TEST: Ant Uno G8

 I don't really want to use clichés, but Italy and instruments, or electronic instruments? World fame beyond the legendary Amati / Stradivari families? This occurs to me spontaneously. actually just the company Markbass, which has become a respectable player in bass amplifiers in the fusion and jazz sectors.

Well, then it's high time, the company Advanced Native Technologies (ANT) must have said to itself and, in the name of the ant, has brought the Ant Uno G8 onto the market either as a handheld or as a belt pack with production in China. With a retail price of 225 euros, the product hits an already busy market. Let's see whether the concept or possible detailed solutions make the competition sit up and take notice.

First impression

Unfortunately, the Ant Uno G8 is only delivered in cardboard packaging with cut-out foam inserts. A plastic case, which has now become standard, is not included. Experience has shown that the packaging supplied will break down into its individual parts after approx. 2-3 shows, so a transport case should be taken into account when purchasing.

In addition to a receiver half the width of the rack and a dynamic hand-held transmitter, the scope of delivery includes two rack wings, two comparatively stiff, medium-length antennas to be mounted on the back, a multi-voltage power supply (12V - 500 mA), 2 batteries for the hand-held transmitter, and a very simple manual English / Italian, and a simple, unbalanced jack cable. There is no more. Oh yes, 2 plastic caps to close the holes already placed in the rack angle for front-mounted antennas, which brings us to the first point of criticism.

It's clear to me that in the €200 class you have to fight for every euro, but it's not possible to deliver rear-mounted antennas without a BNC antenna converter for front operation. These are penny items to manufacture and anyone who has ever experienced the reduced operation of a receiver installed in a rack with internal antennas knows the problem. Of course, you can purchase corresponding antenna converter cables for less than €30, but in my opinion something like this is included with every radio link that is delivered and is intended to run in rack mode.

The workmanship makes a good impression, clean corners and transitions as well as flawless paintwork. Both the handheld transmitter and the receiver part are housed in a robust metal housing, which suggests a long service life. The antennas are anchored to the housing with bayonet fasteners, which enables quick assembly and disassembly.

Connections and handling of the receiver

When it comes to outputs, the Ant Uno G8 uses the minimum equipment that is usual in this price range, i.e. balanced XLR and unbalanced jack. Simple, but absolutely sufficient for practical use. An additional XLR cable or something similar instead of the simple unbalanced jack cable would be nice, but oh well, see above.

The display of the Ant Uno G8 receiver turns out to be very clear in terms of size and display. In addition to the frequency used, it also provides information about the AF and RF level, the squelch setting, the output level, the antenna reception and, after activating the menu navigation, also about the channel and the group. There is also an ASC infrared receiver on the front panel to pair the handheld transmitter with the receiver.

the handheld transmitter

In terms of color, the handheld transmitter of the Ant Uno G8 comes in a combination of matt black and matt anthracite. One has the impression that almost all manufacturers in this price range have their microphone housings manufactured in the same factory, the structures of the handheld transmitters are so similar. The dynamic capsule, the unscrewable shaft with 2 AA batteries, the color-variable end capsule, all very similar in appearance and feel. According to the manufacturer, the Ant Uno G8 handheld transmitter runs for up to 10 hours on a pair of batteries. The transmission power of the handheld transmitter is 10 mW and is not variable.

And yet there are small differences that can have a big impact. On the one hand, there is the annoying issue of the mute switch. Many of the Ant Uno G8's competitors fail here with a bang because of the exposed position of the switch and the associated unintentional muting during operation. The Ant Uno G8 handheld transmitter stands out pleasantly here. Not only can the transmitter only be muted by explicitly pressing the switch, ideally with your fingernail over a clearly palpable pressure point, a narrow, two-color LED band (green > go, orange > muted) also informs the user about the switch Status of the handheld transmitter. Very nice, very practical!

A small display also provides information about the channel, group and the charge status of the batteries. If you unscrew the shaft of the handheld transmitter, you also gain access to the product's gain control. Here you can increase the transmission power by turning it clockwise and reduce it in the opposite direction. If there are RF disturbances in the signal, the integrated noise gate (squelch) can be activated, with a three-stage setting. The higher the value, the stronger the protection against extraneous noise. However, it should be noted that a squelch value that is too high can also have a negative impact on the audio signal. If the faults cannot be eliminated with the measures described, a channel change is advisable.

