Sound Devices Astral ARX16 Receiver

The Sound Devices Astral ARX16 is a wideband half-rack receiver expandable from 8 channels up to 16 channels with software licenses. The Astral ARX16 features forward-thinking technologies like SpectraBand, the powerful NexLink remote-control link, real time spectrum analysis, and more. With multiple options for audio outputs, powering, and remote control, the Astral ARX16 can seamlessly adapt to your workflow, both now and in the future.

Upgrade to 12 or 16 receiver channels with the Astral ARX16 4-Channel Expansion License.

Astral ARX16 Features:

• 8-channel ultra-high-performance, true-diversity receivers in a ½ rack size (8.0” x 6.6” x 1.6”).
• Expandable to 12- or 16-channels via software license (coming soon).
• 470 MHz – 1525 MHz tuning range via SpectraBand Technology.
• NexLink: integrated, long distance remote control of all wireless transmitters
• Dante audio-over-IP of RF receiver audio.
• Flexible powering: via PoE+, DC input, 8-Series, or AC mains (with optional adapter).
• Web App control from browser on any computer, smartphone or tablet.
• Full remote operation capability: Power via PoE, audio via Dante, control via Web App.
• Dual DB-25 connectors for 16 channels of mic, line, or AES outputs
• 16 channels of Dante audio-over-IP output to DB25 connectors on the back panel.
• Wide, 6.2” color OLED array with touch for control and monitoring.
• Integrated Real Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA) and scanning for intuitive frequency coordination.
• Optical Fiber Network option via SFP slot. SFP accepts a wide variety of modular network transceivers.
• A20-QuickDock allows docking and undocking in seconds from 8-Series mixer-recorders with no tools.
• Supports GainForward Architecture: No gain setting on the Astral Mini transmitter. Adjust gain at the receiver or mixer.
• 100% digital long-range modulation delivers the longest transmission distance of any system on the market.
• Excellent audio quality, full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth.
• RF SAW filters for excellent rejection of interference from nearby IFB or camera hop transmitters.
• BNC timecode input for auto timecode sync of transmitters over NexLink

SpectraBand

SpectraBand technology delivers a tuning range of 470 – 1525 MHz in a single unit – an industry first. Experience ultimate flexibility as you find open spectrum away from the crowded UHF TV band. The included A20-Monarch antennas can receive the entire 470-1525 MHz range, keeping your kit small and tidy.

NexLink

Control your Astral Mini or Mini Plus transmitter using the built-in long range remote control link. NexLink’s advanced long distance modulation reaches even farther than the Astral Mini’s long-range audio transmission.

AutoAssign

The Astral ARX16 v1.20 firmware adds the AutoAssign function, which automatically scans the current tuning band for clean frequencies, assigns them to multiple channels, and then automatically pushes them to NexLinked transmitters. Deploy multiple transmitters in seconds.

The updated Astral ARX16 v1.20 firmware also adds the ability to globally power on and off all transmitters from the TX list. Firmware updates available from Sound Devices website.

Network away

You’ve got options. Configure your Astral ARX16 for Dante audio, use the built-in web server to control the receiver using the web browser on any computer, tablet, or phone, and even power the Astral ARX16 remotely using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

Real time spectrum analysis

The days of waiting for a frequency scan to complete are over. Instantly visualize the fluctuating RF spectrum around you in real time – while running all channels of the audio.

GainForward

With the Astral Mini’s GainForward Architecture, easily set the Mini’s gain, low-cut, and limiter directly on your Astral ARX16 or mixer-recorder. This immediate, local control of gain means never having to adjust the gain on the transmitter again.

Go cableless

Thanks to its half-rack size, the Astral ARX16 is equally at home in a rack, in a bag, or docked to an 8-Series mixer recorder for a cableless kit.

Long range

The Astral ARX16 and Astral Mini deliver the longest transmission distance of any system on the market. The state-of-the-art, 100% digital long-range modulation offers the same great audio quality (10 Hz – 20 kHz) as our Standard modulation scheme with a longer range for both line-of-sight and heavy multipath transmission.

Whats in the Box?

• 2x A20-Monarch SpectraBand antennas
• 2x Articulating arm with clamp and 1⁄4-20 thread mount
• 2x 30in/75cm BNC – BNC cable
• 2x 2.4GHz SMA Tilting antenna
• 2x NexLink side mounting brackets with SMA to SMA cable