3dB Labs is a U.S.-based technology company founded in 2004 by three engineers united by a shared commitment to delivering state-of-the-art signal processing solutions and maintaining best-in-class customer relationships without sacrificing quality for profit. Today, 3dB Labs is a trusted partner to government and defense organizations worldwide, providing advanced RF signal processing software and integrated systems.
3dB Labs primarily serves government and defense sectors, providing solutions for applications like Electronic Warfare, Spectrum Management, Signals Intelligence, and Test & Measurement.
3dB Labs is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio, with additional customer-support offices in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland. We serve global markets with worldwide support to real-time operations.
Sceptre is 3dB Labs' flagship software platform for advanced RF signal processing and discovery. It is a customizable signal processing suite capable of real-time and offline spectrum and temporal analysis, providing the tools necessary to quickly identify and exploit signals of interest.
Sceptre's core capabilities include advanced signal detection, spectrum masking, demodulation, decoding, recording, and processing, along with advanced digital signal processing algorithms such as TDOA/FDOA, direction finding, and beamforming.
Sceptre provides full spectrum awareness, enabling users to readily detect, identify, and respond to critical signals of interest by cutting through noise and clutter, providing clarity even in congested environments.
Yes, Sceptre leverages automation for tasks like TDOA/FDOA geolocation and signal detection using native protocol detectors, reducing manual workload, and speeding up analysis.
Yes, its detection, geolocation, and analysis features are fundamental to passive SIGINT operations, allowing for the collection and interpretation of signals without active transmission.
Yes. Sceptre is available as a standalone perpetual software license in five performance tiers — OFFLINE, 1G, 10G, PRO, and MAX — for installation on your own Linux hardware, or choose from 3dB Labs' Monarch line of pre-integrated turn-key hardware to simplify your integration. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com to discuss the appropriate tier and configuration for your environment.
Sceptre licenses are priced per workstation and based on the performance tier. The license can be transferred to another machine once deactivated. Please see our end-user license agreement for more information.
Sceptre is offered in five performance tiers — OFFLINE, 1G, 10G, PRO, and MAX — with each providing progressively higher instantaneous bandwidth support and expanded hardware compatibility. Starting at the PRO tier, users gain access to advanced capabilities including GPU-accelerated processing, TDOA/FDOA geolocation, and enhanced multi-node management. The MAX tier further expands these capabilities with advanced multi-sensor management and tailored web interfaces for platforms such as Kirby, Citadel, and Jester. Please view the full compatibility matrix for a detailed comparison.
Yes, 3dB Labs offers free Sceptre demo licenses to customers who have completed our evaluation process and have been approved by our support team. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com to learn more and to begin the demo license approval process.
Sceptre is a perpetual license, including a one-year free software maintenance plan that covers software updates. After the initial year, a follow-on maintenance plan can be purchased annually at a cost of 20% of the original license sale price to ensure continued access to the latest Sceptre software upgrades. The expiration date is determined as one year from the shipment date plus 30 days for shipping and installation.
Example: A 1G license is $14,000 and includes one year of maintenance. Adding one additional year at $2,800/year provides a combined two-year maintenance term for $16,800.
Example: A 1G license is $14,000 and includes one year of maintenance. Adding one additional year at $2,800/year provides a combined two-year maintenance term for $16,800.
Sceptre is a perpetual license that never expires. While the license itself remains valid indefinitely, we offer annual software maintenance plans to ensure you continue receiving the latest updates, new features, and technical support.
Yes. Sceptre will continue to function after your maintenance plan expires. You will simply no longer receive software updates or new features until the maintenance plan is renewed.
Sceptre is designed to operate across a wide range of hardware configurations, from low-power, single-board computers to full workstation-class systems. Optimal performance is achieved, however, on systems featuring an 8-core processor, 16 GB ECC RAM, a minimum base clock of 2.8 GHz, and at least 1 TB SSD/NVMe storage.
Sceptre is designed for Linux-based systems, supporting both Debian Linux flavors (Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, 24.04) and Enterprise Linux distributions (Rocky 8/9, CentOS 7/8, RHEL, etc.). Sceptre is also available for macOS X 10.15+, Linux ARM64 processors, and Windows 10+ (64-bit). Non-Linux releases are limited in software-defined radio (SDR) compatibility and capability, as not all plugins are fully supported.
