A20-Mini Digital Wireless Transmitter with GainForward and SpectraBand Technologies User Guide v6.
Table of Contents Welcome to the A20-Mini 3 SpectraBand 4 Panel Views 4 Power 7 A20-Mini Holster 8 Introduction to A20-Remote 9 A20-Remote Overview 10 Manage Transmitters 13 Transmitter List 15 Transmitter View 19 Group Control 23 Group Setup 23 Group View 24 Connecting Lavalier Microphones to A20-Mini 28 Tuning A20-Mini and the Receiver 28 GainForward 28 Recording WAV Files 28 Jamming Timecode on A20-Mini 29 File Transfer to a Computer 29 Updating A20-Mini Firmware 30
Welcome to the A20-Mini Sound Devices’ first miniature transmitter incorporates state-of-the-art features such as full remote control via the A20-Remote app, long range modulation, GainForward Architecture, SpectraBand’s 470 MHz – 1525 MHz tuning range, internal 32-bit float recording, and more. The A20-Mini is fully compatible with the A20-RX and the A10-RX. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Worldwide tuning range of 470 MHz – 1525 MHz. Full remote control of the Mini via A20-Remote companion app.
SpectraBand The A20-Mini introduces SpectraBand, a technology that enables the A20-Mini to tune over a super wide range of 470-1525 MHz. Tuning within this range varies by country. For instance: In the USA, the available frequency ranges are: ● ● ● ● ● ● The entire UHF TV band (470-608 MHz) The 600 MHz guard band (614-616 MHz) The 600 MHz duplex gap (653-663 MHz) The 900 MHz ISM Band (902-928MHz) The 950 MHz STL Band (941.5-960 MHz) The 1.5 GHz AFTRCC band (1435-1525 MHz), with an appropriate license.
Powering A20-Mini Charging internal Sony NP-BX1 rechargeable battery (not included) Timecode input and output Transferring files to and from a computer 4: Charge/Pairing/Record/Media/Timecode Jam LED Indicates charging, Bluetooth pairing, recording, media activity, and timecode status.
1:Battery Door Access to the battery compartment and red button. 2:Door Latch Slide left to unlock the battery door. 3:Battery Compartment Accepts either 3x AAA Lithium batteries or one rechargeable Sony NP-BX1 Li-Ion battery. Sound Devices recommends using genuine Sony NP-BX1 or Energizer AAA Lithium primary batteries for best performance. Alkaline and NiMH are not recommended because of compromised run times.
Power The A20-Mini powers via USB-C, 3x Energizer AAA Lithium primary batteries, or one Sony NP-BX1 Li-Ion battery. Opening the Battery Door To open the A20-Mini battery door: 1. Slide the door latch to the left to unlock the battery door. 2. Lift the battery door using the indented space on the bottom right-hand side of the battery door. Closing the Battery Door To close the A20-Mini battery door: 1. Slide and hold the door latch to the left. 2. Close the battery door. 3.
Estimated Battery Runtime The A20-Mini can operate for up to 5.5 hours. Battery rundown times will vary depending on setup and workflow. Utilize the A20-Mini’s ability to power the unit on and off remotely from the A20-Remote app to extend battery runtime. A20-Mini Holster The A20-Mini ships with an easy-to-assemble holster. The A20-Mini can be inserted with the antenna and lavalier microphone coming out of the top or bottom of the holster.
Introduction to A20-Remote A20-Remote is an application for Android/iOS phones and tablets designed to pair with the A20-Mini. All settings for the A20-Mini are conveniently controlled using A20-Remote.
A20-Remote Overview Tablet View A20-Mini User Guide 10
Phone View 1: Transmitter List Scroll to see all available transmitters in the Transmitter List. Touch a transmitter or transmitter group to display the Transmitter View or Group View. Transmitters that are enabled from Manage Transmitters appear in the Transmitter List. See Transmitter List for more details. 2: Manage Transmitters Touch the Gear icon to access Manage Transmitters.
Displays the current timecode value, frame rate, absolute time of recording, and the remaining time and space of media. The window is red when the transmitter is actively recording. This window is not displayed when A20-Mini Mode is set to RF Only. 8: Transmitter Menu This menu offers control of the active transmitter’s Name, Frequency, Mute Mic, RF Power, Mode, and power options. The menu also provides access to format media and information about the transmitter.
