The V3 Malachite SDR Receiver (Malahit-DSP), Dual Antenna, firmware 1.10d, is a portable, stereo-capable software defined receiver that covers roughly 50 kHz to 2 GHz. It combines a sensitive RF front end with fast digital signal processing, so it excels at casual listening and field monitoring alike.
Moreover, it folds a touch interface, speaker, and battery into a single handheld unit, which makes true grab-and-go spectrum exploration possible. Additionally, dual antenna inputs let you optimize reception from LF through UHF without constant re-cabling.
What It Does Well
This receiver shines at rapid band-hopping and visual hunting for signals. Consequently, you can sweep shortwave, airband, VHF utilities, and UHF services quickly with an on-screen spectrum and waterfall. Furthermore, the DSP chain delivers crisp demodulation for AM broadcast, SSB on HF, and FM (narrow and wide) on VHF/UHF.
In practice, it feels responsive, and tuning steps adapt smoothly to the mode and band. In addition, the compact form factor and quiet internal speaker make it an easy travel companion for parks, SOTA/POTA spotting, or hotel-window DXing.
Display and User Interface
The V3 uses a bright color IPS touch display, typically around 3.5 inches, with a live spectrum and waterfall. Therefore, you see signals before you hear them, which speeds up tuning. Moreover, the interface presents frequency, mode, bandwidth, S-meter, and gain at a glance.
A rotary encoder complements touch controls for fine tuning, so you can dial in SSB nets or AM carriers precisely. Additionally, customizable step sizes, soft keys, and long-press shortcuts reduce menu digging in the field.
Dual Antenna Architecture
Two RF inputs simplify life across the 50 kHz–2 GHz span. As a result, you can dedicate one input to an HF wire or loop and the other to a VHF/UHF whip or external antenna. Furthermore, the radio stores per-band gain and filter choices, so band changes also feel like front-end changes. In many portable scenarios, this dual-port layout avoids adapters and protects delicate SMA threads from constant swapping.
Demodulation Modes
The Malachite covers the staples: AM, LSB, USB, CW, NFM, and WFM (stereo for broadcast FM). Consequently, you can copy HF broadcast, aero, and amateur SSB with equal ease, then jump to VHF marine, public service (analog), and FM broadcast.
Additionally, synchronous-like tuning behavior on AM helps reduce fading distortion when you ride the passband a bit. Meanwhile, adjustable de-emphasis improves wide-FM listening for music and news.
Filters, DSP, and Signal Tools
Filters are the star of the show. Therefore, you can set IF bandwidths from very narrow CW widths to wide FM broadcast ranges. Moreover, you get a tunable notch to dig out heterodynes, a noise blanker to tame pulse noise, and a noise reduction algorithm to smooth hiss on weak talk.
Additionally, variable AGC (fast/slow/auto) keeps levels consistent as you sweep from quiet to crowded segments. In tricky conditions, you can also tweak RF gain, IF gain, and attenuation to keep the front end linear.
Sound and Audio Experience
Audio from the internal speaker is clear and surprisingly full for a pocket unit. Consequently, voice intelligibility stays high even at lower volumes, which helps with long listening sessions. Furthermore, headphone output delivers better stereo separation on WFM and cleaner highs for SSB copy.
When you engage noise reduction thoughtfully, speech pulls forward without the watery artifacts that plague older portables.
Performance in Real-World Use
On HF, a modest wire or small loop pairs well with the V3’s low-noise front end. As a result, you can chase shortwave broadcasters and amateur nets with confidence. Additionally, airband on VHF comes through with crisp AM demodulation, and NFM utility channels sound clean when you choose the right bandwidth.
Meanwhile, strong local FM broadcast stations rarely overload the front end if you set gain and attenuation correctly. In noisy urban RF, careful use of the noise blanker and notch filter pays dividends.
Power, Battery, and Charging
The radio includes an internal rechargeable battery sized for several hours of mixed listening. Therefore, you can roam the dial without immediately hunting for a wall plug. Moreover, USB charging makes top-offs simple from power banks or travel chargers. Additionally, the firmware and control interface minimize backlight drain with adjustable brightness, which extends runtime in the field.
Controls, Ergonomics, and Build
A metal chassis and positive-click controls give the unit a durable feel. Consequently, it rides well in a backpack without fear of accidental tuning. Furthermore, the encoder knob and side buttons work cleanly with the touchscreen, so you can operate comfortably with gloves or in bright light. The dual SMA connectors sit flush and secure, and the headphone jack and USB port are easy to access even on a crowded table.
Firmware 1.10d Highlights
The 1.10d firmware refines DSP stability and UI responsiveness. Therefore, menu navigation feels snappier, and filter changes apply more smoothly. Moreover, small improvements to AGC behavior and noise tools help squeeze extra intelligibility from weak or fading signals. Additionally, band-specific memory behavior streamlines returning to favorite segments with your preferred mode and bandwidth intact.
Ideal Use Cases
Shortwave program listening, HF ham monitoring, utility hunting, airband scanning, and FM broadcast DXing all fit this receiver’s wheelhouse. Consequently, hobbyists who value portable spectrum awareness and quick visual tuning will get the most from it. Furthermore, travelers, POTA chasers, and apartment listeners benefit from the compact, low-clutter setup.
Specifications
- Frequency coverage: approximately 50 kHz to 2 GHz (receive only)
- Antenna inputs: dual SMA (optimized for HF and VHF/UHF usage)
- Modes: AM, LSB, USB, CW, NFM, WFM (stereo for broadcast FM)
- DSP features: adjustable IF bandwidths, tunable notch, noise blanker, noise reduction, AGC (fast/slow/auto), RF/IF gain, attenuation
- Display: color IPS touch screen with live spectrum and waterfall
- Audio: internal speaker, stereo headphone output for WFM
- Controls: rotary encoder, side keys, touch interface, user-set step sizes
- Power: internal rechargeable battery, USB charging
- Form factor: handheld, metal chassis, portable stereo operation
- Firmware: 1.10d (feature set and UI refinements)
V3 Malachite SDR Radio
The V3 Malachite SDR Radio with Dual Antenna receiver blends wide coverage, capable DSP, and a friendly touch UI into a truly portable SDR. Therefore, it invites signal exploration rather than fighting it.
Moreover, the dual-antenna convenience, flexible filtering, and solid audio make it an easy recommendation for listeners who want more than a basic portable but less fuss than a bench SDR. Additionally, its firmware polish and efficient interface keep you focused on what matters most: finding and enjoying signals across an enormous slice of spectrum.