Sceptre supports a broad selection of SDRs, receivers, and digitizers from over a dozen manufacturers. Please refer to the full compatibility matrix for a complete list of supported hardware.
Sceptre currently supports antenna positioner control for General Dynamics, MOOG, NextMove, RPM, Sky-Watcher, and ViaSat systems. To discuss integration of an additional positioner, please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com.
Yes, webDVR and SceptreNet allow users to remotely configure, monitor, and control Sceptre systems, while Sceptre can also be configured for fully headless operations. For full native UI remote control, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) or other remote desktop solutions can be utilized.
Sceptre supports the following CPU instruction sets:
sse4.2— Available for Windows installations and older Linux CPUsavx2— Recommended for most Linux users to provide optimal performanceavx512— For server-class processors or high-end Linux workstationsarm64 / aarch64— For Apple Silicon (Mac) and ARM-based Linux systems
Sceptre currently ingests the following file formats:
- AMBE-Encoded Audio (DMR/P25) Files (*.ambe, *.dmr)
- DRT Rev B Files (*.drtb)
- DRT Rev C Files (*.drtc)
- Midas/Platinum BLUE Files (*.cdif, *.det, *.epdw, *.esdw, *.fft, *.img, *.pdw, *.prm, *.sdw, *.tmp, *.xpdw, *.xsdw)
- Packet Capture (*.ntcap)
- QVRT Files (*.qvrt)
- Sceptre DVR Files (*.sdvr)
- Sceptre Files (*.sceptre)
- Sceptre Pulse Archive Files (*.sparc)
- SigMF Files (*.sigmf-data)
- TS Files (*.ts)
- VITA-49 Files (*.vita49)
- WAV Files (*.wav)
Sceptre can record in one format (depending on the input and method used to record) and export that file into various formats, including 8, 16, 32, and 64-bit Floating Point or Integer-based file formats.
Answer pending — content to be provided.
Yes, Sceptre has a robust Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API) that enables communications between Sceptre and other systems or applications.
Sceptre does not have a Software Development Kit (SDK) for users to create their own plugins. However, users can leverage our REST API to control or communicate with other systems into Sceptre. For those interested in native plugin development and/or integration, please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com.
Overview
The Sceptre Hardware Systems family refers to all hardware platforms built on the Sceptre software platform. This includes Monarch (ruggedized laptops and rackmount servers), as well as application-based hardware such as Kirby, Citadel, and LTMS. Each platform is purpose-built for a specific deployment environment while sharing the same core Sceptre software foundation.
3dB Labs emphasizes its commitment to broad interoperability and an open architecture, regularly adding support for a wide range of software-defined radios and external hardware to expand system capabilities.
Sceptre is the software foundation at the center of the 3dB Labs ecosystem. The Sceptre Hardware Systems family — including Monarch, Kirby, Citadel, and LTMS — are purpose-built hardware platforms that deploy Sceptre across a wide range of mission environments:
- Monarch delivers Sceptre on ruggedized hardware for fixed-site, vehicle-mounted, or portable field use.
- Kirby deploys Sceptre on a compact sensor node as a leave-behind unit (or remotely via car, UAV, balloon, or maritime vessel) for platform integration, streaming data to a controller for processing and geolocation.
- Citadel packages Sceptre for indoor RF monitoring and TSCM, where RSSI heatmapping replaces outdoor TDOA techniques.
- LTMS extends the platform into additional mission domains, supporting static, mobile, and remote operations with real-time RF monitoring, collection, and rapid deployment — both tethered and untethered.
3dB Labs' hardware warranties cover certain hardware purchased through 3dB, addressing the replacement or repair of parts or defects. Hardware warranties are one year by default, but additional years can be purchased (up to 5 years).
Monarch
Sceptre is a customizable signal processing suite capable of real-time and offline spectrum and temporal analysis, providing the tools necessary to quickly identify and exploit signals of interest. Monarch is the systems hardware that Sceptre software runs on to enable MONitoring and ARChiving for various applications. Monarch systems are customizable to your needs and currently support a wide variety of receivers and digitizers from over a dozen manufacturers.
