Sound Devices Astral TX - Bodypack Transmitter for Astral Wireless
Availability:
In StockAvailable for shipment within one business day, or pickup from our Jamaica, NY warehouse during regular business hours.
Sound Devices Astral TX - Bodypack Transmitter for Astral Wireless
Sale price$2,495.00
Description
Finding a tool that can serve multiple purposes is the goal of every audio professional. More flexible gear means less — less for you to carry in a bag or fit in a case, and less gear to rent for a gig. That’s the philosophy behind the Astral TX digital wireless transmitter. It's engineered to be compatible with more input sources than any other transmitter, including two- or three-wire lavs, dynamic mics, phantom-powered condenser mics, guitars, balanced line-level sources, and even AES digital mics. The Astral TX transmitter’s multipurpose input saves you from having to pack or rent more transmitters.
Features:
- Worldwide VHF and UHF tuning range from 169 MHz-1525 MHz.
- Up to 12 hours battery runtime.
- Eco-friendly operation from rechargeable Lithium batteries or from standard AA batteries.
- Built-in battery charger via USB-C.
- Full remote control of the Astral TX via Astral Remote companion app and from Astral ARX16 and Astral ARX8 via long-range NexLink.
- State-of-the-art 100% digital long-range modulation delivers the longest transmission distance of any system on the market.
- RF Power output from 2 mW to 40 mW.
- Lemo input supports 2-wire or 3-wire mono lav, balanced mic, switchable 12, 48V phantom, balanced line-level, AES3, AES42 (compatible with Schoeps SuperCMIT), and guitar (w/ optional Smart Guitar Cable).
- GainForward Architecture – no gain control to worry about on the Astral TX.
- Full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth.
- 8-Series, fully balanced mic preamp built in (140 dB dynamic range).
- Ultra-quiet lavalier mic preamp (130+ dB dynamic range).
- Built-in 32-bit float, 48 kHz recorder with removable micro-SD card.
- Ultra-stable timecode built in, auto jammed via wireless NexLink.
- Sunlight-readable e-Paper screen for control and display. Display persists when powered off.
- USB-C for pairing with the Astral ARX16, file offload, charging, and timecode jamming.
- Astral Switch: Optional user-programmable bayonet switch, magnetically sensed and physically removable.
| Frequency Range | 169 to 1525 MHz Transmitter tunable in 25 kHz steps Available frequencies are dependent on region |
| RF Output Power | Off, Low – 2 mW, Normal – 10 mW, High – 20 mW, Extra High – 40 mW |
| Modulation Mode | Proprietary, 100% digital RF modulation Standard or Long Range, selectable |
| Antennas | UHF RF: SMA connector, removable antenna 2.4 GHz built-in, bottom of unit |
| Audio Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 20 kHz, +/- 1 dB re 1 kHz |
| Audio Input | |
| Lavalier Microphone | 2-wire- or 3-wire-type lavalier mics supported Auto-selected when lavalier mic connected to Lemo input Dynamic range: 130+ dB min, A-weighted Input clip level: 5V p-p (limited by lavalier microphone) Lemo pin 1 = ground; Lemo pin 2 = 5V bias power; Lemo pin 3 = audio/bias (8k to 5V internal) Auto unit power on/off with connection/removal of lavalier microphone (menu selectable) |
| Balanced Mic | True, fully balanced, 8-Series mic preamp Dynamic range: 140 dB min, A-weighted Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input Phantom power: 12V or 48V, full 10mA available per IEC 61938 XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| Line Input | True, fully balanced line-level input (no external resistors required) Input clip level: +26 dBu Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| AES42 | AES digital input with common mode power for Digital mics such as Schoeps SuperCMIT 250mA current available Selectable audio channel 1 or 2 via menu Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| AES3 | AES digital input without common mode power Selectable audio channel 1 or 2 via menu Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| Guitar | Auto-selected when connected with A20-TX Smart Guitar Cable ¼” tip = + ¼” sleeve = ground 18V p-p max input level Input impedance: 100k, 1M, 10M (menu selectable) Cable capacitance: 0 pF – 3000 pF in 50 pF steps (menu selectable) Balanced connection from ¼” plug to Lemo for low noise susceptibility |
