Sound Devices A20-Nexus

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Accessories
Servicing

The A20-Nexus is an ultra-high performance, 8-, 12-, or 16-channel true-diversity wireless microphone receiver, housed in a compact 1/2-rack wide chassis. It features 8 independent, true-diversity channels, expandable to 12 or 16 channels via software license. A key innovation is NexLink, an integrated, long-distance RF link for full remote control of microphone transmitters.

Function Description:

The A20-Nexus is designed for professional audio capture, offering robust and reliable wireless audio transmission. It can be used standalone, mounted in a standard 19-inch rack, or placed remotely near transmitters. Its ability to be powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE+), Dante audio-over-IP, and a built-in web server for control via phone, tablet, or computer make it highly versatile. When docked to Sound Devices 833, 888, or Scorpio mixer-recorders using the A20-QuickDock accessory, it provides convenient power, audio, and timecode connections without additional cables, allowing for quick docking and undocking.

The device's architecture incorporates two entire signal paths for True Diversity reception, which is superior to antenna or phase diversity. It utilizes SpectraBand technology, enabling a super-wide tuning range of 470-1525 MHz, divided into multiple, tightly-filtered tuning bands to reduce out-of-band interference. The Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) stage, with a noise figure of only 0.35 dB, ensures very low noise and high dynamic range for long-range reception and high overload capability. The Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) performs filtering, frequency conversion, and demodulation of up to 16 channels simultaneously, including True Diversity operation at the bit level for extended range.

Important Technical Specifications:

Channels: 8-channel true-diversity, expandable to 12 or 16 via software license.
Tuning Range: 470 MHz - 1525 MHz via SpectraBand Technology (country-dependent).
Modulation: Proprietary, 100% digital RF modulation; Standard or Long Range, selectable per channel. Long Range modulation offers better sensitivity and range.
Spurious Rejection: >100 dB typical.
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 A20-Mini as 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.
Audio-Over-IP: Dante, 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate; 16 input/output channels.
Powering: Flexible options including PoE+, DC input (TA4, 10-18V), 8-Series expansion port, or AC mains adapter.
DC Outputs: Dual 4-pin Hirose female DC outputs (500 mA max between both outputs) for powering peripherals.
Antenna Inputs: Front and rear panel BNC connectors for active, passive, or smart antennas.
NexLink Antennas: Dual SMA-F ports for 2.4 GHz SMA-M antennas.
Timecode Input: BNC for LTC or Wordclock.
Networking: 2x RJ45 ports for Dante and/or Control; 1x SFP slot for modular network transceivers (optical fiber options available).
USB-A Port: Multi-function for thumb drives, keyboards, transmitter pairing, and timecode syncing. Supports USB hubs.
Display: Wide, 6.2" color OLED array with touch for control and monitoring.
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: 1.27 kg (unpackaged), 2.8 lbs (unpackaged).
Operating Temperature Range: -10 °C to +55 °C.

Usage Features:

User Interface: Operated via front panel triangle button, headphone knob, and four touch screens, or remotely via its web interface.
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA): Integrated RTSA and scanning for intuitive frequency coordination, operating in RTSA (real-time analysis of selected tuning band) and Scan (analysis of entire 470-1525 MHz spectrum) modes.
GainForward Architecture: Eliminates the need to adjust microphone preamplifier gain at the A20-Mini transmitter; gain is adjusted at the receiver or mixer.
NexLink Transmitter Control: Remote control, monitoring, and timecode syncing for up to 16 A20-Mini transmitters.
Frequency Coordination: Intuitive frequency coordination with RTSA and scanning for clean tuning bands.
Antenna Bias Power: Provides 12 VDC bias power for active or smart antennas.
Cascade Out: Option on rear BNCs for daisy-chaining multiple A20-Nexus units.
Headphone Output: Front-panel 3.5 mm connector for monitoring.
Quick Setup Menu: Load and save setup files to internal memory slots or an external USB drive for quick recall.
Web App Control: Full remote operation via a browser on any computer, smartphone, or tablet, including RTSA view and data export (.csv, .png).
Timecode Sync: Automatically syncs multiple A20-Mini transmitters to the A20-Nexus timecode source, ensuring zero-frame drift.
Power Consumption Reduction: Options to turn off unused receiver channels, disable Dante, and power via TA-4 or 8-Series for efficiency.

Maintenance Features:

Firmware Updates: Firmware can be updated via a USB thumb drive inserted into the USB-A port.
Troubleshooting RF Overload: Indicators for antenna RF overload (red for overload, orange for approaching overload) with tips to increase transmitter-receiver distance, reduce RF power, reduce amplifier gain (for amplified antennas), or change tuning band/frequency.
System Settings: Access to screen, country, date/time, USB drive format, firmware update, NexLink settings, plugins, and web app password.
Factory Defaults: Option to restore default settings via the Quick Setup menu.

Accessories:

Included: 2x A20-Monarch Antennas, 2x Articulating Arms, 2x 30" BNC to BNC Antenna Cables, 2x 2.4 GHz Antennas (SMA), 2x 2.4 GHz Antenna Bracket Assembly, 4x Rubber Feet, 1x plastic SFP Cage Protective Cover, A20-Nexus Product Document, Audio Product Portfolio Brochure, 2x Promo Stickers.
Optional: A20-QuickDock, A20-Monarch Antenna (kit), A20-Shelf, 2.4 GHz Antennas (set of 2), 2.4 GHz Antenna Bracket Assembly, XL-WPTA4 Power Supply.

Servicing:

The A20-Nexus is not user-serviceable. Internal parts are microscopic. For any service needs, contact Sound Devices. The warranty is for one year from the original retail purchase, extendable to two years upon product registration. Damage from unauthorized repairs voids the warranty.