A Versatile Receiver Ready for the Bag, Cart, or Rack
Sound Devices has been a trusted name in professional audio equipment for years. The company’s latest offering, the A20-Nexus, is a multichannel wireless microphone receiver ready to meet busy audio professionals’ demands. This 1/2-rack, 8-channel solution can be expanded to accommodate up to 16 channels and uses SpectraBand technology to provide mission-critical reliability across an ultrawide 470 to 1524 MHz tuning range—allowing it work anywhere on Earth.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the A20-Nexus and explore its features and capabilities. We’ll also discuss how it can benefit audio professionals working in a variety of settings.
Features
The A20-Nexus is packed with features that can speed up audio professionals’ workflows. Some of the key features include:
- 8-channel ultrahigh-performance, true-diversity receiver in a 1/2-rack size (8.0 x 6.6 x 1.6”).
- Expandable to 12 or 16 channels via additional plug-in.
- 470 to 1525 MHz tuning range via SpectraBand Technology.
- NexLink: advanced long-distance modulation that reaches even farther than the A20-Mini’s long-range wireless audio transmission and functions separately or alongside A20-Remote.
- 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 the browser on any computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Full remote operation capability: Power via PoE, audio via Dante, or control via Web App.
- Dual DB-25 connectors for 16 channels of mic, line, or AES outputs.
- Convert 16 channels of Dante to analog and/or AES on DB25 connectors, for sending IFB, voice-of-god, and more from mixer to set.
- Wide, 6.2” color OLED touchscreen 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 (available separately) allows docking and undocking in seconds from 8-Series mixer recorders with no tools required.
- Modular design allows A20-Nexus to be disconnected and remoted from 8-Series instead of less flexible integrated RF/mixer/recorder solutions.
- All NexLink control is handled by A20-Nexus and/or its Web App instead of the 8-Series for maximum flexibility.
- Full remote power-down: A20-Minis can be fully powered down via NexLink for excellent battery life. This alleviates the need for remote auto-RF-power adjustment schemes. The user is in full control of RF power settings.
- Supports GainForward architecture: no gain setting on the A20-Mini transmitter. Adjust gain at the receiver or mixer.
- 100% digital long-range modulation delivers extremely long transmission distances.
- Excellent audio quality, full 10 Hz to 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 + Real Time Spectral Analysis
One of the standout features of the A20-Nexus is its SpectraBand technology, which delivers a tuning range of 470 to 1525 MHz in a single unit. This allows audio professionals to find an open spectrum away from the crowded UHF TV band, providing ultimate flexibility in where they can work. The included A20-Monarch antennas can receive the entire 470 to 1525 MHz range, keeping the kit small and tidy.
In addition, the A20-Nexus also features Real-Time Spectral Analysis. With this technology, audio professionals no longer have to wait for a scan to complete to coordinate frequencies. They can instantly visualize the RF spectrum around them in real-time and monitor audio while doing so. This feature alone can save time and simplify the frequency coordination process.
GainForward Transmitter Control
The A20-Nexus is also compatible with GainForward architecture on the A20-Mini transmitters (available separately).
This allows users to easily set Mini’s gain, low-cut, and limiter directly on the A20-Nexus or your mixer recorder. With this immediate, local control of gain, audio professionals never have to adjust the gain on the transmitter again.
NexLink Remote Control & Dante Networking
The A20-Nexus also features NexLink remote control and Dante networking capabilities. With the built-in long-range remote control link, audio professionals can control their A20-Mini transmitters from a distance. NexLink’s advanced long-distance modulation reaches even farther than the A20-Mini’s long-range wireless audio transmission.
Additionally, users can use the built-in web server with any computer, tablet, or phone to control the A20-Nexus wherever their ethernet cable can take them. They can power the receiver from a distance using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and remotely deliver audio via Dante. The possibilities are boundless.
Why Choose NEXUS A20?
The NEXUS A20 is a versatile, high-performance wireless microphone receiver that is designed to meet the needs of busy audio professionals. With its SpectraBand technology, Real-Time Spectral Analysis, and GainForward Transmitter Control, the NEXUS A20 provides ultimate flexibility in terms of frequency coordination and control.
In addition, its NexLink remote control and Dante networking capabilities make it easy to control the A20-Mini transmitter from a distance, and the web app control allows users to control the A20-Nexus from anywhere with an internet connection. Its modular design and full remote power-down capability also make it a convenient and flexible choice for audio professionals.
Furthermore, the A20-Nexus is packed with features that can speed up workflows and improve audio quality, such as its dual DB-25 connectors for 16 channels of mic, line, or AES outputs, and its wide, 6.2” color OLED touchscreen for control and monitoring. With its excellent audio quality, full 10 Hz to 20 kHz audio bandwidth, and RF SAW filters for excellent rejection of interference from nearby IFB or camera-hop transmitters, the A20-Nexus is a reliable and efficient solution for audio professionals in a variety of settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the A20-Nexus from Sound Devices is a versatile and reliable wireless microphone receiver that offers a range of features and capabilities designed to meet the needs of busy audio professionals. With its SpectraBand technology, Real-Time Spectral Analysis, GainForward Transmitter Control, NexLink remote control, and Dante networking capabilities, the A20-Nexus provides ultimate flexibility and control.
Furthermore, its modular design, full remote power-down capability, and compatibility with the A20-QuickDock make it a convenient and flexible choice for audio professionals working in the field, on a production set, or at a live-performance venue. Overall, the A20-Nexus is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance multichannel wireless microphone receiver that can quickly and easily move between bag, cart, and rack applications. Its exceptional audio quality, full 10 Hz to 20 kHz audio bandwidth, and RF SAW filters for excellent rejection of interference from nearby IFB or camera-hop transmitters make it a reliable and efficient solution for audio professionals in any setting.
If you’re a busy audio professional looking for a high-performance wireless microphone receiver that can keep up with your demanding workload, the A20-Nexus from Sound Devices is definitely worth considering. With its advanced features, flexible design, and exceptional performance, it’s sure to make your workflow faster and more efficient. Whether you’re working in the field, on a production set, or at a live-performance venue, the A20-Nexus is ready to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
So if you’re in the market for a multichannel wireless microphone receiver that can quickly and easily move between bag, cart, or rack applications, the A20-Nexus from Sound Devices is the perfect solution. Its advanced features, flexible design, and exceptional performance make it the ultimate choice for audio professionals who demand the very best.
