Audio-Technica’s System 10 PRO rack-mount 2.4 GHz digital wireless system was known for its convenience and functionality. With the new System 20 PRO, A-T takes it a step further, with a self-managing system that’s scalable to 20 channels. Designed for easy deployment and useable worldwide without special license requirements, System 20 PRO overcomes the challenges of traditional FM wireless by delivering dependable RF performance, free from TV channel interference.
Simple plug-n-play configuration lets multiple System 20 PRO units work together seamlessly without the need for frequency coordination or complex intermodulation calculations. Digital 24-bit/48 kHz wireless operation with AES 128-bit encryption offers exceptional audio quality and dependable performance, while 2-way data communication between transmitters and receiver enables full remote transmitter configuration with visual status monitoring at the receiver.
Flexibility for Any Need
The heart of the System 20 PRO is the receiver unit and its associated chassis. The receiver can be configured for two channels in standard mode to minimize latency or as a 4-channel unit in HD mode for increased channel count with slightly higher latency. Up to five chassis can link together, creating a stable multichannel system supporting up to 10 standard mode channels or 20 channels in HD. Receiver units can be docked in the chassis or located up to 328’ remotely. Along with the receiver unit docking slot, each chassis provides a front panel OLED display, power supply and I/O connections for audio, chassis link, receiver remote and network.
Transmitter options include handheld (hypercardioid capsule), bodypack, boundary and desk-stand base with an XLR-F connector. Although it’s designed to be used with A-T gooseneck mics, I found several creative uses for the desk stand transmitter.
For this review, A-T provided an ATW-R1440 Receiver/Chassis with ATW-RC14 Receiver Unit, and an assortment of transmitters. Along with the system’s overall build quality, the first thing I noticed was an updated look to the transmitters. Designed for single-space, half-rack width mounting, the chassis includes the ubiquitous long and short rack ears. Unlike other products requiring an accessory joining plate for side-by-side mounting, A-T engineers came up with a clever solution to join the units using the long rack ears.
The easy-to-read OLED screen displays channel ID and configuration information. Two buttons access setup menus, with a rotary control to make selections. A-T thoughtfully included a “Web Manual” selection that launches a QR code for the latest online user manual. To the left of the docking slot is a small press-and-hold power button. Operating like a mechanical switch, it remembers its state even if the power cord is unplugged.
It’s Automatic
When the System 20 PRO powers up, it scans the 2.4 GHz range, selects the optimal group of frequencies and pushes them to the transmitters. Depending on system complexity and overall Wi-Fi traffic, this can take up to 30 seconds. Once scanning is complete, each channel’s transmitter data appears on the display. Pressing the receiver unit undocks it from the chassis for remote mounting. Receiver remote mounting options include a ¼”x20 thread socket or the included wall mount receiver holder. A single Ethernet connecting cable transports up to four channels of digital audio along with control data and receiver power.
The receiver’s rear panel has connectors for power (12 VDC), remote receiver port (RJ-45), and an RJ-45 network port. When connected to a network, Audio-Technica Wireless Manager software, or IP control using TCP or UDP protocol can control the system. A pair of RJ-12 link ports allows up to five systems to be interconnected with included link cables to automatically coordinate system-wide receiving, transmitting and frequency allocation data for a more stable operation.
Individual channel audio outputs appear on four XLR connectors configurable for balanced mic or line level. The receiver chassis also enables the user to mix down all four channels into a single output.
The receiver chassis displays channel information including RF signal strength, mute status, AF signal level, transmitter gain setting (dB) and battery fuel remaining. Each transmitter is identified using a two-character alphanumeric designator (A-Z, 0-9) An “Identify” feature flashes the transmitter’s mute status LED to easily locate a specific transmitter. System 20 Pro also lets multiple transmitters to be paired with a single receiver channel. Simply select multi-pairing in the menus and pair up to four transmitters to the desired channel. The system will automatically switch as the transmitters are turned off and on, an ideal solution for guitarists, churches and AV rental companies offering “combo-systems.”
Settings are configurable using the front panel controls or remotely over a network via Audio-Technica Wireless Manager software. The system supports DHCP operation or static IP address settings. Each receiver can be given an 8-character alphanumeric name and system settings can be saved as presets for later recall. An auto-lock feature prevents unauthorized changes to system settings.
