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Sound Devices A20-MINI miniature digital wireless transmitter (470-694MHz)
Sound Devices’ first miniature transmitter incorporates state-of-the-art features such as full remote control via the A20-Remote app, GainForward Architecture, internal 32-bit float recording, a worldwide tuning range of 470 MHz – 694 MHz, and more. The A20-Mini is fully compatible with Sound Devices’ existing A10 Digital Wireless System.
**New Battery Doubler upgrade now available, click here for details > A20-BD Battery Doubler
Conceal…
The A20-Mini digital wireless transmitter combines legendary British audio quality with the best of American design. The sleek, rounded form fits perfectly into body contours and underneath tight clothing.
…and control.
Control the A20-Mini from your phone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.2 with companion app A20-Remote. Set frequency and RF power, turn the Mini on and off, start and stop recording, mute the microphone, format the media, view the status of all your Minis, and more. The A20-Mini’s high-efficiency internal 2.4 GHz antenna ensures excellent Bluetooth range.
GainForward.
With the Mini’s GainForward Architecture, easily set the Mini’s gain, low-cut, and limiter directly on your 8-Series. This immediate, local control of gain allows quick adaptation to changing volume levels and saves time during production.
32-bit float recording.
The A20-Mini records in 32-bit float for an astounding >130 dB of dynamic range. This allows for audio gain decisions to be made after recording, with zero loss in headroom or noise performance.
Built-in 64 GB media.
No more SD card management – the ample-sized media stores more than 80 hours of continuous, uncompressed 32-bit float recording. Simply offload the recorded WAV files via the high-speed USB-C port to a computer.
Never lose time.
The Mini’s ultra-accurate 0.2 ppm internal timecode generator can be jammed via USB-C with negligible drift over a 24-hour period.
Flexible, worldwide operation.
With a built-in 470 MHz to 694 MHz UHF tuning range, your Mini can go wherever work takes you.
Power away.
Use off-the-shelf rechargeable or AAA batteries – no adapter needed. 3 AAA batteries or a rechargeable Sony NP-BX1 give you the ultimate in powering flexibility. You can even recharge the NP-BX1 via the Mini’s USB-C.
Water-resistant.
With its extensive gasketing and waterproof connectors, the A20-Mini can easily withstand water and sweat.
PowerStation-8M
Optional accessory provides easy battery charging, file transfer, and timecode jamming of up to eight A20-Minis at a time. Powered via DC (TA4) or USB-C (USB-PD).
Full remote control of the Mini via A20-Remote companion app. Control frequency and RF power, turn the Mini on and off, start and stop recording, mute the microphone, format the media, view the status of all your Minis, and more.
GainForward Architecture: set the Mini’s gain levels via trim control (with an 8-Series) or at the A10-RX (other mixers).
Full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth; 100% digital RF modulation and transmission. Same excellent range and audio quality as the A10-TX.
Worldwide tuning range of 470 MHz – 694 MHz.
Built-in 32-bit float, 48 kHz recorder with 64 GB storage for over 80 hours of record time.
Offload recorded WAV files via USB-C and optionally conform/convert with SD-Utility.
Powering via AAA or NP-BX1 (Li-Ion) with built-in charging for NP-BX1 Li-Ion battery.
Internal supercapacitor-powered timecode generator can be jammed via USB-C.
Water-resistant with a rounded form factor.
470 to 694 MHz
Transmitters are tunable in 25 kHz steps
Available frequencies are dependent on region
RF Output Power
Off, Low – 2 mW, Normal – 10 mW, High – 20 mW, Max – 40 mW, selectable
Modulation Mode
Sound Devices proprietary digital RF modulation
Antennas
UHF RF: SMA connector, removable
2.4 GHz built-in
Audio Frequency Response
10 Hz – 20 kHz, +/- 1 dB re 1 kHz
Audio Input Type
Lavalier Microphone via 3-pin LEMO
Pin-1 ground
Pin-2 5 V bias
Pin-3 audio/bias (8k ohm to 5 V)
Bias Power
5 V
Input Impedance
8k ohms
Input Clipping Level
+5 dBu
Dynamic range
130 dB min (A-weighted)
Menu and Controls
Power & Pair button protected inside battery compartment
A20-Remote, mobile device application of iOS, iPad, and Android
Remote Control
A20-Remote Android, iOS, and iPad app via Bluetooth 5.2 LE
Recording Media
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
0.2 ppm accuracy
Holds accurate clock for four hours while powered down with batteries inserted, holds for one hour without batteries via internal supercap
Auto Jams timecode from LTC source via USB-C connector, or from optional PowerStation-8M
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
Powers A20-Mini
Powering
3x AAA batteries (Energizer Ultimate AAA Lithium primary batteries recommended), or Sony NP-BX1 rechargeable Li-Ion
Built-in Li-Ion charger via USB-C (7.5 W or more needed)
Sony NP-BX1 is rechargeable via optional PowerStation-8M.
