A20 vs SMQV Walk Test

Kit used:
-Sound Devices 833 with SL2 docked.
-SMQV with DPA 6060, Rycote fur cover w/rycote stickies directly to chest.
-A20 mini with DPA 6060, Rycote fur cover w/rycote stickies directly to chest.
NOTE: Bodypack transmitters worn on front right pocket, externally, not buried in clothing.

-Betso Sharkfin Active Antennas set to 0db
-SRC RX in Band A1: NA Hybrid mode, RF distribution through SL2
-A20 RX: Analog out into 833 XLR set to LINE. Antenna distribution though the MCX connectors on SL2.
-Lectrosonics IFB T4 in block 19 set to 486.400

SL2 had no attenuation on the antennas.


A walk test in "less than ideal" RF conditions. Putting a Sound Devices A20 mini up against a Lectrosonics SMQV.

Worth noting is that we had planned to find some frequencies in Block 21 and 22, which is normally a decent spectrum in Houston. However, in the park where we were, there were absolutely no clean frequencies.

We initially chose 614.100 in Block 23 because it was the one part of the spectrum that was clean... but that channel is now illegal in the U.S. and it wasn't until after we did our first A20 test on that channel, that when we switched to LR modulation, we were limited to 10 mw. So we had to change to a legal frequency for the rest of the tests. But even that frequency, 493.700, had some RF on it. So take these results with a grain of salt. Both systems are still rock solid for 99% of all professional audio applications, provided the frequency spectrum is clear.

00:00 Intro
02:04 A20-10mw
09:27 A20-20mw
18:20 SMQV-50mw
26:52 SMQV-250mw
36:39 Conclusion