New Look TX
The redesigned System 20 PRO transmitters follow the form factor of other A-T wireless lines. Featuring an easy open, locking battery compartment door, the bodypack has a small, recessed power button. The top mounted mechanical mute switch can be operated without looking at it. A small “bump” on the switch plate lets you know which side is the mute position. Visible from the transmitter front or top, a status LED glows red when muted, green when active and flashes yellow when the batteries are getting low. The bodypack’s locking 4-pin cW-style connector provides a secure water- / sweat-resistant input connection.
The handheld transmitter has a non-interchangeable hypercardioid capsule. I compared it to my System 10 Pro and found the sound to be identical. The capsule is cradled in an elastomer shock mount. I noticed handling noise to be almost nonexistent. A large recessed mute switch with status indicator located on the transmitter’s side is easy to access and has a nice mechanical feel, while a small power button at the transmitter’s base is out of the way, yet accessible.
If desired, transmitter mute switches can be enabled or disabled at any time from the receiver and the status LED can be turned off. I like this feature as I have done many corporate gigs where the presenter accidently mutes their transmitter. Both transmitters have charging contacts for use with A-T’s charging docks. The transmitters incorporate a unique “time-out” function. When enabled, the transmitter will automatically power off after a preset time if it cannot pair with its receiver. This is ideal for applications where users turn off the sound system but forget about turning off the wireless transmitters.
Along with a handheld and bodypack, I received a desk stand base unit.
This weighted metal base incorporates a 3-pin XLR-F connector designed to work with A-T’s gooseneck mics. The base has a programmable touch mute switch, dual status LEDs, 24 VDC phantom power and built in NiMH batteries. To charge the base, simply use the included USB-C charger. Obvious applications include panel discussions, corporate events and houses of worship. But I had to try it on something else. One of my gigs was a dance event where the instructor had to play music from a computer located in the auditorium. I simply plugged the computer into a Radial PC-Di box connected to the desk base with a short XLR cable. I disabled the base’s mute switch and had wireless music playback.
You’re in Control
The updated Wireless Manager software includes the System 20 PRO. Its menu-driven layout allows access to all system settings including network, syslog remote control and Network Time Protocol (NTP). Wireless Manager also includes a handy 2.4 GHz RF scanner along with a firmware update tool.
Extensive DSP functions on each channel include Hi-pass filter, 4-band parametric EQ and compressor limiter. Along with factory presets for speech and music, up to four user configurations can be recalled at the receiver. User presets are configured and stored using Wireless Manager. An “Easy Mode” allows quick parameter settings, while Expert Mode opens a full array of settings. The only way to tell if a channel preset is on, is to verify it in the channel setup menu. I would like to see a “DSP” symbol illuminate on the channel display when any preset is active. As a live sound engineer, I prefer to configure channel DSP at my console, but for some situations, the onboard DSP can be quite useful.
A feature-rich alternative to traditional wireless systems, the Audio-Technica System 20 PRO has taken 2.4 GHz wireless to a new level with ease of use and robust performance.
At a Glance
Easy to Deploy and Usable Worldwide
Audio–Technica’s System 20 PRO 2.4 GHz digital wireless system is scalable to 20 channels and promises dependable 2.4 GHz RF with high quality audio worldwide.
Audio-Technica System 20 PRO
PROS
- Scalable to 20 channels
- Self-managed setup
- Built-in DSP
- Powerful Wireless Manager
CONS
- No indication of DSP active
- Handheld TX battery cover
is not captive - No condenser handheld TX
SPECS
RF Technology: Digital 2.4 GHz
RF Frequency: 2,402 – 2,480 MHz
Max Operating Range:
197’ (line of sight)
Max Transmitters/Band: 20
Resolution: 48 kHz / 24-Bit
Latency: 2.8 to 6.7 ms
Encryption: 128-Bit
Antennas:
(4) external, SMA (front-mount)
Receiver Audio Channels:
(4) XLR (mic/line level)
Frequency Response:
20 to 20k Hz (mic-dependent)
Receiver Powering:
12 VDC / 0.5A adapter
Transmitter Output Power:
10 mW
Battery Type: (2) AA
Approx Battery Life: Handheld: 18 hours (alkaline), 35 hours (lithium);
Bodypack: 15 hours (alkaline), 29 hours (lithium); Desktop TX: 12 hrs
Street Pricing: ATW-R1440 4-channel Receiver, $599; ATW-T1402 Handheld Transmitter, $269; ATW-T1401 Bodypack Transmitter (less mic), $249; ATW-T1407 Desktop Transmitter (XLR input, less mic), $349; ATW-T1406 Boundary Microphone Transmitter, $399
MANUFACTURER: Audio-Technica
More Info: www.audio-technica.com
