Sound Devices Releases the Astral ARX2 with SpectraBand Technology
REEDSBURG, WISC., JULY 20, 2022 – Sound Devices is shipping the Astral ARX2: a two-channel, true diversity receiver with industry-exclusive SpectraBand technology. SpectraBand gives the Astral ARX2 receiver and Astral Mini transmitter an unprecedented tuning range: 470 MHz – 1525 MHz. The Astral ARX2 also features high-discrimination front end filtering for better performance in noisy RF environments and Frequency AutoAssign for faster setup. The receiver is compatible with both Astral Mini and A10-TX transmitters. Sound professionals with the previous model, A10-RX, can upgrade the hardware of their receivers to the Astral ARX2 for $995 USD or for a reduced price of $750 if they purchased their A10-RX within the last 12 months or an Astral Mini since June 1st. Proof of purchase will be required for the reduced price. The upgrade program lasts until the end of 2022.
“As wireless spectrum becomes increasingly crowded, sound professionals need flexibility when it comes to tuning range. The Astral ARX2 is the first receiver on the market that can tune not only in common UHF TV bands around 470 – 608 MHz, but far above that,” said Gary Trenda, RF Applications Engineer at Sound Devices. “We’re excited to offer the Astral ARX2 and an upgrade path for our A10-RX customers.”
SpectraBand eliminates the need for purchasing different wireless receivers dedicated to specific frequency bands. In the USA, the Astral ARX2 can tune to the 600 MHz guard band (614-616 MHz), 600 MHz duplex gap (653-663 MHz), 900 MHz ISM Band (902-928MHz), 900 MHz STL Band (941.5-960 MHz), and, with the appropriate license, the 1.5 GHz AFTRCC band (1435-1525 MHz). This is in addition to the core USA UHF TV band from 470-608 MHz that’s commonly available. Overall, this totals approximately 285 MHz of available spectrum. In the UK, the Astral ARX2 can tune to the 800 MHz duplex gap (823-832 MHz), 800 MHz guard band (863-865 MHz), and, with a proper license, the DME and 1.5 GHz bands (961-1015 MHz, 1045-1075 MHz, 1105-1154 MHz, 1518-1525 MHz). This is in addition to the core UK UHF TV band from 470-702 MHz that’s commonly available. Overall, this totals approximately 383 MHz.
The Astral ARX2 is the second product in Sound Devices’ first wireless product line. The first product, the Astral Mini transmitter, is receiving a free firmware upgrade to enable SpectraBand when used with the Astral ARX2. The Astral ARX2 is also compatible with all tuning ranges of the full-size A10-TX and is SuperSlot compatible with an SL-2 SuperSlot Wireless Module and 8-Series mixer-recorder.
Two other notable features of the Astral ARX2 are its front-end filtering and Frequency AutoAssign. While tracking filters are common in wireless receivers, the Astral ARX2 uses superior low-loss, brick-wall SAW filters to deliver excellent performance in noisy RF environments. These built-in filters also provide excellent immunity from nearby IFB or camera hop transmitters without the need for external filters or extra cabling. The AutoAssign feature scans a user-designated tuning band and selects available frequencies for the Astral ARX2’s two channels. This feature is designed to make frequency selection and setting quick and easy.
The release of the Astral ARX2 coincides with supporting firmware for the Astral Mini, A10-TX, 8-Series, SD-Utility and Astral Remote. To download supporting firmware, visit www.sounddevices.com/download
The A10-RX may be converted to the Astral ARX2 by sending the unit to Sound Devices for a hardware upgrade. Customers can start the upgrade process by visiting service.sounddevices.com/contact-support
The Astral ARX2 is available for purchase worldwide. To learn more about the Astral ARX2, visit www.sounddevices.com/product/astral-arx2