Sound Devices / Professional Audio
Astral ARX16
SKU: ARM-RF-SD-ASTRAL-ARX16
The Sound Devices Astral ARX16 is a half-rack digital wireless receiver for location, broadcast, theatre and live production. It combines multi-channel reception with remote transmitter control, spectrum analysis and networked audio.
Included channel configuration
This listing is for the base 8-channel receiver. Expansion to 12 or 16 channels requires additional four-channel software licences, supplied separately. Ask ARM for a quote for your required channel count.
Key features
- True-diversity reception in a compact half-rack chassis.
- SpectraBand tuning from 169–1525 MHz, with frequencies dependent on region.
- NexLink control of compatible Astral transmitters.
- Integrated real-time spectrum analysis and AutoAssign frequency deployment.
- Dante, analogue and AES audio connectivity.
- Browser control through the built-in Web App.
- Flexible powering options, including PoE+ and DC.
System planning
Tell ARM your channel count, recorder or console, and antenna requirements. Expansion licences, transmitters, mounting and other optional accessories can be quoted to suit.
RRP $27,065.00 AUD
Price $27,065.00 AUD
Save $0.00 AUD
Including GSTinc.
In stock
Available from ARM stock.
Contact ARM to confirm stock availability and your required configuration.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Specifications
The details you need to plan your system. Expand a section to explore.
Wireless & reception
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Included receiver channels | 8 |
| Expandable capacity | Up to 16 channels with separately purchased licences |
| Tuning range | 169–1525 MHz; available bands depend on region |
| Reception | True diversity |
| RF tools | Real Time Spectrum Analysis and automatic frequency assignment |
RF & reception
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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, Long Range, or T&M (Test & Measurement), selectable per channel |
| Spurious Rejection | >100 dB typical |
| Cascade output | 50 ohm |
| Cascade output / 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 Astral ARX16 so that the receivers maintain excellent range. |
| Cascade output | Wideband power split, pre-LNA |
| RF Bias output | 12V, 200 mA each BNC; Smart antenna support, Wisycom-compatible |
Audio outputs & synchronisation
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Latency | Standard modulation = 2 ms, analog or digital outputs; Long Range modulation = 3.9 ms, analog or digital outputs; T&M (Test and Measurement) = 7 ms, analog or digital outputs |
| Audio Frequency Response | 10 Hz–20 kHz, +/- 1 dB relative to 1 kHz |
| Low Cut | Off, 40 Hz, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, 200 Hz; 3rd order, 18dB/oct roll off. |
| Dynamic Range | > 130 dB with an Astral transmitter |
| Analog Outputs | D-Sub 25 outputs conforming to AES59 'Tascam' standard; Balanced connection; 120-ohm output impedance |
| Analog Output Level / Line | +20 dBu for 0 dBFS |
| Analog Output Level / Guitar | +20 dBu for -5 dBFS (note: same as Line output, but level matched for Astral Guitar Box balanced-to-1/4" unbalanced converter) |
| Analog Output Level / -10 | +6 dBu for 0 dBFS |
| Analog Output Level / Mic | -20 dBu for 0 dBFS |
| Tone Generator | 1 kHz tone, adjustable from -20 to 0 dBFS |
| Audio Output Sample Rate | 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz |
| Digital Audio Output | AES3 balanced connection, 110-ohm output impedance |
| Audio-Over-IP | Dante, 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz sample rate |
| Sync | LTC / Wordclock BNC input, software-switchable 75-ohm termination; Dante; 8-Series (when docked) |
Network audio & control
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dante Audio-Over-IP | 16 input/output channels |
| Control | Web-based control and monitoring of all Astral ARX16 settings |
| Connections / 2x RJ45 ports | For Dante and/or Control. Port 1 supports powering from PoE+ |
| Connections / 1x SFP | For Dante and/or Control. Compatible with Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) network transceivers |
NexLink transmitter control
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Protocol | 2.4 GHz, proprietary frequency-hopping backlink control of transmitters over long distance |
| Connections | Front or rear diversity pair; SMA-F ports for connecting 2.4 GHz SMA-M antennas |
USB connections
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Drive Format | FAT32 |
Power & distribution
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sources / DC Input on locking TA4 connector, pin-4 = (+), pin-1 = (-) | dual, redundant (highest voltage takes precedence). |
| Sources / PoE+ | 802.3at, 30W needed (standard 15W PoE 802.3af will not work) |
| Sources | 8-Series (through unit-to-unit connector when docked); AC mains adapter (XL-WPTA4 sold separately) |
| Levels | DC input, 10 to 18V in, 2A minimum at 10 VDC; 11 W idle, default configuration; Extra power passed through for USB power, active antenna power, and DC output power |
| Levels / DC Outs | max 500 mA between both outputs. |
Dimensions, weight & environment
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 6.6 in) |
| Weight | 1.27 kg (unpackaged); 2.8 lbs. (unpackaged) |
USB host
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB-A for supported keyboards, drives, transmitters, Outpost and hubs |
Channel expansion licences, rack accessories and QuickDock are sold separately. Wireless frequencies are region dependent.
Technical specifications from Sound Devices product information and user guides, organised for ARM. Features may depend on installed firmware and optional licences.