Whip antenna with SMA connector

Frequency Range

400-900 MHz – Covers the complete UHF television band spectrum used for professional wireless microphone systems.

Lectrosonics Frequency Blocks

• Block 19: 486.400-511.900 MHz

• Block 20: 512.000-537.500 MHz

• Block 21: 537.600-563.100 MHz

• Block 22: 563.200-588.700 MHz

• Block 23: 588.800-614.300 MHz

• Block 24: 614.400-639.900 MHz

• Block 25: 640.000-665.500 MHz

• Block 26: 665.600-691.100 MHz

Zaxcom Frequency Blocks

• Block A: 512-608 MHz

• Block B: 606-698 MHz

• Block C: 941-960 MHz (note: outside this antenna's optimal range)

Compatible Products

This SMA whip antenna works seamlessly with professional wireless systems including:

• Lectrosonics: SRc, SRb, Venue receivers, and other SMA-equipped models

• Zaxcom: ERX receivers, QRX series, and compatible recorder-mixers

• Other professional UHF wireless systems with SMA antenna connections

Why You Need Whip Antennas

Flexibility and Durability

The whip design offers a critical advantage over rigid antennas: flexibility. On busy production sets, antennas are constantly at risk of being bumped, knocked, or caught on equipment and cables. A whip antenna can bend without breaking, significantly reducing the risk of damage to both the antenna and the sensitive SMA connector on your receiver. Rigid antennas, by contrast, can snap off or damage the receiver's connector when subjected to lateral force.

Portability and Practicality

Whip antennas are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for bag rigs and mobile sound carts where space is at a premium. Their flexible nature means they can be positioned without concern for clearance, and they won't puncture equipment bags or create snag hazards during transport.

The Importance of Having Backups

In professional production environments, redundancy is not optional—it's essential. Consider these scenarios:

• Physical damage: Antennas can be stepped on, caught in cases, or damaged during setup and breakdown

• Lost or misplaced: In the chaos of location work, small components can easily go missing

• Last-minute replacements: When a receiver's fixed antenna fails, having a spare whip can save the day

• Multiple receiver systems: Productions often run multiple receivers simultaneously, and standardizing on whip antennas means your spares work across your entire kit

The cost of a backup antenna is negligible compared to the cost of losing a take or delaying production. Professional sound mixers typically carry 3-5 spare antennas as standard practice.

Why Wire Cutters Are Essential

Here's where whip antennas offer a unique advantage: they can be field-tuned. Each whip antenna comes with a specific length optimized for its frequency range, but real-world conditions sometimes require adjustments:

• Frequency optimization: You can precisely tune the antenna's length to match your specific operating frequency for optimal performance

• Physical constraints: On tight locations, you may need to trim the antenna to fit within a specific space

• Damaged tips: If the tip of the whip becomes damaged, you can cut it back to create a clean, functional antenna

Always carry quality wire cutters in your sound bag. They allow you to make precise, clean cuts without fraying the antenna element. A clean cut maintains proper RF characteristics, while a crushed or frayed end can degrade performance.

Professional Applications

This whip antenna is designed for sound professionals who demand reliability:

• Production sound mixers working in film and television

• Live event engineers managing wireless microphone systems

• Broadcast technicians requiring consistent RF performance

• House of worship and theater sound operators with permanent wireless installations

Technical Advantages

• Omnidirectional pattern provides consistent signal reception regardless of transmitter orientation

• Broad frequency coverage eliminates the need for frequency-specific antennas

• Standard SMA connector ensures compatibility across professional systems

• Replaceable and affordable compared to fixed-antenna receivers

Conclusion

The whip antenna with SMA connector represents a small investment that delivers outsized value in professional wireless audio applications. Its flexibility protects your equipment, its portability supports mobile workflows, and its field-adjustable design gives you control when you need it most. Combined with the practice of carrying backups and the right tools to maintain them, these antennas form the foundation of a reliable wireless system that won't let you down when it matters most.