Monarch is available in two primary form factors:
- Laptop (14", 16", or 18" screen) — Field-portable systems offering 8–24 TB of NVMe storage depending on screen size. Available with Sceptre 1G, 10G, or PRO, with the option to include a matched SDR receiver.
- 2U Rackmount — A server-grade platform for fixed-site or vehicle-mounted deployments. Supports removable NVMe SSD arrays from 60 TB to 660 TB and multiple simultaneous Sceptre instances.
The Monarch Rackmount is required to support wideband processing, which Monarch laptops are unable to perform. Additionally, the Monarch Rackmount is not required but is preferential for permanent installations and applications requiring substantial storage capacity (60 TB to 660 TB), or environments where multiple simultaneous Sceptre instances are necessary. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com to discuss your requirements and we will recommend the most appropriate platform.
While OS modifications are technically possible, we strongly recommend consulting our support team prior to making any changes. Altering the operating system can affect Sceptre compatibility, hardware driver support, and BIOS configuration. Please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com with your serial number before proceeding.
Please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com with your Monarch serial number and a description of the failure. Our team will assess warranty coverage and direct you to the appropriate service pathway. Please have your serial number available as it is required to retrieve your system and warranty records.
Sceptre software maintenance and support provides access to software updates, new feature releases, and bug fixes. Hardware maintenance covers all hardware purchased through 3dB Labs and includes repair or replacement of components affected by defects in materials or workmanship.
Create an account in 3dB Labs' portal (portal.3db-labs.com) and associate your Sceptre Serial Number (v4: XXX XXX XXX or v5: XXXX-XXXX) with that account. The portal will then provide you with the latest releases of our software based on your software maintenance plan for that Sceptre Serial Number.
Application Based Systems
Kirby
Kirby is a self-contained, multi-purpose signal processing solution providing remote & mobile operations of the Sceptre software. Kirby is optimized to provide spectrum monitoring, collection, heat-mapping, and geolocation in a variety of use cases and environments. Refer to the Kirby Overview for more information.
Kirby is available in several variants:
- T6 — Up to 6 GHz, 27 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Compact variant for use as a leave-behind unit and other terrestrial deployments.
- T14 — Up to 14.5 GHz, 40 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Wider frequency coverage for more demanding tactical missions. Compact variant for use as a leave-behind unit and other terrestrial deployments.
- S6 — 9 kHz – 6 GHz, 27 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Compact variant for UAS, vehicle, or ground-based deployment.
- S14 — Up to 14.5 GHz, 40 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Wider frequency coverage for more demanding tactical missions. Compact variant for UAS, vehicle, or ground-based deployment.
- H6 — Up to 6 GHz, 27 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Optimized for stratospheric operations.
- H14 — Up to 14.5 GHz, 40 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Wider frequency coverage for more demanding tactical missions. Optimized for stratospheric operations.
A Kirby GeoKit is a complete multi-node TDOA geolocation package, available in 3-node and 4-node configurations across all Kirby variants (T6, T14, S6, S14, H6, H14).
- Configurations with
-LTin the part number include a Monarch laptop running Sceptre MAX as the controller. - Configurations without
-LTinclude the Kirby nodes, peripherals, and transit cases only — for customers who already have a controller.
Upgrade feasibility depends on the specific hardware revision of your existing Kirby 6 units. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com with your serial numbers and our team will assess whether an upgrade path is available.
Kirby is subject to the same export control framework as other 3dB Labs products, available in both ITAR and EAR/5D991 variants. The ITAR variant is controlled under the U.S. Munitions List (USML). The 5D991 variant is controlled under the Commerce Control List and is authorized for export to a broader range of destinations. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com with your intended end-use country for specific classification guidance.
Yes. Dimensional drawings and CAD models are available to support platform integration design efforts, typically provided under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com and indicate the specific Kirby variant you are integrating to initiate the process.
Sceptre's REST API provides programmatic access to spectrum monitoring data and geolocation outputs from connected Kirby nodes, supporting full C2 system integration. Please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com to request API documentation and confirm compatibility with your Sceptre version.
Citadel
Citadel is a Sceptre-based In-Place Monitoring System (IPMS) providing real-time Radio Frequency (RF) monitoring to persistently observe, analyze, and assess the RF spectrum. Refer to the Citadel Overview for more information.
