UHF Antenna Distribution for Four Wireless Receivers

The Q-Audio QAD-4 is a professional antenna and power distribution unit designed for multi-channel UHF wireless microphone systems. It allows one pair of antennas to supply RF signals to as many as four diversity receivers, creating a cleaner and more manageable alternative to fitting a separate pair of antennas to every receiver.

Its dual 1:4 active splitter design maintains two independent antenna paths throughout the system. Each connected diversity receiver receives separate Antenna A and Antenna B signals, preserving the diversity operation required for stable wireless microphone reception.

The QAD-4 is suitable for live sound, theatres, schools, places of worship, conference facilities, broadcast environments and fixed installations using several compatible UHF wireless microphone receivers.

Wideband UHF Operation

A wide 450MHz to 1000MHz operating bandwidth allows the QAD-4 to work across a broad range of UHF wireless microphone frequencies. Two BNC antenna inputs feed eight distributed BNC outputs, providing both antenna signals to four diversity receivers.

Active RF distribution maintains consistent impedance matching with low insertion loss, helping preserve signal integrity as the antenna signals are divided between the connected receivers. Centralising the antenna system also reduces the number of antennas and cables required within a multi-channel installation.

The system should be connected using good-quality 50-ohm BNC antenna cables. Wireless frequencies must always be selected and operated in accordance with current UK licensing requirements.

Compatible with Active and Passive Antennas

The QAD-4 can be used with two Q-Audio QDP-1 active directional paddle antennas or other suitable UHF antennas fitted with BNC connections.

Each antenna input supplies 9V DC bias power at up to 100mA, allowing compatible active antennas to receive power through the BNC cable. This removes the need for a separate power supply at each active antenna.

Passive antennas should be connected using no more than 5m of cable. When using active antennas, Q-Audio recommends cable lengths between 5m and 20m. Keeping antenna cables as short as practical within these guidelines helps minimise RF signal loss.

DC Power Distribution

Four 12V DC outputs allow compatible wireless microphone receivers to be powered from the QAD-4. The four required DC extension cables are included, helping reduce the number of individual power adaptors needed inside the equipment rack.

The voltage supplied through the distribution outputs is the same as the QAD-4’s 12V DC input. Receiver voltage, polarity and power requirements must be checked before using the DC distribution connections.

A DC power adaptor is supplied to operate the QAD-4 and its power distribution system. The front-panel power switch and LED indicator provide clear control and confirmation that the unit is switched on.

Link Outputs for System Expansion

Two antenna link outputs allow the incoming Antenna A and Antenna B signals to be passed to another QAD-4. This makes it possible to expand the antenna distribution system when more than four wireless microphone receivers are required.

The link outputs can alternatively feed a fifth compatible diversity receiver. Additional BNC and power connections may be required depending on how the system is configured.

1U Rackmount Design

The QAD-4 fits into a standard 19-inch equipment rack and occupies 1U of vertical space. This allows it to be installed alongside wireless microphone receivers and other professional audio equipment for a tidy, transportable system.

The unit can also be operated freestanding, although rack installation is recommended for professional and mobile applications.

Key Features

• Professional UHF antenna and power distribution unit
• Distributes one pair of antennas to four diversity wireless microphone receivers
• Dual 1:4 active RF splitter design
• Two independent RF signal paths for Antenna A and Antenna B
• Wideband operating frequency range: 450MHz to 1000MHz
• Compatible with Q-Audio QDP-1 active paddle antennas
• Compatible with suitable BNC-connected UHF antennas
• Two BNC antenna inputs
• Eight distributed BNC antenna outputs
• Two BNC antenna link outputs
• Link outputs can feed another QAD-4 or a fifth compatible receiver
• Low insertion loss helps preserve RF signal integrity
• Designed for use with 50-ohm BNC antenna cables
• 9V DC, 100mA bias power through each antenna input
• Supports compatible active antennas without separate local power supplies
• Four 12V DC receiver power outputs
• DC output voltage matches the 12V DC input voltage
• Front-panel power switch
• LED power indicator
• Standard 19-inch rackmount design
• Occupies 1U of rack space
• Can also be used freestanding
• DC power adaptor, BNC cables and DC power cables included

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many wireless microphone receivers can the QAD-4 support?
A: The QAD-4 distributes two antenna signals to four diversity wireless microphone receivers. Its two link outputs can also be used to connect another QAD-4 or feed a fifth compatible diversity receiver.

Q: Are antennas included with the QAD-4?
A: No. The antennas are purchased separately. The QAD-4 is designed for use with two Q-Audio QDP-1 active paddle antennas or other suitable UHF antennas with BNC connections.

Q: Can the QAD-4 power wireless microphone receivers?
A: Yes. It has four 12V DC outputs and includes four DC extension cables for powering compatible receivers. Always check the receiver’s voltage, polarity and power requirements before connecting it.

Q: Does the QAD-4 fit into a standard equipment rack?
A: Yes. The QAD-4 fits a standard 19-inch rack and occupies 1U of vertical space. It can be used freestanding, but rack installation is recommended.

In the Box

• 1 x Q-Audio QAD-4 antenna distribution unit
• 1 x DC power adaptor
• 4 x 50cm DC power extension cables
• 8 x 50cm BNC extension cables
• 2 x 5m BNC extension cables
• 1 x User manual