Audio-Technica has announced the debut of the System 20 PRO, a new “plug-and-play” 2.4 GHz digital wireless system that’s scalable to up to 20 channels and designed to deliver dependable, high-quality operation.
Capable of receiving up to four transmitters, the system’s ATW-R1440 receiver makes installation a breeze. Receiver units can remain docked in the half-rack chassis or be mounted remotely (up to 328 feet away) and connected via Ethernet-standard cabling.
Up to five chassis can be linked using included RJ12 cables, creating a multichannel system with the simultaneous use of up to 20 channels. The user is free to choose the most effective operation mode for a given situation: Standard mode (10 channels) to minimize latency or HD mode (20 channels) to maximize channel count.
The system has 24-bit/48 kHz digital audio, 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.
Setup and management are controlled via Audio-Technica’s Wireless Manager software, which is capable of managing multiple UHF, 2.4 GHz 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 quickly switch between different transmitter configurations.
Transmitters are available in bodypack and handheld microphone configurations for performance and presentation. Both have two antennas built into the transmitters, OLED displays and slide-to-mute switches. The bodypacks are fitted with water- and sweat-resistant cW-style locking 4-pin connectors for use with a variety of Audio-Technica microphones.
Optional two-bay charging stations can charge transmitter NiMH batteries while they are housed within a bodypack 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 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 have 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 are designed to deliver all-day power, the transmitters can be used while charging.
