Audix ANTDA4161 - Pair of active broadband directional antennas
Maximize the reliability of your wireless system with the Audix ANTDA4161 directional antenna pair. Designed specifically for demanding RF environments, these active paddle (log-periodic) antennas are the ultimate solution for professionals who need to extend operating range and eliminate interference in venues, auditoriums, or fixed installations.
Unlike standard omnidirectional antennas that pick up noise from all directions, the ANTDA4161 focuses its reception at an angle of approximately 90 degrees , pointing directly at the transmitters (microphones or bodypacks) and effectively rejecting unwanted radio frequency noise from the rear and sides. This results in a cleaner, more stable signal with a lower risk of dropouts.
Its most outstanding feature is its high-quality active circuitry . Equipped with an integrated low-noise amplifier, these antennas compensate for the signal loss inherent in long coaxial cables. This means you can place the antennas up to 30 meters away from the receiver without sacrificing audio integrity, something impossible with traditional passive antennas. They are the perfect complement to the Audix ADS 48 antenna distribution system, although their standard BNC connector makes them compatible with a wide range of professional wireless systems that provide antenna bias.
Main features
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Focused directional reception: Its log-periodic blade design offers a cardioid pickup pattern, ideal for isolating the performers' signal from ambient noise from other electronic sources or LED video walls.
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Switchable active amplification: It features a powerful internal amplifier that offers selectable gain options. Using an internal DIP switch, you can choose between 5 dB (for short cable runs) or 13 dB (for long runs), ensuring the receiver receives the optimal signal level without saturation.
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Robust and professional construction: The electronics are protected in a tough casing, designed to withstand the rigors of touring and daily use in facilities.
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Universal mounting: They easily mount on any standard microphone stand, allowing precise height and angle positioning to maximize line of sight with the transmitters.
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Optimized broadband: Although they operate effectively across a wide spectrum (historically mentioned up to 865 MHz), they are specifically optimized for the critical 500 to 700 MHz range, where most modern high-performance wireless systems operate.
Benefits for the professional user
Implementing the Audix ANTDA4161 transforms the stability of your audio. With them, sound engineers can move receivers away from the stage and place them in the front of house (FOH) or a distant side rack without fear of coaxial cable "eating away" the signal. Active gain restores what the cable attenuates.
Furthermore, being directional, they act as a spatial filter: they "listen" to what matters and ignore the interference that typically causes static or digital noise. This is vital at corporate events or festivals where the radio frequency spectrum is highly congested.
Ideal use cases
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Large stages and concerts: Where receivers are in a side rack and full stage coverage without dead zones is needed.
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Fixed installations in theaters and auditoriums: For wall or ceiling mounting, ensuring that the signal reaches the technical control booth located at the back of the room clearly.
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Corporate events and conferences: Ideal for overcoming interference from giant LED screens and multiple mobile devices present in the room.
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Houses of worship (Churches): To ensure that the voice of the speaker or singer is not cut off during the service, regardless of where they move on the altar.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need an external power supply for these antennas?
Yes, being active antennas, they require power. This is typically supplied through the coaxial cable itself (bias voltage) from an antenna distributor such as the ADS 48 or receivers that support active antenna power (usually 10-15V DC).
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How do I change the gain between 5 dB and 13 dB?
The adjustment is made using a DIP switch located inside the antenna's electronics housing. The screws on the protective cover must be removed to access this adjustment, preventing accidental changes during the event.
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What type of cable should I use?
It is recommended to use 50 Ohm low loss coaxial cable, such as RG58 (for medium distances) or RG8 (for very long distances), with quality BNC connectors.
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Can I use them as passive antennas?
They are designed to work with active circuitry. If they do not receive phantom power (bias) through the coaxial cable, the amplifier will not function and the signal will not pass through correctly.
Project description
Pair of active broadband log-periodic directional antennas designed for UHF wireless microphone systems. The system operates optimized in the 500-700 MHz frequency range and provides an inherent antenna gain of 6 dB with an integrated low-noise amplifier offering switchable gain of 5 dB or 13 dB for coaxial cable loss compensation. The input impedance is 50 ohms with female BNC connectors. It offers a third-order intercept point (OIP3) greater than 38 dBm and an effective coverage angle of 90 degrees. Gain adjustment is achieved via internal switches protected under the housing. Designed for mounting on standard 5/8" microphone stands. Compatible with antenna distribution systems using bias-fed BNC connectors.
