Sound Devices Astral HH Digital Handheld Wireless Transmitter

The Sound Devices Astral HH Digital Wireless Handheld Mic is an exciting new option in the growing line of Sound Devices Astral® transmitters.
In one attractive unit, the Astral HH has unrivaled sound quality, RF performance, and durability. Perfect for international tours or traveling gig to gig, the Astral HH can operate in any locale around the world. Available with Sound Devices' new calibrated dynamic mic capsule and natively compatible with any other manufacturer’s mic capsule, it’s the best of all worlds for the artist, the sound mixer, and the RF tech. The Astral HH incorporates state-of-the-art features, such as NexLink remote-control, Long-Range modulation, GainForward, SpectraBand and more, to produce the best sound quality possible. The Astral HH is compatible with the ARX8, ARX16, and ARX32 digital receivers.

Astral HH Tx Features:

• Worldwide UHF tuning range from 470 MHz-1525 MHz
• 10+ hours (10mW) runtime from standard 18650 Li-Ion battery
• Patented wideband RocketAntenna design not affected by anywhere grip
• Reversible Capsule Collar - threaded to accept Shure- or Sennheiser-compatible mic capsule, no adapters needed
• Optional CD1 high-precision, fully calibrated dynamic mic capsule for incredible mic-to-mic consistency
• Long-distance NexLink remote control from the ARX8, ARX16, ARX32 and Web App
• State-of-the-art 100% digital modulation delivers the longest transmission distance of any system on the market
• RF Power output from 2 mW to 100 mW
• GainForward Architecture – no gain control. Adjust gain at the mixer
• Full 10 Hz - 20 kHz audio bandwidth
• High headroom, ultra quiet mic preamp with > 140 dB dynamic range
• Sunlight readable e-Paper screen for control and display. Display persists with no batteries
• Water resistant and extensive weather-sealing
• USB-C for pairing with the ARX8, ARX16, ARX32 and for charging
• Bluetooth for remote control from Astral-Remote iOS/Android App and for wireless pairing
• Built-in battery charging via USB-C
• Inductive wireless charging (coming soon)
• Multiple, easily interchangeable Control Rings
• Quick-change sleeve for easy decoration or complete change of mic appearance. Only 3 pieces, quick and easy to swap
• Extremely rugged construction using die-cast magnesium, turned stainless steel, and high-impact strength polycarbonate

Outperform

The Astral HH has been meticulously engineered for the ultimate in performance to help any performer sound their best. It uses state-of-the-art, 100% digital RF modulation for excellent sound quality. It boasts the longest-range RF transmission on the market, and features full 10 Hz – 20 kHz audio bandwidth, along with 10-hour battery life. All of this is packaged in an elegant yet very rugged mechanical housing. 

Tour Globally, Find Open Frequencies

SpectraBand™ is built into the Astral HH as standard, which results in an astounding tuning range of 470 MHz up to 1525 MHz. This means that no matter where a tour takes you, you can find open frequencies to operate. And AutoAssign makes scanning and setting frequencies on all transmitters automatic and blindingly fast with one button press. 

Introducing the CD1 Mic Capsule

Sound Devices has long been known for impeccable audio quality. It has put all this know-how into its first bespoke microphone capsule, the patent-pending CD1 – the only calibrated dynamic capsule in the world. Its smooth sound is tailored for vocals and is absolutely repeatable from unit to unit due to its 100% testing and calibration at the Sound Devices factory.

… or use any Other Capsule

The Astral HH microphone can natively use any manufacturer’s mic capsule, whether conforming to the Shure- or Sennheiser-style threads – with no adapter. Both threads are built-in; to change from one thread to another, simply flip the Astral HH Capsule Collar over. 

Easily add Controls

The Astral HH microphone as supplied has no external switches for talent to accidentally change. You can further customize it with interchangeable Astral HH Control Rings to add physical control buttons or switches. These controls can be menu-configured for many different options, including triggering macros on mixing consoles. 

Make it Your Own

The Astral HH has a quick-change Body Shell, Control Ring, Capsule Collar, and CD1 that you can decorate, paint, and bedazzle to fit the style of any costume. In just minutes, change the entire look of the microphone by swapping out these pieces. Want even more of a wow factor? We recommend Rebel Trading Company, a UK-based company that specializes in microphone customization. They offer custom paint finishes and crystal customization, even incorporating designs, artwork, names, and logos.

RocketAntenna: No Dropouts

You no longer need to stress about talent covering the bottom of the mic, smothering the RF level. Sound Devices’ patent-pending wideband RocketAntenna means that no matter where the mic is held, the antenna keeps transmitting at the same level. No Dropouts.

Full Remote Control, Built-in

All Astral transmitters have ultra long-range Remote Control built-in as standard – a protocol called NexLink®. Change frequencies and even fully power down and up all transmitters at the press of one button from your mixing console. 

Adjust Gain at the Console, not on the Wireless

With Astral wireless, GainForward™ technology means that there are no gain controls to be set and messed with on the wireless transmitter or receiver – saving you valuable time. Simply adjust gain at the console’s trim with no loss in headroom or noise performance. 

Mic Drop

With the Astral HH’s solid magnesium die-casting, stainless steel construction, and its impact-absorbing polycarbonate outer shell, the Astral HH is designed to withstand years of abuse on the road. Sound Devices’ internal QA lab puts our mics through a battery of brutal tests — dropping, extreme cold, heat, humidity, throwing, soaking, shaking, and vibrating. Go on then, drop the mic.  

Astral HH Technical Specs: