Related Manuals for Sound Devices ASTRAL A20-TX
Summary of Contents for Sound Devices ASTRAL A20-TX
- Page 1 ASTRAL A20-TX Digital Wireless Bodypack Transmitter with GainForward, SpectraBand, and NexLink User Guide v8.00...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Welcome to the A20-TX..................................3 SpectraBand......................................4 NexLink Wireless Transmitter Control..............................4 GainForward......................................4 Interface Description....................................5 Home Screen......................................9 Power........................................11 Identify (ID)......................................12 Menus........................................13 RF......................................... 13 Pair........................................13 Audio......................................14 Record......................................14 Privacy......................................14 Settings......................................15 Tuning the A20-TX and Receiver................................17 Audio Levels - GainForward..................................18 Recording WAV Files.................................... -
Page 3: Welcome To The A20-Tx
Welcome to the A20-TX Sound Devices A20-TX bodypack transmitter is compatible with more input sources than any other transmitter, adding incredible flexibility to any audio kit. Whether worn on the belt of talent, mounted on a boom pole on a film set, or used in many other applications, the combination of audio quality, battery life, and RF performance is second to none. -
Page 4: Spectraband
SpectraBand The A20-TX features SpectraBand, a technology that enables the A20-TX to tune over a super wide range of 169-1525 MHz. Tuning within this range varies by country. For instance: In the USA, the available frequency ranges are: ● The VHF band (specific frequencies within the 169-216 MHz range) ●... -
Page 5: Interface Description
Interface Description Front and Side Panels, Battery Door Closed 1: Power LED Indicates power state. Can be turned off in the Settings>LEDs menu. ● Green = Good battery level ● Orange = Medium battery level ● Red = Low battery ●... - Page 6 5: Battery Door Release Catches Squeeze to unlatch and open the battery door. 6: Belt Clip Mount Points For attaching the A20-TX-CLIP belt clip. The belt clip can be attached either way, so the TX can be worn up or down. Front Panel, Battery Door Open 1: Battery Compartment Accepts up to three AA batteries.
- Page 7 Top Panel 1: Antenna Connector SMA connector. Attach an antenna with a length specific to the frequency in use. Using the wrong length of antenna reduces RF range. See Antenna Guide for more information. 2 & 3: A20-TX Switch Mounting Points The optional user-programmable A20-TX Switch can be mounted here.
- Page 8 Bottom Panel 1: USB-C Port Multifunction port used for: ● Charging the A20-TX’s rechargeable Li-ion AA batteries. Battery door must be closed to charge. ● Timecode I/O for jamming TC ● Transferring files to and from a computer ● Pairing with Astral Receivers A20-TX User Guide...
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Page 9: Home Screen
Home Screen The home screen is the default screen when the A20-TX is powered up. It is also automatically displayed whenever the A20-TX battery door is closed. Important: When the A20-TX is powered on for the first time, the screen displays the following message: “To start, pair the A20-TX with the A20-Remote iOS or Android app”. - Page 10 4: Record Status The record circle is displayed when the transmitter is recording. 5: RF Power and Modulation Type Displays the current RF power and modulation type, LR (Long Range), Std (Standard), and T&M (Test and Measurement). When RF is enabled and the battery door is open, tap the left button to shortcut directly to the RF Power menu. Displays ‘OFF’...
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Page 11: Power
About the different battery chemistries: ● Li-ion - We recommend using the Sound Devices XL-B14500 batteries detailed above. This is a 3.7 volt rechargeable battery. Li-ion is the same battery technology used in your cell phone. This battery features very good energy density, is lightweight, and can be recharged roughly 300 times before the capacity degrades. -
Page 12: Identify (Id)
Opening/Closing the Battery Door When the door is closed, the display automatically switches to the Home screen. Open the battery door by squeezing the side panel release catches and lifting. When the door is opened, the display backlight turns on. Powering On for the First Time When the A20-TX is powered on for the first time, the screen displays the following message: “To start, pair the A20-TX with the A20-Remote iOS or Android app”. -
Page 13: Menus
Menus Access the Menu to make changes to the A20-TX’s settings. To access the Main menu, open the battery door and press the middle button. Once in the Main Menu: ● Navigate the menu items using the up/down arrow (left/right) buttons. ●... -
Page 14: Audio
Audio Input Type The A20-TX is compatible with many types of input sources. It autosenses the type of input plugged in (except if input type is set to 3-Wire). ● Lav (2-wire lavalier mic) Select when using a 2-wire lav. The A20-TX autosenses if a 2-wire lav is plugged in except when set to 3-wire. It is not possible to select Lav unless a Lav is plugged in. -
Page 15: Settings
● New Key: Select ‘New Key’ then press ‘Set’ to generate a random 4-digit key. When the key is set, the home screen displays the privacy key icon. ● Clear: Select ‘Clear’ then press ‘Set’ to clear the key to 0000. Settings The A20-TX Settings menu provides access to the following menus: ●... - Page 16 Note: The switch setting is overridden by commands coming from the A20-TX interface, A20-SuperNexus, A20-Nexus (via NexLink) or A20-Remote (via Bluetooth), which will leave the switch in the incorrect physical position. As such, it is necessary to move the switch first to the physical position that reflects the A20-TX’s current state before it will perform its next command.
