Sound Devices is heading to Las Vegas with a new compact wireless transmitter, a significant firmware update and deeper cloud integration for its 8-Series recorders.
Sound Devices is heading to NAB 2026 with three announcements: the new Astral Mini Plus transmitter, v8.30 firmware for the Astral Wireless range and updated Viviana Cloud integration for 8-Series mixer-recorders.
Catch up on all the latest news here.
The headline announcement is the Astral Mini Plus, a compact wireless transmitter that builds on the existing Astral ecosystem with a handful of meaningful upgrades. Battery life sits at 8+ hours, the tuning range spans the full 169 – 1525 MHz global spectrum, and it carries an IP67 water resistance rating – solid credentials for demanding location sound and broadcast work. A familiar ergonomic form factor and improved usability features are aimed at cutting setup time in the field.
Alongside the hardware, the v8.30 firmware update brings AstralComm integration with SoundBase, the universal platform for professional wireless audio frequency coordination. For engineers managing complex RF environments, this means being able to monitor and adjust Astral Wireless devices directly through SoundBase – changing frequencies, renaming transmitters and keeping tabs on the system without jumping between tools.
Rounding out the showcase is 8-Series integration with the upcoming Viviana Cloud Box 2, which adds an instant upload feature to Frame.io for 8-Series mixer-recorders. For anyone running critical shoots where backup and turnaround time matter, getting audio off the recorder and into the cloud quickly is exactly the kind of practical solution that makes a real difference on set.
CEO Matt Anderson says: “As production environments continue to evolve, our focus remains on supporting the core workflows of location sound, broadcast, and live production with tools built to perform at the highest level. The launch of Astral Mini Plus, along with continued firmware development and deeper software integrations, reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that professionals can rely on and that continue to improve over time.”
More information and appointment bookings are available at sounddevices.com.