| Menu and Controls | e-Paper screen highly visible in direct sunlight e-Paper screen keeps display even with no batteries Power/Pair button and three navigation buttons protected inside battery compartment Optional user-programmable bayonet switch for top of transmitter (A20-TX Switch) |
| Remote Control | Astral Remote Android, iOS, and iPad app via Bluetooth 5.2 LE Astral ARX32, Astral ARX16, and Astral ARX8 receivers via super-long-range NexLink |
| Recording Media | Micro SD card |
| Recording File Format | 32 Bit Float, 48 kHz, Monophonic Broadcast WAV (<4 GB), RF64 WAV (>4 GB) Simultaneous Record and Transmit mode when using lavalier mic input is not available on Astral TX units sold or operated in the United States of America. |
| Timecode | Input via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO, XL-TC-USBC-BNC, USB-A to USB-C (from 8-Series) or wirelessly over NexLink (from Astral ARX32, Astral ARX16, and Astral ARX8) LTC: 0.3 V – 3 V p-p (–17 dBu to +3 dBu), 20k ohm impedance LTC Output via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO: 3 V p-p, 400 ohm impedance |
| Timecode Clock | 0.2 ppm accuracy Holds accurate clock for four hours while powered down with batteries inserted, holds for one hour without batteries via internal supercapacitor Auto Jams timecode via USB-C connector or wirelessly via NexLink |
| Timecode Frame Rates | 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 DF, 29.97 ND, 30 DF, 30 ND Frame rates are auto-detected from incoming source |
| USB-C | Mass Storage (USB-C): USB 2.0 high speed for file transfer Charges Li-ion batteries inserted in Astral TX Pairing to Astral ARX32, Astral ARX16, and Astral ARX8 Timecode I/O |
| Powering | “1.5V” Alkaline, Lithium primary, NiMH AA batteries; 3 for operation “3.7V” Rechargeable Lithium-Ion; 1, 2, or 3 for operation Energizer Ultimate AA primary cells recommended for longest runtime |
| Battery Charging | Built-in charging of Lithium-Ion batteries via USB-C |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 12 hours (depending on battery chemistry, number of batteries, RF power, input type, mode) Unit can be completely powered off remotely via app or via NexLink to extend battery runtime |
| Environmental | Operating: -10° C to 38° C Storage: -40° C to 85° C 0 to 90% relative humidity (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 3.3 x 2.5 x 0.71 in 8.5 x 6.4 x 1.81 cm |
| Weight | 0.2lbs (without batteries) 98g (without batteries) |
Finding a tool that can serve multiple purposes is the goal of every audio professional. More flexible gear means less — less for you to carry in a bag or fit in a case, and less gear to rent for a gig. That’s the philosophy behind the Astral TX digital wireless transmitter. It's engineered to be compatible with more input sources than any other transmitter, including two- or three-wire lavs, dynamic mics, phantom-powered condenser mics, guitars, balanced line-level sources, and even AES digital mics. The Astral TX transmitter’s multipurpose input saves you from having to pack or rent more transmitters.
Features:
- Worldwide VHF and UHF tuning range from 169 MHz-1525 MHz.
- Up to 12 hours battery runtime.
- Eco-friendly operation from rechargeable Lithium batteries or from standard AA batteries.
- Built-in battery charger via USB-C.
- Full remote control of the Astral TX via Astral Remote companion app and from Astral ARX16 and Astral ARX8 via long-range NexLink.
- State-of-the-art 100% digital long-range modulation delivers the longest transmission distance of any system on the market.
- RF Power output from 2 mW to 40 mW.
- Lemo input supports 2-wire or 3-wire mono lav, balanced mic, switchable 12, 48V phantom, balanced line-level, AES3, AES42 (compatible with Schoeps SuperCMIT), and guitar (w/ optional Smart Guitar Cable).
- GainForward Architecture – no gain control to worry about on the Astral TX.
- Full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth.
- 8-Series, fully balanced mic preamp built in (140 dB dynamic range).
- Ultra-quiet lavalier mic preamp (130+ dB dynamic range).
- Built-in 32-bit float, 48 kHz recorder with removable micro-SD card.
- Ultra-stable timecode built in, auto jammed via wireless NexLink.
- Sunlight-readable e-Paper screen for control and display. Display persists when powered off.
- USB-C for pairing with the Astral ARX16, file offload, charging, and timecode jamming.
