  • Page 51 Adjust the position of the cable clamp so that it aligns with the side panel screw hole near the rear of the Nexus. Use the 2 mm allen key to tighten the cable clamp. Connect the SMA cable to the nearest rear panel 2.4 GHz SMA port. Repeat above procedure for the other side’s antenna bracket. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 52: Nexlink Status Alerts

    NexLink Status Alerts The NexLink Status View allows you to monitor NexLink communication between the A20-Nexus Go and A20 transmitters. This can assist in resolving NexLink issues. Access the NexLink Status View from the 1RX View Gear menu, TX View Gear menu, or, if the channel is sourced from multiple transmitters, directly from the 1RX View’s NexLink Status button.

  • Page 53: Frequency Band Restrictions

    The wireless system operator needs to be aware of local regulations and comply with all applicable laws regarding operation of wireless devices. In some restricted frequency bands, the operator will need to obtain an unlock code from Sound Devices to assign a restricted frequency to the transmitter.

  • Page 54: Connector Pin Assignments

    Digital Out 3 = Ch 5,6 expansion licenses are 16–Digital Out 3 Ground Digital Out 4 = Ch 7,8 installed. 17–Digital Out 2 signal (-) 18–Digital Out 1 signal (+) 19–Digital Out 1 Ground 20–Unused 21–Unused 22–Unused 23–Unused 24–Unused 25–Unused A20-Nexus Go User Guide...
  • Page 55 Pin 4 = positive volts 4-pin Hirose Pin 1 = ground 10-18V, 500 mA max between both (DC Out 1 & 2) Pin 4 = positive volts outputs (ie, 250 mA + 250 mA) USB-A Per USB-IF standard 5V, 500mA A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 56: A20-Nexus Go Specifications

    A20-Nexus Go 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 Patents: The A20-Nexus Go is protected by US patents US10678294B2, US20190166523A1, International patent WO2018022209A1, and several patents pending.
  • Page 57 -10 °C to +55 °C Dimensions (H x W x D) ● 4.0 cm x 20.3 cm x 16.7 cm ● (1.6 in x 8.0 in x 6.6 in) Weight ● 1.22 kg (unpackaged) ● 2.7 lbs (unpackaged) A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 58: A20-Monarch Specifications

    Mounting Threads ● ¼”-20 Dimensions (H x W x D) ● 17.0 cm x 21.0 cm x 1.7 cm ● (6.68 in x 8.26 in x 0.67 in) Weight ● 0.12 kg (unpackaged) ● 0.26 lbs (unpackaged) A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 59: Note On Rf Interference

    Nexus, and others can come from many sources (AES/EBU interconnects, external mixer-recorders, USB drives, USB keyboards, etc.). This, combined with the extreme sensitivity of the A20-Nexus Go's front end, mean that the user has to be very careful with the quality of cables used, as well as antenna and antenna cable routing and placement.

  • Page 60: Legal Notices

    Copyright© 2023 Sound Devices, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is subject to the terms and conditions of a software license agreement provided with the product, and may be used in accordance with the license agreement. This document is protected under copyright law.
  • Page 61 Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To comply with FCC part 15 rules in the United States, the A20-Nexus Go receiver must be professionally installed. It is the responsibility of the operator and professional installer to ensure that only certified antennas are to be used in the United States.
  • Page 62 1) ce dispositif ne peut pas causer d’interférences, et 2) ce dispositif doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l’appareil. WEEE Statement If you wish to discard a Sound Devices product in Europe, contact Sound Devices (England) for further information. A20-Nexus Go User Guide...

  • Page 63: Declaration Of Conformity

    Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Sound Devices, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: E7556 State Road 23 and 33 Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA We, Sound Devices LLC, declare under our sole responsibility that the product Product Name: A20-Nexus Go Model Number: A20-Nexus Go...

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