Sound Devices Astral ARX16 8-Channel Digital Wireless Receiver (169 to 1525 MHz)

A Versatile Multichannel Receiver Ready for the Bag, Cart, or Rack

Busy audio professionals looking for a multichannel wireless microphone receiver that can quickly and easily move between bag, cart, and rack applications will find a lot to appreciate in the Astral ARX16 from Sound Devices. 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 169 to 1525 MHz tuning range—allowing it to work anywhere on Earth. With a host of flexible powering options, Dante networking, and seamless integration with the Scorpio and 8-Series mixer/recorders, the Astral ARX16 is packed with features to speed up your workflow, whether you’re working in the field, on a production set, or at a live-performance venue.

SpectraBand + Real Time Spectrum Analysis

• SpectraBand technology delivers a tuning range of 169 to 1525 MHz in a single unit. Experience ultimate flexibility as you find open spectrum away from the crowded UHF TV band. The included A20-Monarch antennas can receive the entire 169 to 1525 MHz range, keeping your kit small and tidy and allowing you to work anywhere.
• In addition, with the Real Time Spectral Analyzer (RTSA), the days of waiting for a scan to complete are over. Instantly visualize the RF spectrum around you in real time and coordinate frequencies all while monitoring audio. It also offers enhanced trace options, including Normal + Peak Hold and Average + Peak Hold, along with RF History that runs continuously in the background, even when switching views.
• The TV Channel Finder algorithm detects and displays 6, 7, or 8 MHz TV channels directly within RTSA and Scan Views for faster, smarter frequency coordination.
• The Frequency Exclusion Regions tool lets you define frequency bands to avoid during AutoAssign or manual assignment, preventing interference with known occupied spectrum.
• The Whip Antenna Length tool displays a real-size graphic to assist in cutting antennas to optimal length for your chosen frequency range.

GainForward Transmitter Control

• Use the GainForward architecture on Astral Mini, TX, and HH transmitters to set gain, low-cut, and limiter directly on your Astral ARX16 or compatible mixer-recorder.
• A new wireless firmware update menu allows you to update Astral transmitter firmware over NexLink, simplifying system maintenance.
• Transmitter button mapping has been enhanced: the “GPIO” control option is now labeled “Control” and can trigger macros or GPIO events.
• This immediate, local control of gain and configuration means never having to adjust the transmitter in the field again.

NexLink Remote Control & Dante Networking

• NexLink’s advanced long-distance modulation reaches even farther than the transmitter’s wireless audio signal and now supports simultaneous NexLink communication via multiple Astral Outposts for expanded control coverage.
• Timecode distribution to transmitters via NexLink from Astral Outposts is supported, streamlining synchronization across complex setups.
• Connection reliability has been further improved with enhanced NexLink re-connection and stability, even in crowded RF environments.
• Use the built-in web server with any computer, tablet, or phone to control the Astral ARX16 wherever your Ethernet cable can take you. The Web App now remembers the last viewed band’s RTSA for faster access.
• Power the receiver remotely using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and send audio over Dante for a truly flexible, single-cable setup.

Expanded System Reliability and Workflow

• Improved audio performance at the edge of RF range ensures clearer sound and better interference resistance.
• The RF Mirror mode now maintains secondary-unit control, even if the primary comes back online, with an added option to use either the primary’s or the secondary’s local Outposts.
• A new 75-ohm termination switch in the Timecode menu applies to the rear-panel LTC/WCK BNC input for improved sync reliability.
• Network diagnostics now display the MAC addresses of the Dante and Control ports directly in the Network menu.
• Visual updates include unified icon colors across the main and web menus for consistent operation across all Astral devices.

Features

• 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.
• 169 to 1525 MHz tuning range via SpectraBand Technology.
• NexLink remote control and telemetry with Astral Mini, TX, and HH 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, 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 Astral ARX16 to be disconnected and remoted from 8-Series, as opposed to less flexible integrated RF/mixer/recorder solutions.
• All NexLink control is handled by Astral ARX16 and/or its Web App instead of the 8-Series for maximum flexibility.
• Full remote power-down: Astral transmitters can be fully powered down via NexLink for excellent battery life. This alleviates the need for remote auto-RF-power adjustment schemes. User is in full control of RF power settings.
• Supports GainForward architecture: no gain setting on the Astral 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.
• Supports Astral control and monitoring with SoundBase.
• Features three Aux-triggered audio output paths.
• Allows you to send headphone solo to audio outputs when used with the ARX16 or ARX32.