The latest firmware update for the Sound Devices Astral wireless system, version v8.20, delivers a host of thoughtful improvements designed to make wireless audio even more reliable, flexible, and efficient.
One of the most convenient new features is over-the-air firmware updating. Instead of connecting transmitters directly to a computer, you can now update them wirelessly via an Astral receiver. This is especially useful when transmitters are placed on talent or mounted in locations that are hard to access, saving you setup time and reducing interruptions during production.
Astral v8.20 also expands NexLink functionality by allowing up to eight Outposts to connect to a single receiver. This provides greater range and reliability for remote control and monitoring. Outposts can now distribute timecode over NexLink and remotely wake up transmitters that have been powered down for more than four hours. This means you can keep transmitters in standby for longer without losing control, which is ideal for long-format shoots or multi-room setups.
Another major upgrade is the addition of frequency exclusion zones and a built-in TV Channel Finder. These tools let you block off frequency ranges you want to avoid, such as known trouble spots or regulated bands, and help you identify occupied TV channels in your area. The system visualizes this directly within the real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA), making it much easier to avoid interference and select clean channels quickly and confidently.
Field users will appreciate the new whip antenna length tool, now built right into the receiver UI. You simply select your frequency range, and the system tells you the optimal whip length to cut for the best tuning. This saves time and ensures your antennas are always working at peak performance, even during rapid gear swaps or unexpected frequency changes.
The user experience also gets a major upgrade in v8.20. The RTSA and audio meters are now displayed side by side, so you can monitor spectral data and channel levels at the same time, no more switching views. Receiver interfaces have been improved with clearer signal labeling, adjustable signal history, better antenna mode graphics, and quicker access to transmitter controls directly from the RTSA screen. Other refinements include the ability to enter frequencies via keyboard, streamlined menu navigation, and a new 8-channel row view for dense system setups.
Astral v8.20 supports a wide range of hardware across the Sound Devices wireless ecosystem. Receivers like the ARX16 and ARX32 gain full access to new features, including Outpost connectivity, wireless updates, and UI enhancements. Mid-sized models like the ARX8 and ARX2 also receive key updates such as frequency exclusion tools and the antenna length calculator. All current transmitters, including the Mini, TX, and HH, now support wireless firmware updates. Even the Astral Remote app sees a boost, adding group NexLink toggling for faster adjustments.
In practical terms, these updates make a noticeable difference in the field. For large or multi-room venues, you can easily expand your NexLink control network with multiple Outposts. If you’re working in an area with heavy broadcast traffic, the frequency exclusion and TV Channel Finder tools take the guesswork out of frequency planning. The whip antenna calculator ensures you’re always getting the best range possible. And with all key monitoring and control options available from a single view, you can manage your wireless system more confidently, even under pressure.
Astral v8.20 isn’t just a firmware update; it’s a real-world workflow enhancement. If you're already using the Astral system, this upgrade brings more power and convenience to your existing gear. And if you're considering a new wireless solution, these kinds of refinements show why Sound Devices remains a top choice for professionals who rely on dependable performance in every environment.
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