Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Guide to Radio Synchronization

Catchbox Plus system is designed to provide high-quality audio in a single space. But if you need more microphones in one large area, or have multiple rooms close together, that's where Radio Synchronization comes in.

What is Radio Synchronization?
Why is Radio Synchronization Important for Catchbox Plus?
What Happens Without Synchronization?
Setting up Radio Synchronization
Specifications Check

What is Radio Synchronization?

Plus system uses the DECT wireless standard, which relies on dividing a radio channel into specific time slots for transmitting and receiving.

Think of it like a scheduled conversation:

  • In a normal system, multiple receivers might try to "talk" to their microphones at the same time, causing interference or unwanted pauses, because they don't know when the others are using the airwaves.
  • Radio Synchronization is a connection between your Hub receivers that forces them to operate in one rhythm, or "know, to talk and mutually recognize each other".

It ensures that when one Hub's microphone is using its assigned time slots, another Hub's microphone is not using the same slots simultaneously. This coordinated timing maximizes the radio capacity and maintains reliable performance for every microphone in the room.

Why is Radio Synchronization Important for Catchbox Plus?

Plus system supports up to 10 microphones in the EU region and 6 in the US region in one space without radio sync. 
The synchronization feature is essential for two main scenarios:

Increased Capacity in One Large Space:
      • Radio sync allows you to connect multiple Hubs to increase the number of microphones you can reliably use in a single room.
      • Max Capacity with Radio Sync: Up to 15 transmitters in the EU region, and up to 9 in the US region.
Multiple Hubs Placed Close Together:
    • If you have several Hub receivers located next to each other or on top of each other, the radio sync prevents them from interfering with one another.
    • If your Hubs are closer than 2-3 meters (about 6.5–10 ft) apart, radio synchronization is highly recommended. The minimum recommended distance without sync is 50 cm (20 inches).

What Happens Without Synchronization?

If you try to use multiple Hubs close together without setting up the radio sync, you will likely encounter interference. DECT technology is designed to avoid interference, but with overlapping coverage from multiple units, things can get messy.

The most noticeable effect of using more transmitters than recommended (without sync) is that the effective wireless range will decrease. While the maximum range is usually 100m/330ft, increasing the channel count without synchronization will inevitably reduce that operating distance.

Setting up Radio Synchronization

Radio synchronization requires a special connection between the "Radio Sync Out" of one Hub (the Primary Hub) and the "Radio Sync In" of the next Hub (the Secondary Hub).

You will need a stereo 2.5mm cable to create this link. Click here to purchase it from our webstore. 

Initial Hub Setup

  • Power On and Enable Sync: Ensure both Hubs are powered on. On the front panel of both Hubs, go to the menu: Burger menu -> RF -> RF Sync -> Enabled
  • Power Off: Once enabled on both, disconnect both Hubs from power.

Wiring the Hubs

  • Connect the Cable: Use a stereo 2.5mm cable to connect the Radio Sync OUT port on the Primary Hub to the Radio Sync IN port on the Secondary Hub.
  • Tip: You can chain multiple Hubs: Primary OUT -> Secondary IN, and Secondary OUT -> Third Hub IN, and so on.

Power Up (in Order)

The order in which you power on the devices is crucial, as the Secondary Hub is programmed to wait for the signal from the Primary Hub.

  • Power the Primary Hub: Start powering on the Primary Hub.
  • Wait: Wait approximately 10 seconds for the Primary Hub to boot up and establish its timing.
  • Power the Secondary Hub: Now, start powering on the Secondary Hub.

You're all set! The Secondary Hub will now perform based on the timing signals it receives from the Primary Hub, ensuring all microphones operate in one, single rhythm without interfering.

Note: Always power the Primary Hub first when starting up the system. If the Primary Hub loses power, the synchronized Secondary Hubs will also automatically fail.

Specifications Check

 

Without Radio Sync

With Radio Sync

Max Transmitters (EU)

Up to 10

Up to 15

Max Transmitters (US)

Up to 6

Up to 9

Connection Type

N/A

2.5mm cable

Hub Placement

Min. 50cm / 20 in apart

Can be stacked on top or placed right next to each other