The ATS Mini receiver has long been a favorite among hobbyists and Shortwave Listeners (SWLs) for packing incredible functionality into a tiny, portable package. Now, the latest iteration, the ATS Mini V4, arrives on the scene, building on the success of its predecessors (V1, V3, and V3S) with significant enhancements that cement its status as a top-tier micro-controlled radio. This new version maintains the core appeal—a full-band DSP radio with Single Sideband (SSB) capability—while introducing key improvements in performance, hardware, and user experience.
Enhanced Hardware: Clarity and Connectivity
The V4 model continues to utilize the highly capable ESP32-S3 microcontroller and the SI4732 DSP chip, ensuring excellent reception across a wide spectrum. It maintains support for FM/AM/LSB/USB (SSB) modes, covering the full-wave broadcast range from LW, MW, and SW (150kHz – 30MHz) up to VHF (64-108MHz).
A crucial upgrade in the newer versions, and maintained in the V4, is the focus on audio quality. Previous generations sometimes had a low headphone volume, but the V4 is expected to feature an independent headphone amplifier circuit, resulting in a significantly louder and clearer listening experience through earphones. Furthermore, the V4 continues the trend of improved build quality and attention to detail seen in the V3/V3S, which addressed earlier hardware issues like excessive battery drain. It also retains the convenient USB-C charging interface and the vivid 1.9-inch IPS high-definition color screen for a great visual experience.
Software Refinements: Smarter and More Intuitive
The ATS Mini’s open-source nature means the firmware is constantly evolving, and the V4 benefits from the latest software advancements. Users can look forward to a brand-new system that includes more flexible brightness adjustment—essential for both outdoor and nighttime use—and an improved bandwidth adjustment function for fine-tuning signal clarity.
One of the standout software features is the continued integration of Wi-Fi capability. This allows the receiver to connect to an Access Point to download the latest EiBi shortwave schedules. This is a game-changer for shortwave enthusiasts; once the time is set (via RDS or Wi-Fi), the radio can display possible stations on a frequency, turning the simple act of tuning into a much more informed and productive search for distant signals.
The latest firmware versions also boast features like a Scan mode for frequency range plotting and an expanded memory of up to 99 slots for storing favorite frequencies.
ATS Mini V4 : A Refined Pocket Receiver
The ATS Mini V4 solidifies the receiver’s reputation as a premium yet affordable portable shortwave radio. It is designed for those who value portability, deep functionality, and the ability to tinker with firmware. While the learning curve for operating a complex micro-controlled radio remains, the improved hardware—especially the better headphone audio—and the continually refined firmware make the V4 the best version yet. For serious SWLs looking for a robust, pocket-sized receiver with SSB and smart features, the ATS Mini V4 is a compelling choice that offers incredible performance for its size and price point.
If you are curious to see how the V4 stacks up against its immediate predecessor, you can check out this video: ATS Mini Ver.4: BEST Pocket SSB Receiver? (Review & Comparison V3 vs V4). This video provides a direct comparison of the V3 and V4 models, highlighting the real-world differences.
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