RF Venue DISTRO9HDR – 9-Channel UHF Antenna Distribution System

Product Overview

The RF Venue DISTRO9HDR is a 9-channel multi-zone antenna distribution system for professional wireless microphone deployments. In a single 1RU rackmount package, it provides 9 low-noise diversity output channels across VHF, UHF, and 900 MHz frequency bands with over 60 dB of dynamic range. Two zone antenna inputs support large venues or multi-room installations from a single unit, and a second DISTRO9 HDR can be cascaded for up to 17 channels in 2RU. ETL listed, the DISTRO9 HDR is the standard choice for specifying engineers, government facilities, and commercial AV integrators requiring certified antenna distribution infrastructure.

Product Description

The DISTRO9 HDR replaces passive splitter-based antenna distribution with an active system using proprietary low-noise amplifier circuitry and a "divide by three" gain structure. Where passive splitters introduce noise figure degradation with each output, the DISTRO9 HDR’s active design maintains over 60 dB of dynamic range across all 9 output channels simultaneously. Third-order intercept points of 15 dBm at VHF and 20+ dBm at UHF provide substantial headroom for dense multi-channel wireless deployments where intermodulation is a concern.

The two zone antenna inputs allow antennas at different physical locations within a venue to feed the same distribution system. This is particularly useful in large sanctuaries, conference centers, and multi-room facilities where a single antenna position cannot provide adequate coverage across the entire space. Both zone inputs accept standard 50-ohm BNC connections from any directional or omnidirectional antenna.

DC power over coax simplifies wireless receiver rack cabling: the DISTRO9 HDR can supply 12 VDC at up to 100 mA to remotely powered antennas and delivers DC power to wireless receivers via the included DC power cable kit, eliminating individual wall warts at each receiver. The unit also supports DC battery input for location sound cart applications, providing flexibility beyond fixed rack installations.

The DISTRO9 HDR’s frequency range of 50–1000 MHz covers VHF low, VHF high, T-Band, UHF TV band, and 900 MHz — making it compatible with legacy and current wireless systems from all major manufacturers. The 1RU form factor with 480 × 45 × 250 mm dimensions and 2.7 kg weight is appropriate for standard 19-inch AV racks. ETL listing satisfies certification requirements for municipal government, educational, and institutional AV bid specifications.

Key Features

• 9-Channel Diversity Distribution — Supports up to 9 wireless microphone receivers from a single antenna pair in 1 RU.
• Over 60 dB Dynamic Range — Active design with proprietary low-noise amplifiers; superior to passive splitter-based systems.
• Two Zone Antenna Inputs — Connect antennas at different locations for large-space or multi-room coverage from one unit.
• 50–1000 MHz Coverage — VHF, UHF, T-Band, and 900 MHz support for all professional wireless audio frequencies.
• Cascade to 17 Channels — Any output feeds a second DISTRO9 HDR for 17 wireless channels in 2 RU.
• DC Power Over Coax — Powers compatible remote antennas (12 VDC, 100 mA) and wireless receivers via included DC power cable kit.
• Battery DC Input — Supports location sound cart applications without AC power at the rack position.
• ETL Listed — Meets North American electrical safety and compliance certification requirements.
• High Third-Order Intercept — 15 dBm IIP3 @ VHF; 20+ dBm @ UHF for clean performance in high-channel-count environments.

Typical Applications

Suitable for:

• Houses of worship with multi-channel wireless microphone systems
• Conference centers and convention halls with distributed wireless RF infrastructure
• Auditoriums and performing arts centers requiring professional diversity antenna distribution
• Government facilities and municipal meeting rooms requiring ETL-certified components
• Broadcast studios and television production racks
• Location sound carts for film and television production (via DC battery input)
• Corporate boardrooms and training rooms with multi-channel wireless microphone systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the DISTRO9 HDR different from a passive antenna splitter?

A passive splitter divides the antenna signal among outputs, with each output receiving a fraction of the input signal and a proportional increase in noise figure. The DISTRO9 HDR uses active amplification with a proprietary gain structure to maintain full dynamic range (>60 dB) across all 9 outputs simultaneously. In high-channel-count wireless deployments, this difference is significant: passive splitting often causes dropout issues that the DISTRO9 HDR is specifically engineered to avoid.

Can the DISTRO9 HDR work with antennas from any manufacturer?

Yes. The four BNC female antenna inputs accept 50-ohm signals from any professional antenna, including RF Venue’s Diversity Fin, Diversity Architectural Antenna, Diversity Omni, CP Beam, or any third-party directional or omnidirectional antenna compatible with the 50–1000 MHz operating range.

How does cascading to a second DISTRO9 HDR work?

Connect any of the 18 BNC output connectors on the first DISTRO9 HDR to an antenna input on a second DISTRO9 HDR. The first unit passes the signal with appropriate gain to the second unit, which distributes it across its own 9 outputs. This provides up to 17 total wireless microphone channels (using both units’ outputs, minus one connection port) in 2 RU of rack space from a single antenna pair.

Can the DISTRO9 HDR power wireless receivers?

Yes. The included DC power cable kit (Anderson Power Pole connections) allows the DISTRO9 HDR to deliver 12 VDC to compatible wireless receivers at each output position, eliminating individual power adapters for each receiver in the rack.

Is the DISTRO9 HDR suitable for location sound applications?

Yes. The unit accepts DC battery input in addition to AC power, making it usable on location sound carts and mobile production rigs where AC power is not available at the equipment position.

What does ETL listing mean for AV system specifications?

ETL listing (Electrical Testing Laboratories) is an independent North American electrical safety certification equivalent to UL listing. Many government, educational, and institutional facility specifications require ETL or UL listed components. The DISTRO9 HDR’s ETL listing satisfies these requirements for bid-spec commercial AV projects.

What warranty covers this product?

RF Venue products are covered by a manufacturer warranty. Contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for warranty and support.