Citadel is available in two deployment architectures:
- Tactical Kit — A portable multi-node configuration, typically comprising 4–5 sensor nodes, packaged in hard transit cases for rapid field deployment.
- Fixed-Site (Citadel-200C) — A permanently installed configuration utilizing fiber-optic interconnects and a rack-mounted server for centralized control.
- 14G Node — Up to 14.5 GHz
- 20G Node — Up to 20 GHz
- 43G Node — Up to 43 GHz
Yes. The tactical Citadel configuration is specifically recommended for mobility-constrained deployments, owing to its compact, case-packaged form factor and ease of transport. Please contact support@3db-labs.zendesk.com to discuss the appropriate node count and configuration for your platform.
Citadel uses RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) heatmapping. This approach is more effective than TDOA-based geolocation in indoor environments, where signal reflections and multipath propagation render time-difference measurements unreliable.
The Citadel Controller software (Sceptre MAX with the Citadel management plugin) is included with Citadel controller hardware purchases for both the 16" laptop controller and the 2U rackmount controller. Customers procuring Citadel sensor nodes without a 3dB Labs controller will require a standalone Controller Software license, with one license per ten nodes. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com for a complete quotation.
LTMS
LTMS stands for Laptop Monitoring Station and serves as a self-contained signal processing platform. This platform supports both static and mobile missions with real-time RF monitoring and collections, tethered & un-tethered operations, and rapid employment. Refer to the LTMS Overview for more information.
Please submit your requirements to quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com or reach out to your designated 3dB Labs representative. To facilitate a prompt and accurate quotation, kindly include: the product(s) of interest, your intended use case, required quantity, applicable export variant (domestic, ITAR, or EAR/5D991), and urgency of request.
We typically quote 2–4 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO) for software. Hardware shipping times can vary depending on quantity, specific product, and supply chain availability.
Yes. 3dB Labs is familiar with Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) rated requirements. Please include the applicable rating (such as DO-A3 or DO-C9) in your RFQ and our operations team will confirm acceptance and provide a lead time commitment. DPAS-rated orders are processed in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
3dB Labs is registered on SAM.gov, the Joint Contingency and Expeditionary Services (JCXS) portal, and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). CHESS may be utilized when 3dB Labs is engaged as a subcontractor to a prime contractor.
Sceptre licenses and maintenance are available directly from 3dB Labs or via GSA Advantage, simplifying the purchasing process for federal agencies. 3dB Labs is also registered on SAM and JCXS. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com for personalized procurement assistance.
Sceptre software at its core is a commercial product classified as 5D991. The base software can be sold and shipped internationally to customers without the need for export licenses, provided the end-user is not a denied party or embargoed country. 3dB Labs offers several plugins to the base Sceptre software that could shift the classification from 5D991 to an ITAR-controlled item classified under CAT XI(b). ITAR-controlled items require license authorizations from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls under the U.S. Department of State. Note: Sceptre part numbers (e.g., SCEPTRE-10G-ITAR, SCEPTRE-10G-5D991) denote the specific export control jurisdiction.
Monarch hardware at its core is a commercial product classified as 5A991 and can be sold and shipped internationally without export licenses to eligible end-users. Similar to Sceptre, certain variations of Monarch hardware, or Monarch systems bundled with specific Sceptre software, could shift the classification to an ITAR-controlled item classified under CAT XI(b), requiring license authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
3dB Labs products are offered in two export-controlled configurations:
- ITAR — Controlled under the U.S. Munitions List (USML). A DSP-5 export license is required for most destinations outside of Five Eyes partner nations. Part numbers carry the
-ITARsuffix. - EAR / 5D991 — Controlled under the Commerce Control List (CCL), ECCN 5D991. Exportable to a broader range of countries without an individual export license. Part numbers carry the
-5D991suffix.
Certain products may exhibit configuration differences between the ITAR and 5D991 variants. Please contact info@3db-labs.zendesk.com with your specific product configuration and use case and we will provide a definitive response.
Kirby follows the same export control framework as other 3dB Labs products and is available in both ITAR and EAR/5D991 variants. Please contact info@3db-labs.zendesk.com with your intended export destination for specific classification details.