Manage Transmitters Manage Transmitters is the first page displayed when launching the A20-Remote app if no transmitters have been paired to the mobile device. Manage Transmitters displays all transmitters within range that are in Pairing mode and any A20-Mini that has been previously paired to the mobile device. Transmitters appear in Manage Transmitters with transmitter name and current firmware version.
Enabling A20-Mini Transmitters for control From the A20-Remote Manage Transmitter window, enable an A20-Mini for control using the Enable switch. Enabled transmitters are added to the Transmitter List and can be controlled from A20-Remote. Power off from app requires confirmation When Power off from app requires confirmation is active, touching the Power button in the Transmitter View displays a confirmation pop up to avoid accidentally powering off an A20-Mini.
Transmitter List The Transmitter List is a scrollable list of Groups and all enabled transmitters. Groups appear at the top of the Transmitter List. The All Transmitter and custom groups can be removed from the Transmitter List in Group Setup. Each transmitter is listed with a high-level view of the transmitter’s status.
A20-Mini Status Indicator Icon Description A20-Mini On The A20-Mini appears black when it is on. A20-Mini Recording The letters “REC” appear in red in the top left corner when the A20-Mini is recording. A20-Mini Transmitting RF The A20-Mini appears with RF waves coming from the antenna when it is transmitting RF. A20-Mini Audio Presence The A20-Mini appears with a green circle in the top right corner when audio is present.
Custom Group Indicator The Custom Group indicator displays when the A20-Mini is a member of the custom group. See Group Control for more information. Bluetooth Signal Strength Indicator Displays the signal strength of the A20-Mini Bluetooth signal received by the mobile device. The Bluetooth meter border is red when the mobile device is not communicating with the A20-Mini. A blue dot appears after the Bluetooth icon when the A20-Mini is connected.
Transmitter Name Displays the name of the A20-Mini. The serial number is the default name of the A20-Mini. The A20-Mini name is changed in the Transmitter View menu. Transmitter Timecode Displays the timecode values in hours:minutes:seconds:frames of the connected transmitter. This allows you to quickly see that the connected A20-Mini transmitters are running the same timecode. It is normal to observe a few frames difference between transmitter timecode displays.
Transmitter View The Transmitter View displays further details of the active A20-Mini and provides control of functions and menus of the selected transmitter. Active A20-Mini in the Transmitter View The active A20-Mini in the Transmitter View is indicated by the highlighted entry of the Transmitter List. Touch any transmitter in the Transmitter List to make it the active transmitter.
Recording & Timecode Status Window Recording & Timecode details are displayed when A20-Mini mode is set to REC Only or REC + RF (not available in the U.S.). Timecode values, frame rate, absolute record time counter, file format (32-bit float, 48 kHz), and remaining record time / space of the media. This window is red when the A20-Mini is recording. Controlling A20-Mini from A20-Remote From the Transmitter View you can control parameters of the A20-Mini while it is powered on.
Because the A10 and A20 digital RF transmission is inherently immune to intermodulation, multiple A10 and A20 Digital Wireless transmitters can be used simultaneously on nearby adjacent frequencies without worry of intermodulation interference. Systems can be used together when separated by at least 400 kHz. When operating in the 902-928 MHz Band, it is recommended to separate channel frequencies by at least 1 MHz. Touch the Frequency button to enter the Frequency menu.
Information Displays the recommended antenna and TV Channel of the current set frequency, version of A20-Mini firmware, A20-Mini serial number, and compliance documentation for local government requirements if applicable. Options The Options menu provides access to a sub-menu of less frequently changed settings.
Group Control Multiple A20-Mini transmitters can be controlled as a group from the A20-Remote app. Group Control drastically simplifies the workflow and saves time when changing powering and record status of multiple A20-Mini transmitters. Two groups are available, All Transmitters group for controlling all enabled transmitters and a custom group for controlling select group of transmitters. Groups appear at the top of the Transmitter List. When selected, the Group View is displayed.
