Audio-Technica OPTIX1-S3-US RF Venue OPTIX Series 3 RF-over-Fiber Antenna Distribution System

Product Overview

The RF Venue OPTIX Series 3 RF-over-Fiber Antenna Distribution System (OPTIX1-S3-US) is a single-channel RF-over-fiber conversion system that allows wireless microphone antennas to be placed at virtually any distance from the equipment rack by transmitting RF signals over standard single-mode fiber-optic cable. Designed for professional AV installations in houses of worship, auditoriums, broadcast studios, and commercial venues, the OPTIX1-S3 solves the distance and signal-loss limitations inherent to coaxial cable antenna runs. The system supports UHF TV band (470–698 MHz), VHF high band (175–213 MHz), and 900 MHz ISM band operation, covering the frequencies used by all major professional wireless microphone manufacturers. A single OPTIX1-S3 unit provides one complete RF-over-fiber antenna path with one transmitter module and one receiver module.

Product Description

Long coaxial cable runs are a persistent problem in large-venue wireless audio installations. RG8X cable loses approximately 6–10 dB per 100 feet at UHF frequencies, and even higher-grade LMR400 introduces meaningful loss beyond 150–200 feet. This loss degrades the noise floor of the wireless system, shortens usable range, and can cause dropout-prone operation in large rooms. The OPTIX1-S3 eliminates this constraint entirely by converting the RF signal at the antenna location into a 1310 nm optical signal, which travels over single-mode fiber with no meaningful signal degradation over hundreds of meters.

Single-mode fiber is already present in most commercial buildings as part of the structured cabling plant, making the OPTIX1-S3 straightforward to deploy during new construction or renovation projects. The transmitter module (Tx) mounts near the antenna — on a wall plate, inside a ceiling box, or at a stage-side antenna location — and connects to any standard BNC female antenna via the BNC RF input. The receiver module (Rx) mounts in or near the equipment rack and outputs standard RF over BNC to the antenna input of a wireless receiver or an RF Venue DISTRO series antenna distributor.

The OPTIX Series 3 has a usable dynamic range of 60 dB, an input noise floor of -100 dBm, and a maximum usable signal of -25 dBm. These parameters are well-matched to professional wireless microphone antenna signal levels under normal operating conditions. Both modules are individually powered by the included 12.25 VDC power supplies, and the system accepts 5–22 VDC for integration with rack-mount DC power distribution systems. The optical connection uses ST/UPC connectors, the most common fiber connector type in commercial building infrastructure. For multi-antenna diversity setups or two-zone deployments, see the OPTIX2-S3-US 2-pack available at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• RF-over-Fiber Conversion — Converts UHF/VHF antenna RF signals to 1310 nm optical for transmission over single-mode fiber, eliminating coaxial cable distance and loss limitations.
• Multi-Band Frequency Coverage — Operates at 175–213 MHz (VHF), 470–698 MHz (UHF TV band), and 900–960 MHz (900 MHz ISM), covering all major professional wireless frequency bands.
• 60 dB Usable Dynamic Range — -100 dBm noise floor and -25 dBm maximum usable signal level preserve professional wireless system performance over fiber.
• Standard BNC RF Connectivity — BNC female connectors on both Tx and Rx modules interface directly with any standard wireless microphone antenna or BNC-input antenna distributor.
• ST/UPC Optical Connectors — Matches the most common commercial building fiber infrastructure; compatible with standard ST patch panels and bulk fiber termination.
• Wide DC Voltage Range — Accepts 5–22 VDC; 12.25 VDC power supplies included; integrates with rack-mount DC power distribution systems.
• 50 Ω Impedance, VSWR < 2.5:1 — Electrically matched for standard professional wireless system impedance, maintaining antenna system performance.
• Wide Operating Temperature — Rated −25°C to 75°C (-13°F to 167°F), suitable for deployment in attic spaces, outdoor enclosures, and non-conditioned equipment rooms.
• Compact Modular Design — Each module is 138 × 77 × 33 mm; mounts on shelves, cable trays, wall plates, or inside custom enclosures at both antenna and rack locations.
• Brand-Agnostic Compatibility — Works with wireless systems from Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Sony, and any manufacturer using BNC antenna connections in the supported frequency bands.

Typical Applications

• House of worship — antenna placement on balcony rails or ceiling positions with centralized rack equipment
• Auditorium — stage-side antenna placement feeding backstage or control room racks over existing fiber
• Broadcast studio — antenna-to-rack RF transport over structured cabling infrastructure
• Commercial meeting space — conference room or boardroom wireless microphone antenna distribution via fiber
• Government space — secure facilities with existing single-mode fiber plants leveraged for AV infrastructure
• Multi-purpose room — flexible antenna placement without long coaxial cable runs
• All-hands room — large corporate space with antenna positioned for optimal RF coverage
• Training room — rack-mounted wireless equipment with remote antenna placement for consistent coverage

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What fiber cable type does the OPTIX1-S3 require?
The OPTIX Series 3 requires 1310 nm single-mode fiber-optic cable with ST/UPC connectors. Multi-mode fiber is not compatible. Fiber cable is not included and must be purchased or provisioned separately. Most commercial buildings with structured cabling already have single-mode fiber in place.

Is the OPTIX1-S3 compatible with all professional wireless microphone brands?
Yes. The OPTIX1-S3 uses standard 50Ω BNC female connectors and supports 470–698 MHz (UHF TV band), 175–213 MHz (VHF high band), and 900–960 MHz. This covers the operating frequencies of Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Sony, Lectrosonics, and other professional wireless brands.

What is the maximum RF input power, and why does it matter?
Maximum RF input power is 0 dBm (1 mW). Exceeding this level causes signal clipping and voids the product warranty. The OPTIX modules are receive-path devices only. Never connect them to IEM transmitters, IFB transmitters, or intercom belt packs without appropriate RF attenuation in line.

How does the OPTIX Series 3 compare to using longer coaxial cable runs?
Coaxial cable at UHF frequencies loses 6–10 dB per 100 feet for standard RG8X. The OPTIX Series 3 introduces essentially no distance-dependent signal loss over fiber, making it the correct choice for runs beyond 50–75 feet in UHF systems where noise floor performance matters.

Can I use the OPTIX1-S3 with an RF Venue DISTRO antenna distributor?
Yes. The OPTIX1-S3 receiver module outputs standard RF via BNC, which connects directly to the antenna input of any RF Venue DISTRO4, DISTRO5 HDR, or DISTRO9 HDR. Multiple OPTIX receiver outputs can feed a single distributor to cover antennas in different physical locations.

What factory default settings are on the OPTIX Series 3?
The Tx unit defaults to DC Control 0 and Gain Adjust preset A. The Rx unit defaults to Output preset 2 and Gain Adjust preset 1. RF Venue recommends leaving these at factory defaults unless you have specific system integration requirements; contact RF Venue technical support before adjusting.

What warranty coverage applies to the OPTIX1-S3?
RF Venue provides a standard product warranty covering manufacturing defects under normal operating conditions. Exceeding maximum RF input power (0 dBm) voids the warranty. Creation Networks provides pre-sales technical support and can assist with warranty claims.