Yes, 3dB Labs maintains an active CAGE code. We are pleased to provide our CAGE code along with supporting compliance codes and documentation for your procurement package upon request. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com to request these materials.
Yes. 3dB Labs can incorporate applicable FAR and DFARS clauses into our quotation or proposal response. Please include all required clauses in your solicitation document and we will ensure our response fully addresses each provision.
We appreciate your diligence in protecting sensitive information. Please contact 3dB by telephone at (513) 332-5227, through 3dB's support team (support@3db-labs.zendesk.com), or through your 3dB Labs Field Team representative to establish CUI-safe communication channels.
Reseller arrangements are established through a formal reseller agreement with 3dB Labs on a case-by-case basis. While 3dB currently works with resellers worldwide, 3dB may require a formalized business proposal before approving new reseller agreements, especially in new countries/regions of business. For products subject to export controls (whether ITAR or EAR/5D991), the reseller relationship must be structured in full compliance with applicable U.S. export regulations. Please contact info@3db-labs.zendesk.com to initiate the discussion.
Yes, 3dB offers two main types of training: classroom-style and scenario-style training. 3dB offers onsite, classroom-style trainings, with topics ranging from basic courses such as RF Fundamentals and Sceptre 101 to deep dives into EW and TSCM related fields. 3dB also offers onsite, scenario-style trainings. These scenarios allow students to test 3dB equipment and apply their knowledge of Sceptre, EW, and other related topics to life-like situations, gaining valuable hands-on skills.
3dB Labs' training is designed to help your team get the most out of Sceptre from day one. Key benefits include:
- Faster time to mission readiness — hands-on instruction accelerates operator proficiency far beyond self-study.
- Expert-led instruction — courses are taught by instructors with direct operational experience, not just technical knowledge.
- Tailored content — training is adapted to your team's experience level and mission focus, ensuring relevance to your specific use case.
- Reduced support burden — trained operators generate fewer support issues and resolve problems faster in the field.
- Access to best practices — learn proven workflows and configuration approaches developed from thousands of real-world deployments.
3dB Labs offers training courses for groups of up to six personnel. While course length can be customized, our standard courses typically are:
Additional students (beyond six): $1,000 per student, per day.
Facility fee: $500/day if training is not held at a 3dB Labs location or customer-provided location.
- 3-day course
- 4-day course
- 5-day course (most frequently requested)
- 10-day course
Additional students (beyond six): $1,000 per student, per day.
Facility fee: $500/day if training is not held at a 3dB Labs location or customer-provided location.
To register, you must complete our form at https://training.3db-labs.com/. A follow-up email with login information will be sent to all qualified government registrants.
3dB Labs' training courses are designed exclusively for qualified organizations and personnel. If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies, please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com prior to registering.
3dB Labs offers training courses spanning fundamentals, intermediate, and advanced levels across disciplines including Sceptre software operation, wireless protocol analysis, Citadel In-Place Monitoring (IPMS), signal hunting and direction finding, antenna fundamentals, and travel-based TSCM operations. 3dB Labs maintains training kits available to students for most courses, minimizing equipment requirements on the customer side.
Yes, 3dB Labs offers on-site engineering support engagements available in 3, 4, or 5-day durations. These engagements focus on hands-on system setup, configuration optimization, and operational support, distinct from structured instruction. Please contact quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com to discuss the most appropriate engagement for your requirements.
Yes. 3dB Labs offers overseas or outside of the continental United States (OCONUS) training engagements. Please be advised that Sceptre training is ITAR-controlled and written export authorization may be required, particularly when foreign nationals are in attendance.
3dB Labs strongly recommends initiating the authorization process well in advance. Please provide the training location and nationalities of all attendees when contacting us. OCONUS pricing is available upon request at quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com.
3dB Labs strongly recommends initiating the authorization process well in advance. Please provide the training location and nationalities of all attendees when contacting us. OCONUS pricing is available upon request at quotes@3db-labs.zendesk.com.
For issues encountered with the Sceptre software, Sceptre user license, 3dB Labs Portal, Monarch hardware, or any 3dB Labs product, please contact our dedicated support team through email at support@3db-labs.zendesk.com.
No questions match your search.