Touch the text box and use the pop up QWERTY keyboard to rename the custom group. Up to twelve alpha-numeric characters can be used for the custom group name. Custom Group is the name by default. Assigning A20-Mini Transmitters to the Custom Group All A20-Mini transmitters paired to the A20-Remote application are displayed in the Group Setup list. Touch the Group check box to assign or unassign an A20-Mini to the custom group.
The Recording and Timecode window displays timecode, frame rate, and an absolute record time counter. The window is red when recording and black when stopped. This window is not displayed in RF Only mode. The first transmitter of the group list is used to display the details of the Recording and Timecode window. Controlling a Group of A20-Mini Transmitters Touch any button in the Group View to apply the function to all available transmitters in the group.
Group Status Screen A Group Status screen appears while A20-Remote is sending commands to transmitters in the group. The status of the command sent is displayed for each A20-Mini in the group. The status text is green while sending the command, white when successful, and red if the A20-Mini was unable to accept the command. Touch the Cancel button to abort the group command. Canceling a command does not revert any changes already applied and may result with the group in a “Partial” state.
Group Menu The Group Menu allows you to set Mute, RF Power, Mode, LEDs, Modulation, and Format Media for all transmitters in the group. Partial is displayed in the menu button when transmitters in the group have different settings. Touch the Group List button to return to the Group View.
Connecting Lavalier Microphones to A20-Mini Connect a 2- or 3-wire lavalier microphone to the A20-Mini transmitter’s 3-Pin LEMO connector. Lock the connection by turning clockwise until the connector is firmly attached to the A20-Mini. The AC-BALXLR-4 3-pin LEMO to XLR female cable is not compatible with the A20-Mini as it does not have a balanced-input mode/microphone preamplifier.
For example, if the A20-Mini name has been changed to “Barney” and a recording is created on July 10, 2021 at 09:30 (24 hour format), the resulting file is named Barney-210710093000.WAV. All files are recorded at root of the media (no folders). Jamming Timecode on A20-Mini The A20-Mini accepts timecode from external LTC sources. The timecode value and frame rate are taken from incoming LTC source. If timecode has not been jammed, the A20-Mini starts rolling timecode from 00:00:00:00 when it is powered on.
Up to eight A20-Mini transmitters can be connected to a computer for file transfer using the optional PowerStation-8M. See PowerStation-8M for more details. Updating A20-Mini Firmware Register your A20-Mini to stay informed of firmware updates. https://my.sounddevices.com/ To update your A20-Mini firmware: 1. Connect the A20-Mini to the computer for file transfer using a USB-C cable or the PowerStation-8M. See File Transfer and PowerStation-8M for more information. 2.
SD-Utility Sound Devices SD-Utility is a companion application for MacOS and Windows. This application can be used to process files recorded by the A20-Mini to be more suited to the given workflow. A20-Mini 32-bit float, 48 kHz, monophonic WAV and RF64 WAV files can be renamed, snipped by timecode values, converted to 24 bit, conformed to a CSV Sound Report, exported as monophonic or polyphonic WAV, and more. SD-Utility is also a companion application for the Audio Ltd A10-TX, A10-RX, and A20-RX.
Installing SD-Utility Download the SD-Utility Installer for MacOS or Windows from: https://www.sounddevices.com/download/?prod=sd-utility Open the installer and install the application by following the on-screen instructions. Minimum operating requirements: MacOS 10.11+, 64-bit Windows 10+, 64-bit Importing A20-Mini WAV Files into SD-Utility SD-Utility accepts monophonic WAV and RF64 WAV files recorded by the A20-Mini or MIC files recorded by the Audio Ltd A10-TX.
The exported WAV file names and embedded metadata are changed to match the filenames and metadata of the corresponding takes in the CSV sound report. Adding Pre- and Post-Roll to conformed files can benefit post production with access to audio just prior to and following head and tail slates. To add pre- and post-roll to conformed WAV files, select the Pre/Post Roll check box and enter a value from 0 to 10 seconds in 1 second steps.
