Europe - Audio-Technica has launched the System 20 PRO, a self-managing, plug-and-play 2.4GHz digital wireless system that is scalable to 20 channels and delivers ‘dependable, high-quality audio’. Designed for hassle-free deployment, the system overcomes many challenges of conventional wireless microphones such as TV station interference and frequency coordination, complex intermodulation calculations and remote antenna cabling.
Capable of receiving up to four transmitters, the system’s ATW-R1440 receiver makes installation simple. Receiver units can remain docked in the half-rack chassis or – for added versatility – be mounted remotely (up to 328ft away) and connected via Ethernet-standard cabling. Up to five chassis can be linked using included RJ12 cables, creating a stable multichannel system with the simultaneous use of up to 20 channels.
The user is always free to choose the most effective operation mode for a given situation: Standard mode (10 channels) to minimise latency or HD mode (20 channels) to maximise channel count. 24-bit/48kHz digital audio operation delivers outstanding sound quality and received audio can be submixed within each receiver for situations with limited mixer input channels. Chassis displays show system ID, RF signal level, transmitter battery level and system link status.
Seamless setup and management are controlled via Audio-Technica’s Wireless Manager software, which is capable of managing multiple UHF, 2.4GHz and DECT wireless systems from a single screen. In addition, AES128 encryption comes standard for security. The transmitters included in each system are paired and ready to use out of the box, and offer all-day operation on a full charge. Each receiver channel can be paired with up to four transmitters, allowing users to instantly switch between different transmitter configurations.
System 20 Pro transmitters are available in body-pack and handheld microphone configurations for performance and presentation. Both have two antennas built into the transmitters, OLED displays and slide-to-mute switches. The body-pack transmitters are fitted with water- and sweat-resistant cW-style locking four-pin connectors for use with a variety of Audio-Technica microphones.
Optional two-bay charging stations can charge System 20 Pro transmitters’ NiMH batteries while they are housed within a body-pack or handheld transmitter. Up to five charging stations can be linked and powered by a single power supply and onboard indicator LEDs provide easy monitoring of power and charging status. A networked charging station is also available that allows charging status monitoring through the dedicated Audio-Technica Wireless Manager app or third-party software. Linking-in a single networked station delivers monitoring of all transmitters in linked stations to be monitored via the Ethernet connection.
There are also two transmitter options for conference applications, a boundary microphone transmitter with a cardioid polar pattern, and a desk stand transmitter with XLR gooseneck microphone connectivity. Both feature selectable mute operation (toggle, touch-to-talk, or touch-to-mute), variable mode LEDs and OLED display and a USB Type-C charging connection. While the long-lasting internal lithium-ion batteries deliver all-day power, the transmitters can be used while charging.