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Page 17: Tuning The A20-Tx And Receiver
The A20-TX transmits on frequencies ranging from 169 MHz – 1525 MHz. The frequencies available are determined by geographic location and whether you have entered a unique license code issued by Sound Devices to unlock the use of restricted frequencies. -
Page 18: Audio Levels - Gainforward
Audio Levels - GainForward The A20-TX transmitter supports GainForward, a technology that eliminates the need to adjust microphone preamplifier gain at the wireless transmitter. Audio levels from the transmitter are controlled either directly at the mixer’s digital trim control or at the wireless receiver. -
Page 19: Jamming Timecode
Audio/Timecode LED flashes blue on the 00 frame crossing. Timecode is output from the USB-C using the Sound Devices XL-TC-USBC-LEMO, so you can verify that the A20-TX timecode is in sync with the LTC source. The Audio/Timecode LED stops flashing blue when USB-C is disconnected. -
Page 20: A20-Remote
SD-Utility Sound Devices SD-Utility is a companion application for MacOS and Windows that supports Sound Devices wireless products. This application can be used to process files recorded by A20 transmitters to be more suited to the given workflow. A20 transmitter 32-bit float, 48 kHz, monophonic WAV, 2ch polyphonic WAV, and RF64 WAV files can be imported, renamed, snipped by timecode values, converted to 24 bit, conformed to a CSV Sound Report, exported as monophonic or polyphonic WAV, and more. -
Page 21: Accessories
Accessories Included ● Antenna set ○ 1 straight 470-548 MHz to SMA ○ 1 straight 548-638 MHz to SMA ○ 1 straight 17” uncut Astral VHF Whip Antenna (SMA) ○ 3 antenna caps ● A20-TX Belt Clip Optional ● Astral Sleeve ●... -
Page 22: Installing The Optional A20-Tx Switch
Installing the Optional A20-TX Switch The optional A20-TX Switch is a physical latching on/off bayonet-style switch that mounts to the top of the A20-TX. It can be assigned to the following functions: ● None ● Power ● Record ● Mute ●... -
Page 23: Installing The Optional A-Boom 2
Installing the Optional A-BOOM 2 The A-BOOM 2 is a boom pole mount designed specifically for the A20-TX transmitter. It mounts to the top of a cabled or cableless boom pole. It can be positioned facing up or down the boom pole, and the onscreen text of the A20-TX screen will conveniently rotate to allow you to read it at the right orientation. -
Page 24: Frequency Authorization
Sound Devices encourages all wireless operators to obtain a Part 74 license, and specifically to make sure applicable parts of the 600 MHz and 950 MHz range are included with their license application. This can help show an operator is aware of the available spectrum and is utilizing it responsibly. -
Page 25: A20-Tx Specifications
A20-TX 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 ● 169 to 1525 MHz ● Transmitter tunable in 25 kHz steps ● Available frequencies are dependent on region RF Output Power ●... - Page 26 ● Guitar ○ Auto-selected when connected with A20-TX Smart Guitar Cable ○ ¼” tip = + ¼” sleeve = ground ○ 18V p-p max input level ○ Input impedance: 100k, 1M, 10M (menu selectable) ○ Cable capacitance: 0 pF - 3000 pF in 50 pF steps (menu selectable) ○...
- Page 27 Battery Runtime ● Up to 12 hours (depending on battery chemistry, number of batteries, RF power, input type, mode) ● Unit can be completely powered off remotely via app or via NexLink to extend battery runtime Environmental ● Operating: -10° C to 40° C ●...
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Page 28: Antenna Guide
17” uncut Astral VHF Whip Antenna to SMA), and a set of antenna caps. Sound Devices offers additional pre-cut and uncut antennas as available options. Attach antennas with a length specific to the frequency in use. Using the wrong length of antenna reduces RF range. -
Page 29: Servicing The A20-Tx
Warranty Sound Devices, LLC warrants the items listed above against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase. Users who register their product directly with Sound Devices Technical Support using the online form or by phone, will receive an additional ONE (1) year of warranty coverage, extending the complete warranty period to TWO (2) years from the date of original retail purchase. -
Page 30: Patents
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 31 Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements ISED établies pour des conditions portables. Cet appareil est conforme aux exigences de débit d'absorption spécifique (SAR) à une distance de 0 mm. This device has been approved to operate with the antenna types listed below: Sound Devices Part # Frequency Band Maximum Gain Impedance 29429.000...
- Page 32 WEEE Statement If you wish to discard a Sound Devices product in Europe, contact Sound Devices (England) for further information. Battery Advisory Incorrect use of batteries poses a danger of explosion.
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Page 33: 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-TX Model Number: 9808 Description: Digital Wireless Microphone Transmitter...
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