RF Venue DISTRO4 – 4-Channel UHF Antenna Distribution System

Product Overview

The RF Venue DISTRO4 is a 1-RU rackmount active antenna distribution system that splits two antenna inputs across up to five UHF wireless receivers. Designed for professional installed AV and live sound applications, the DISTRO4 eliminates the need for passive splitters and the signal loss they introduce — the unit provides 3 dB of active gain per output, powers remote antennas over coaxial cable at 12–14 VDC, and supplies +12V DC power to connected receivers. It is compatible with all major wireless receiver brands and is built around an all-metal chassis for permanent rack installations.

Product Description

Antenna distribution is a critical and often under-specified component of professional wireless systems. Passive splitters divide signal across outputs, losing 3 dB per split and quickly degrading sensitivity at the receiver. The DISTRO4 takes a different approach: its active architecture provides 3 dB of output gain (±2 dB), compensating for typical cable losses and ensuring each connected receiver gets adequate signal from both antenna inputs. Output connection isolation of 25 dB or greater prevents receiver-to-receiver interference through the distribution path.

The DISTRO4 covers 470–952 MHz, making it compatible with virtually all professional UHF wireless systems currently on the market. A cascade output port (0 dB to +2 dB) allows a second DISTRO4 or compatible distribution unit to be linked in series, extending coverage to additional receivers beyond the base four outputs. The unit operates from 100–240V AC directly — no external power supply required — and includes a 12V DC output for each receiver port (5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID connectors) to power rack-mounted receivers, reducing cable clutter in the rack.

The DISTRO4 ships with ten 2-foot BNC jumpers (for antenna-to-unit and unit-to-receiver connections), four 14-inch DC jumpers, and an AC power cord — a complete cabling kit for immediate deployment in a single rack bay.

Key Features

• Active Antenna Distribution — 3 dB (±2 dB) output gain per channel compensates for cable loss and maintains receiver sensitivity across all outputs.
• 2-in / 4-out Architecture with Cascade — Distributes two antenna inputs to four receiver outputs plus one cascade output for an additional distribution unit, supporting up to 5 receivers from a single DISTRO4.
• Wide Frequency Coverage — 470–952 MHz operates across virtually all professional UHF wireless systems from all major manufacturers.
• DC Power Over Coax — Supplies 12–14 VDC to remote antennas over coaxial cable, eliminating separate antenna power runs.
• +12V DC Receiver Power — Each of the four receiver outputs provides +12V DC via 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector to power compatible rack receivers directly.
• Output Isolation — 25 dB or greater output connection isolation reduces cross-coupling between receiver channels.
• 1-RU All-Metal Chassis — Standard 19" x 1.75" rack form factor in a durable all-metal enclosure for permanent installations.
• Universal AC Power — 100–240V switching power supply with direct AC connection; no wall wart or external power brick required.
• Complete Cable Kit Included — Ships with ten 2-foot BNC jumpers, four 14-inch DC jumpers, and AC power cord.

Typical Applications

Suitable for:

• House of worship — centralizing antenna infrastructure for multi-channel wireless microphone and IEM systems in a permanent rack
• Conference center and hotel ballroom — distributed wireless systems requiring antenna infrastructure in AV equipment rooms
• Performing arts and theater — rack-based wireless distribution systems with remote antennas at stage positions
• Broadcast — studio and field antenna distribution for UHF wireless systems
• Corporate AV — multi-channel wireless systems in boardrooms, training centers, or multi-use facilities
• Rental and touring — road-durable rack distribution for touring wireless systems requiring consistent setup

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wireless receivers can the DISTRO4 support?

The DISTRO4 provides four direct receiver outputs plus one cascade output. When used standalone, it supports four receivers. If a second DISTRO4 or compatible distribution unit is connected to the cascade output, the system can support additional receivers. Each additional cascaded unit adds four more receiver outputs.

Does the DISTRO4 work with all wireless receiver brands?

Yes. The DISTRO4 covers 470–952 MHz and is compatible with UHF wireless receivers from all major manufacturers including Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Lectrosonics, Sony, and others. Verify that your receivers' operating frequencies fall within 470–952 MHz before purchasing.

Can the DISTRO4 power remote antennas?

Yes. The DISTRO4 supplies 12–14 VDC over coax to remote antennas, enabling active antennas and antenna amplifiers to be powered from the distribution unit without a separate DC power run.

Does the DISTRO4 require an external power supply?

No. The DISTRO4 connects directly to 100–240V AC via the included power cord. There is no external wall wart or power brick required, which keeps the rack clean and eliminates a potential point of failure.

What is the cascade output used for?

The cascade output (0 dB to +2 dB) is used to connect a second DISTRO4 or compatible antenna distribution unit in series. This allows the antenna feed from the same two antennas to be distributed to additional receivers beyond the initial four outputs, without introducing significant signal loss.

What cabling is included with the DISTRO4?

The DISTRO4 ships with ten 61 cm (2 ft) BNC jumpers for antenna and receiver connections, four 36 cm (14 in) DC jumpers for receiver power connections, and one AC power cord. For longer runs from antennas to the distribution unit, RF Venue RG8X coaxial cable is recommended.

What is the difference between an active distribution system like the DISTRO4 and a passive splitter?

A passive splitter divides RF signal across outputs without any amplification, resulting in a 3 dB loss per split (a 4-way split causes approximately 6 dB of loss). This degrades receiver sensitivity and can cause dropout issues, especially over longer cable runs. The DISTRO4's active architecture applies 3 dB of gain per output channel, compensating for cable loss and maintaining receiver sensitivity across all connected receivers.

Can the DISTRO4 be used for IEM antenna distribution as well as wireless microphone receive?

The DISTRO4 is primarily designed for wireless microphone receive antenna distribution. For IEM transmit antenna distribution, a different system architecture is typically required. Consult your AV integrator or contact RF Venue technical support for guidance on IEM distribution applications.