PowerStation-8M The PowerStation-8M Eight Slot Charger for A20-Mini is an optional accessory. It offers battery charging, A20-Mini timecode jamming, and USB file transfer to and from a computer for up to eight A20-Mini transmitters. 1: Charging Bay 2: BNC LTC Input 3: TA-4 10-18 Volt DC Input 4: USB-C for File Transfer 5: File Transfer Status LED 6: USB-PD Power Input Charging Batteries from the PowerStation-8M Enabled charging bays are indicated by LEDs within each charging bay.
https://pyleusa.com/products/plrstn14u Powering the PowerStation-8M The PowerStation-8M is powered via 12 VDC TA-4 connector or USB-PD power supply. The supplied 36 W USB-PD power supply supports full operation. Make certain third-party USB-C power supplies offer 36 W or higher in order to charge all eight A20-Mini transmitters at a time. Make certain any external supply connected to the TA-4 connector supplies at least 36 W.
PowerStation-8M Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website: www.sounddevices.com. Power ● ● ● USB-C: PD (Power Delivery), 36 W or higher, or TA-4: 10 - 18 VDC, 36 W or higher Pin-4 hot, pin-1 ground, pin-2 and pin-3 data for smart batteries. Leave pins-2 and pin-3 disconnected if not using smart batteries. LTC Input ● Input impedance: 5k ohm ● Signal level: 0.3 - 5 Vp-p USB-C ● USB 3.
A20-Mini Specifications Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information available on all Sound Devices products, visit our website: www.sounddevices.com.
● ● Internal 64 GB 10% over-provisioned for optimum performance Recording File Format ● 32 Bit Float, 48 kHz, Monophonic ● Broadcast WAV (<4 GB), RF64 WAV (>4 GB) Simultaneous Record and Transmit mode is not available on A20-Mini units sold or operated in the United States of America. Timecode (LTC) ● Input via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO or XL-TC-USBC-BNC: ● 0.3 V - 3 V p-p (–17 dBu to +3 dBu), 20k ohm impedance ● Output via XL-TC-USBC-LEMO: ● 3 V p-p, 400 ohm impedance Timecode Clock ● 0.
Antenna Guide The A20-Mini ships with an antenna set with three antennas (1 straight 470-548 MHz, 1 straight 548-638 MHz, 1 straight uncut, set of antenna caps). Sound Devices offers additional pre-cut and uncut antennas as available options. Attach antennas with a length specific to the frequency in use. Using the wrong length of antenna reduces RF range. To comply with FCC part 15 rules in the United States, the A20-Mini must be professionally installed.
Servicing the A20-Mini Do not attempt to service the A20-Mini. The case is water-sealed and needs to have new gaskets installed if taken apart. The internal parts are microscopic and not user serviceable. Please send to Sound Devices for any service needs. https://service.sounddevices.com/contact-support/ Warranty Sound Devices, LLC warrants the items listed above against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase.
Legal Notices Product specifications and features are subject to change without prior notification. Read and fully understand this manual before operation. Copyright© 2022 Sound Devices, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is subject to the terms and conditions of a software license agreement provided with the product, and may be used in accordance with the license agreement. This document is protected under copyright law.
FCC & ISED User Statement This device complies with FCC and ISED RF exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled environments. The maximum measured SAR is 0.7 W/Kg (body-worn)." Cet appareil est conforme à la norme FCC et ISED les limites d’exposition pour la population générale / l’exposition incontrôlée. Le DAS maximal mesuré est de 0,7 W/Kg (porté sur le corps).
Manufacturier Description Gain Maximum Impédance Sound Devices, LLC Antenne droite 470-548 MHz (140 mm/5.51 ") +2.15 dBi 50 ohms Sound Devices, LLC Antenne droite 548-663 MHz (120 mm/4.72 ") +2.15 dBi 50 ohms Sound Devices, LLC Antenne droite 902-1015 MHz (74 mm/2.92 ") +2.15 dBi 50 ohms Ce transmetteur est fourni avec les types d’antenne unique ci-dessus; pour remplacer une antenne perdue, endommagée ou défectueuse, veuillez contacter Sound Devices, LLC.
Post Office Box 576 E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA support@sounddevices.com +1608.524.0625 main 800.505.0625 toll free (U.S. only) www.sounddevices.