- Astral Switch: Optional user-programmable bayonet switch, magnetically sensed and physically removable.
| Frequency Range | 169 to 1525 MHz Transmitter tunable in 25 kHz steps Available frequencies are dependent on region |
| RF Output Power | Off, Low – 2 mW, Normal – 10 mW, High – 20 mW, Extra High – 40 mW |
| Modulation Mode | Proprietary, 100% digital RF modulation Standard or Long Range, selectable |
| Antennas | UHF RF: SMA connector, removable antenna 2.4 GHz built-in, bottom of unit |
| Audio Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 20 kHz, +/- 1 dB re 1 kHz |
| Audio Input | |
| Lavalier Microphone | 2-wire- or 3-wire-type lavalier mics supported Auto-selected when lavalier mic connected to Lemo input Dynamic range: 130+ dB min, A-weighted Input clip level: 5V p-p (limited by lavalier microphone) Lemo pin 1 = ground; Lemo pin 2 = 5V bias power; Lemo pin 3 = audio/bias (8k to 5V internal) Auto unit power on/off with connection/removal of lavalier microphone (menu selectable) |
| Balanced Mic | True, fully balanced, 8-Series mic preamp Dynamic range: 140 dB min, A-weighted Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input Phantom power: 12V or 48V, full 10mA available per IEC 61938 XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| Line Input | True, fully balanced line-level input (no external resistors required) Input clip level: +26 dBu Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| AES42 | AES digital input with common mode power for Digital mics such as Schoeps SuperCMIT 250mA current available Selectable audio channel 1 or 2 via menu Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| AES3 | AES digital input without common mode power Selectable audio channel 1 or 2 via menu Menu selectable with connection of XL-BALXLR-4 cable to Lemo input XLR pin 1 = ground; XLR pin 2 = +; XLR pin 3 = – |
| Guitar | Auto-selected when connected with A20-TX Smart Guitar Cable ¼” tip = + ¼” sleeve = ground 18V p-p max input level Input impedance: 100k, 1M, 10M (menu selectable) Cable capacitance: 0 pF – 3000 pF in 50 pF steps (menu selectable) Balanced connection from ¼” plug to Lemo for low noise susceptibility |
| Menu and Controls | e-Paper screen highly visible in direct sunlight e-Paper screen keeps display even with no batteries Power/Pair button and three navigation buttons protected inside battery compartment Optional user-programmable bayonet switch for top of transmitter (A20-TX Switch) |
| Remote Control | Astral Remote Android, iOS, and iPad app via Bluetooth 5.2 LE Astral ARX32, Astral ARX16, and Astral ARX8 receivers via super-long-range NexLink |
| Recording Media | Micro SD card |
| Recording File Format | 32 Bit Float, 48 kHz, Monophonic Broadcast WAV (<4 GB), RF64 WAV (>4 GB) Simultaneous Record and Transmit mode when using lavalier mic input is not available on Astral TX units sold or operated in the United States of America. |
| Timecode | Input via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO, XL-TC-USBC-BNC, USB-A to USB-C (from 8-Series) or wirelessly over NexLink (from Astral ARX32, Astral ARX16, and Astral ARX8) LTC: 0.3 V – 3 V p-p (–17 dBu to +3 dBu), 20k ohm impedance LTC Output via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO: 3 V p-p, 400 ohm impedance |
| Timecode Clock | 0.2 ppm accuracy Holds accurate clock for four hours while powered down with batteries inserted, holds for one hour without batteries via internal supercapacitor Auto Jams timecode via USB-C connector or wirelessly via NexLink |
| Timecode Frame Rates | 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 DF, 29.97 ND, 30 DF, 30 ND Frame rates are auto-detected from incoming source |
| USB-C | Mass Storage (USB-C): USB 2.0 high speed for file transfer Charges Li-ion batteries inserted in Astral TX Pairing to Astral ARX32, Astral ARX16, and Astral ARX8 Timecode I/O |
| Powering | “1.5V” Alkaline, Lithium primary, NiMH AA batteries; 3 for operation “3.7V” Rechargeable Lithium-Ion; 1, 2, or 3 for operation Energizer Ultimate AA primary cells recommended for longest runtime |
| Battery Charging | Built-in charging of Lithium-Ion batteries via USB-C |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 12 hours (depending on battery chemistry, number of batteries, RF power, input type, mode) Unit can be completely powered off remotely via app or via NexLink to extend battery runtime |
| Environmental | Operating: -10° C to 38° C Storage: -40° C to 85° C 0 to 90% relative humidity (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 3.3 x 2.5 x 0.71 in 8.5 x 6.4 x 1.81 cm |
| Weight | 0.2lbs (without batteries) 98g (without batteries) |
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