Question: What is the difference between an RF antenna distribution amplifier and an RF antenna combiner?

Answer: Deploying RF remote antennas and properly filtering the RF signals for use with multiple wireless systems can help you maximize system performance and save on the cost of equipment. RF antenna distribution amplifiers and RF antenna combiners are similar in what they do. The key difference is that they filter the RF signal in opposite directions – to and from the antenna.

RF distribution amplifiers, such as the DISTRO4 or DISTRO9HDR, are used to route signals from a signal pair of antennas to multiple wireless microphone receivers. A diverse RF signal from either a pair of whip antennas or from a single DFIN antenna can be routed to the Antenna A and Antenna B inputs of the distribution amplifier. The signal is then distributed to multiple outputs of the distribution amplifier, which can feed the antenna inputs of multiple receivers. The filtering of the RF signal flows from a single pair of inputs to multiple pairs of outputs.

The RF antenna combiner, however, filters the RF signal in the opposite direction. Combiners, such as COMBINE4 and COMBINE8, are used with wireless IEM systems to allow multiple IEM transmitters to be connected to the RF inputs of the combiner. The RF signals are then combined into a single output, which can feed a single antenna. The filtering in these components flows from multiple RF signals to a single RF output.

RF antenna combiners can also be used in applications where antenna coverage for wireless microphones is required in multiple spaces or rooms. The RF Venue 4 ZONE is an RF antenna combiner with inputs for four pairs of antennas. Each antenna level can be attenuated for proper setup to maximize the system performance. The four pairs of antennas are filtered to a single pair of antenna outputs that can be connected to a single wireless microphone receiver or into an RF antenna distribution amplifier to pass the signal through to multiple wireless microphone receivers.

If you have questions on how to properly configure a wireless microphone or wireless IEM RF signal, please contact the Audio Solutions Department for assistance.