When it comes to background noise, you can look at the sensitivity of the handheld transmitter housing from two sides. Due to the solid metal construction, the housing dampens “drumming noises” from the fingertips or other areas of the skin quite well, a big plus point. Unfortunately, due to the high density of the material, the same construct also shows a very high sensitivity to knocking against rings on the fingers, which are reproduced with very loud clicking noises. Unfortunately you can't have everything...


the annoying hustle and bustle of frequencies

When it comes to carrier frequency, the Ant Uno G8 takes a middle path between the 2.4 GHz network, which is permitted everywhere but is contaminated with cell phone frequencies, and the MHz ranges that require a license. With the 1785 - 1805 MHz frequency band you can broadcast unhindered in most Western European countries, although most of the Eastern European area does not provide any information. Only Portugal, England, Croatia and Belgium require licensing, while Norway specifies a maximum transmission power of 20 mW and thus enables the operation of the Ant Uno G8. In addition to Russia and Slovakia, Ireland and Italy, which generally allow a very limited selection of frequencies, are once again turning out to be spoilsports.

Handling and sound

Let's start with the transmission power. The fixed transmission power of 10 mW shows very quickly where things are going. The priority is clearly on long operating times with a clear view of the stage. If you are on a stage that can take on Wacken dimensions, but you have a direct view of your receiver without any obstacles, there should normally be no dropouts in the signal routing. In my personal “garden test”, the transmission power was just under 40-50 meters, which should be sufficient for any standard stage.

However, in indoor areas or with complex stage setups, a safety check must be carried out in advance. At my house it was time for work after the 2nd KS wall, especially since the product, like all transmitters, reacts very sensitively to acute angles due to the risk of reflection. If there is appropriate reinforcement, such as in ceilings or floors, this will likely reduce the transmission power somewhat. Conclusion: try it before the show.

In terms of sound, the Ant Uno G8 leaves a good impression. The dynamic capsule with a cardioid pattern delivers comparatively soft highs and a tight bass, while it tends to slightly “noble” in the midrange. With an intelligently set parametric filter, this point should be able to be managed, especially since the capsule itself sounds very pleasing for this price range.

Conclusion

With the Ant Uno G8, the Italian company is making a good impression in the highly competitive 200 euro class. The workmanship and detailed solutions are very neat, the look is appealing, and the sound is better than the price would suggest. Anyone who is willing to lend an ear to a provider of a lesser-known trademark should give the southern European provider a chance. It might be worth it!

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Additional Informations:

### Hypothetical Overview of ANT Audio

#### Introduction
ANT Audio, if it exists as a company in the audio equipment industry, would likely be involved in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of audio products such as speakers, headphones, microphones, or audio interfaces. The company might aim to cater to a specific segment of the market, such as professional studio equipment, home audio systems, or portable audio devices.

#### History and Development
- **Founding and Origins:** ANT Audio might have been founded by audio enthusiasts or professionals with a passion for sound quality and innovation. The company's inception could have been driven by a desire to fill a gap in the market or to improve upon existing audio technologies.
- **Growth and Expansion:** Over time, ANT Audio could have expanded its product line and market reach, possibly gaining a modest following among audiophiles or professional sound engineers.

#### Product Line and Innovations
- **Speakers and Sound Systems:** ANT Audio might offer a range of speakers, from compact, portable models to high-fidelity home audio systems.
- **Headphones and Earphones:** The company could also produce headphones, focusing on sound quality, durability, and comfort.
- **Professional Audio Equipment:** If catering to the professional market, ANT Audio might manufacture studio microphones, mixers, and audio interfaces, emphasizing precision and clarity.
- **Innovative Features:** ANT Audio's products might incorporate unique features such as advanced noise-cancellation technology, wireless connectivity, or environmentally friendly materials.

#### Manufacturing and Quality Control
- **Production Standards:** The company would likely adhere to high production standards, ensuring that each product meets strict quality control criteria.
- **Sourcing of Materials:** ANT Audio might be committed to using sustainable and high-quality materials, balancing environmental concerns with product durability.

#### Market Presence and Brand Perception
- **Target Audience:** Depending on its product range, ANT Audio's target audience could include audiophiles, professional musicians and sound engineers, and general consumers seeking quality audio experiences.
- **Brand Values:** The company might emphasize values such as innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.

#### Challenges and Opportunities
- **Market Competition:** ANT Audio would face competition from established audio equipment manufacturers and emerging brands.
- **Technological Advancements:** Staying abreast of rapid technological changes and consumer preferences would be crucial for the company's success.

#### Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
- **Environmental Impact:** ANT Audio might have initiatives to minimize its environmental impact, such as using recyclable materials and promoting sustainable practices.
- **Community Engagement:** The company could engage in community outreach programs, supporting music education and local arts.

#### Future Prospects
- **Research and Development:** Continuous investment in R&D would be essential for ANT Audio to innovate and remain competitive.
- **Market Expansion:** The company might aim to expand its global presence, entering new markets and diversifying its product offerings.

### Conclusion
In summary, while specific details about ANT Audio are not available, a company in the audio equipment industry with this name would likely focus on delivering high-quality audio products, driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Its success would depend on its ability to navigate a competitive market, stay technologically relevant, and maintain a strong brand identity.