Environmental
Water Resistant
Operating: -20° C to 60° C, 0 to 90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Storage: -40° C to 85° C
Dimensions (H x W x D)
75.8 mm x 48 mm x 19 mm
2.98 in x 1.88 in x 0.74 in
Weight
51 g (without batteries)
1.8 oz (without batteries)
The Audio Limited A10-RX.
Can the A20-Mini use balanced microphones?
No, the A20-Mini is specially designed for small size, and supports lapel mics only. For using 48V phantom, balanced mics or balanced line sources, please use the A10-TX.
What is the Bluetooth range on the A20-Mini?
Many things in the environment can affect Bluetooth range, but line-of-sight you can typically expect upwards of 40 feet and not-line-of-sight, upwards of 20 feet.
Can the A20-Mini use both 2-wire and 3-wire lav microphones?
Yes, unlike the A10-TX which only supported lavs which are 2-wire, the A20-Mini also supports 3-wire lavs such as the Schoeps CMR.
With GainForward’s high dynamic range, does this mean I don’t need to have low-sensitivity lavs anymore such as the Sanken COS-11 red dot?
No, low-sensitivity microphones are still needed for very loud sounds. Lavalier microphones themselves inherently have a more limited dynamic range than larger diaphragm microphones. Even though the A20-Mini itself can handle the entire acoustical and electrical dynamic range of any lapel microphone plugged into it, lavs themselves can saturate with high SPL sources. Therefore there is still a need for different sensitivity lapel microphones.
Is the Bluetooth connection being used to remotely control the gain of the transmitter?
No, there is no remote control of the gain circuitry at all. There are two advantages to this over a system which does perform remote gain control of the transmitter: a) if the transmitter is out of range of Bluetooth/remote control, the gain can still be controlled by the mixer; b) the gain can be controlled as quickly as you can move the trim knob.
Can I use a non-Sound Devices mixer and get the benefits of GainForward?
Yes, the A20-Mini and A10-RX can be used with virtually any brand of mixer. Use the gain control, low-cut, and limiter built into the A10-RX’s menu to control these functions.
Can I come out of the A10-RX via the analog output and still get the benefits of the GainForward architecture?
Yes, provided you use the gain control provided on the A10-RX itself.
Does the AES output of the A10-RX have enough dynamic range for GainForward?
Yes, AES can transport 144 dB of the audio’s dynamic range, so it is definitely sufficient for the >130 dB of dynamic range of the lapel microphone.
On the A20-Remote app, I notice a “License” icon near the frequency I have set. What is this?
This icon is a friendly reminder that you legally need a license from your local government to operate on this frequency.
I notice that the green audio LED glows with audio no matter what the GainForward gain is set to. Why doesn’t the brightness of the LED change?
The green audio LED on the A20-Mini is a very wide dynamic range indicator and thus indicates the entire dynamic range of the microphone. It is designed *not* to change with any gain settings. This indicator is used for a quick visual indicator that the microphone is working.
When is simultaneous record and transmitting available on the A20-Mini?
A20-Mini transmitters purchased in the United States of America do not have a simultaneous record and transmit (REC + RF) mode.
A20-Mini transmitters purchased outside the United States of America have a REC + RF mode. This mode is available when operating outside of the United States.
REC + RF mode is not available on any A20-Mini while operating in the United States.
How robust is the plastic chassis?
The A20-Mini’s chassis has an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio thanks to its aluminum/high-strength Ultem thermoplastic construction. Additionally, each piece of the chassis is curved in both directions, imparting a very stiff geometry. All together, the chassis feels very light, but extremely solid.
Why is the A20-Mini branded as Sound Devices and not Audio Ltd?
Sound Devices and Audio Ltd got married back in 2018. Though we both speak (more or less) the same language, we live in two different houses. Now you get both wonderful groups under one simple name, Sound Devices.
If you wish to purchase in store, to avoid disappointment, please confirm the availability of the product at your local John Barry prior to visiting.
Alternatively, orders placed online by 2pm AEST are typically dispatched same day, if ordered online.
If your product is on backorder, please contact us for an ETA.
Shipping is done via Startrack Express or Australia Post eParcel service and tracking advice will be provided once shipped.
For more information, please visit our Shipping Policy.
Should you have any questions regarding our equipment warranty conditions, please contact us
John Barry reserves the right under Australian Consumer Law to refuse a request for an exchange or refund on all final sale items, if you have misused/mishandled the product, or if you have simply changed your mind. Please visit our Refunds & Returns policy page for further information.