Sound Devices has launched the Astral Mini Plus compact wireless transmitter bodypack for location sound, live music and live theatre productions.
The Mini Plus wireless transmitter retains the ergonomic form factor and rugged performance of the Astral Mini while adding longer battery life, extended tuning flexibility, IP67 water resistance and improved usability features for faster set-up times and operation.
Mini Plus has been engineered for extended battery life with the XL-B14500 rechargeable cell ensuring performance for up to eight hours needing a recharge or battery changeover. The transmitter can also now be topped off via USB-C for additional power flexibility, ensuring performance that will last well beyond the length of the shoot or live event.
Astral Mini Plus also now takes advantage of Sound Devices’ SpectraBand extended 169MHz-1525MHz tuning range, which provides RF control to find clean, usable, and legal frequency bandwidth anywhere in the world regardless of region. The transmitter can be operated anywhere, regardless of local spectrum regulations, suiting it to use on international productions or long, globe-hopping live tours.
Mini Plus also employs Sound Devices GainForward technology, which enables simplified gain-staging at the mixer without having to touch a transmitter. GainForward and ensures against clipping. The transmitter also includes an ePaper display and new usability features for reduced setup times and faster on-the-fly adjustments.
Mini Plus is rated IP67 for water resistance and resistance to the elements. The compact transmitter is now resistant to sweat, humidity and other sources of unexpected moisture.
‘Astral Mini Plus is an exciting step forward for compact live wireless transmitter technology – offering better performance, more RF and gain staging flexibility, and longer battery life,’ says Sound Devices CEO, Matt Anderson. ‘We’re incredibly proud to build upon the legacy of the original while also offering some much-requested upgrades that make it even more effective for live theatre productions in addition to extended production sound and live use.’