Tag: A20-Nexus Go

A20-Nexus Go and A20-TX Live-Streaming Demo

Last updated
Aug 3, 2023
Online, United States (US)

Join us to learn about the new A20-Nexus Go and A20-TX! 

Are you curious to learn about the newest additions to our Astral family of wireless gear? On August 3rd, at 10:00am CDT (3:00pm GMT), Sound Devices will host a live-streaming event online where Director of Product Design and Management Paul Isaacs and RF Applications Engineer Gary Trenda will demonstrate the new A20-Nexus Go multichannel true-diversity wireless receiver and A20-TX digital wireless transmitter. Following the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to ask Paul and Gary questions for them to answer live. 

With 4 receiver channels that can be expanded to 6 and 8 with software expansion licenses and a form factor compact enough for a bag or a half-unit space on a sound cart, the A20-Nexus Go receiver is ready for any application. It has SpectraBand’s 169-1525 MHz global tuning range, the ability to set gain at the receiver and not the transmitter with GainForward, long-range remote control of transmitters via NexLink, integrated RTSA (Real Time Spectrum Analyzer), and more. 

The A20-TX transmitter is compatible with the widest array of input sources, from lavs and dynamic mics, to phantom-powered condenser mics, balanced line-level sources, and even AES digital mics. It accepts AA batteries of any chemistry, and offers a battery life up to 12 hours. The A20-TX transmitter includes the first full, true balanced ultra-low-noise high-headroom mic preamp, and has Astral-family features, like NexLink, SpectraBand, and GainForward. 

To register for the live-streaming demo and submit a question for Paul and Gary in advance, please fill out the form below.  

A20-Nexus v1.50 Firmware

Last updated
Download Firmware v1.50

New 

  • Support for the A20-TX transmitter 
  • Support for receiving VHF transmission 
  • Added ‘Show Mode’ to the Web App. This is a read-only mode that prevents inadvertent changing of settings. 
  • Added transmitter names to the Web App RTSA. 
  • Support for Privacy mode 
  • Added TX View menu for monitoring and setting TX-only functions, even when transmitters are not assigned to receiver channels. 
  • Added Audio Offset and Gain Range buttons to the 1RX View, which are accessed by pressing the ‘More’ button on OLED2. 

Changes 

  • Increased maximum number of paired transmitters to 64 
  • Transmitters no longer have to be assigned to a receiver channel to be monitored and controlled over NexLink. 
  • Multiple transmitters can now be assigned to the same receiver channel.  
  • Enhanced TX List menu with transmitter battery level, frequency, NexLink RSSI and TX View.  
  • Edit transmitter names directly from the TX List by tapping the name. 
  • The NexLink RSSI meter is now white for a powered-off transmitter. A powered-on transmitter’s NexLink RSSI meter is still green. 
  • The collapsed 4RX views in the Web App now show audio meter, Q-meter, transmitter name and battery level. 
  • Added audio meter scale markings 
  • Various UI layout changes to the 1RX View and its Gear menu to accommodate new Audio Offset and Gain Range buttons.  
  • Mode button (RF Only, REC only, REC+RF) moved to the new TX View menu. 

Fixed

  • Audio metering release time improved. 

Astral Receiver Comparison

Last updated
FeatureA20-NexusA20-Nexus GoA20-RX
Base Channels842
Expandable Channel Count12, 166, 8
100% Digital, True-diversity Wireless
Compatible with A20-Mini, A20-TX Transmitters
SpectraBand 
Tuning Range169-1525 MHz169 – 1525 MHz470 – 1525 MHz
NexLink Long Range Transmitter Control
GainForward
Long Range and Standard Modulation
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA)
Scan
AutoAssign frequencies from receiver to transmitters
Privacy Key
Antenna Inputs2×22×22
Cascade Outsvia 8-Series/SL-2
Active and Smart Antenna Supportvia 8-Series/SL-2
SuperSlot (Compatible with SL-2, SL-6)
Dock to 8-Series Mixer/Recordervia SL-2
Web App Control
Dante I/O8-16
AES Output8-164-82  (via A-TA3 adapter)
Line Output8-164-82  (via A-TA3 adapter)
Mic Output8-164-8
Headphone Output
Timecode Input
Wordclock Input
Auto Timecode Sync of Transmitters over NexLink
PoE+
DC Outputs (for powering peripherals)via 8-Series/SL-2
DC Inputs212 (via A-TA3 adapter)

A20-Nexus Go Specifications

Last updated

Patents: The A20-Nexus Go is protected by US patents US10678294B2, US20190166523A1, International patent WO2018022209A1, and several patents pending.

RF

  • Tuning
    • 169 to 1525 MHz (1356 MHz switching bandwidth)
    • 25 kHz steps
    • SpectraBand Technology for maximum rejection of out-of-band signals
    • Available frequencies depend on country of operation
  • Modulation
    • Proprietary, 100% digital RF modulation
    • Standard or Long Range, selectable per channel
  • Spurious Rejection
    • >100 dB typical
  • Cascade output
    • 50 ohm
    • 3.5 dB Insertion Loss from front BNC through rear BNC: 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.
    • Wideband power split, pre-LNA
  • RF Bias output
    • 12V, 200 mA each BNC
    • Smart antenna support, Wisycom-compatible

Audio

  • Latency
    • Standard modulation = 2 ms, analog or digital outputs
    • Long Range modulation = 3.9 ms, analog or digital outputs
  • Audio Frequency Response
    • 10 Hz–20 kHz, +/- 1 dB relative to 1 kHz
  • Dynamic Range
    • > 130 dB with an A20 transmitter
  • Output Level
    • Line-level: +20 dBu for 0 dBFS
    • Mic-level: -20 dBu for 0 dBFS
  • Audio Output Sample Rate
    • 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz
  • Digital Audio Output
    • AES3 balanced connection, 110 ohm output impedance

Powering

  • Sources
    • TA4 DC Input
    • 8-Series (through unit-to-unit connector when docked)
    • AC mains adapter (sold separately)
  • Levels
    • DC input, 10 to 18V in, 2A minimum at 10 VDC
    • 10W idle, default configuration
    • Extra power passed through for USB power, active antenna power, and DC output power
    • USB-A: 5V, 500 mA output; supports keyboards, thumb drives, A20 transmitters, and USB hubs
    • DC Outs: max 500 mA between both outputs.

Environmental

  • Operating Temperature Range
    • -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)
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