Equipment / SDR / receiver · SDRplay
current

SDRplay RSP1B

$$···

2024
Introduced
Frequency1 kHz - 2 GHz continuous (NO GAPS — VLF through L-band)
BandsVLF, LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, L-band
PowerRECEIVE ONLY.
ModesAll modes via SDRuno/SDRconnect software (AM, FM, SSB, CW, digital, etc.)
Weight100 g (3.5 oz) - ~100g estimated. Black painted steel case.
ConnectorSMA-F
Year2024
Connectors
antennaSMA-F (use SMA male plug cable — avoid heavy adapters!)
usbUSB Type-B (cable NOT included)
power reqUSB bus powered via Type-B.
the entry-level 14-bit SDR — 1 kHz to 2 GHz with no gaps, steel case 14-bit native ADC (2-6.048 MSPS) — drops to 12/10/8-bit at higher sample rates 1 kHz to 2 GHz continuous coverage (VLF through L-band — NO GAPS!) up to 10 MHz visible spectrum bandwidth 0.5 PPM TCXO (in-field trimmable to 0.01 ppm!) multiple high-performance preselect filters (minimize phantom signals/images) software-selectable AM/FM/DAB broadcast band notch filters (reduce intermod from strong stations) software-selectable 4.7V bias-tee for powering external LNA/active antenna rugged black painted steel case (RSP1B upgrade from RSP1A's plastic case) RSP1B improvements over RSP1A: significantly improved noise below 1 MHz and 50-60 MHz, improved 3.5-5.5 MHz and 250-320 MHz, improved HF signal handling SDRuno (Windows) + SDRconnect (Windows/macOS/Linux/Raspberry Pi) included FREE documented API for developers (3rd party demodulators and applications) USB Type-B connector (standard USB-B cable — NOT included!) multiple simultaneous receivers within any 10 MHz slice RECEIVE ONLY — do NOT connect to transmitting antenna!
Strengths

A 14-bit ADC (versus the RTL-SDR's 8-bit) for much better dynamic range, with 1 kHz-2 GHz gapless coverage and 10 MHz bandwidth. It has preselect and notch filters, a bias-tee, and a 0.5 PPM TCXO trimmable to 0.01 ppm, in a steel case. SDRuno and SDRconnect are free, there is a documented API, and it supports multiple simultaneous receivers within a 10 MHz slice.

Weaknesses

Receive only. The USB cable is not included (annoying at this price). No transmit. It is 14-bit only at lower sample rates (dropping to 8-bit above 9.216 MSPS). The SMA connector is fragile (avoid heavy adapters). +10 dBm max input (do not connect near a transmitter). Some third-party software is not yet RSP1B compatible.

Verdict

A capable entry-level 14-bit SDR. The RSP1B puts 14-bit resolution, 1 kHz-2 GHz gapless coverage, preselect filters, notch filters, and a bias-tee into a modestly priced steel-cased receiver. It is the step up from an RTL-SDR for listeners who want cleaner reception, better dynamic range, and coverage from VLF to L-band. The included SDRuno/SDRconnect software is polished and free. Bring your own USB-B cable.

The SDRplay RSP1B is the entry point to SDRplay's well-regarded line of receive-only software-defined radios. It covers an enormous span — 1 kHz all the way to 2 GHz, with no gaps — and shows up to 10 MHz of spectrum at once, all driven by a computer running SDRplay's free SDRuno or SDRconnect software. It is a receiver only and cannot transmit.

It is built around a 14-bit converter, which gives it meaningfully better dynamic range than the 8-bit RTL-SDR dongles, though it is worth knowing that the full 14-bit depth applies at narrower bandwidths and steps down as you widen the view. The 'B' refresh of the popular RSP1A added a rugged steel case, a software-switchable bias tee for powering remote amplifiers, and improved noise performance at the low end of the spectrum. A single antenna port keeps it simple.

Launched in early 2024, it is a current product and a strong value for a do-everything wideband receiver. Step up within the family to the dual-tuner RSPduo or the HF-optimized RSPdx-R2 when you need more.