MuxLab IMU-500028-F-2PK - Passive Hi-Fi Stereo Audio Extender Kit (Female RCA) over Cat5e/6
The MuxLab IMU-500028-F-2PK is a professional solution designed for extending high-fidelity stereo analog audio signals over long distances, overcoming the physical and quality limitations of traditional coaxial RCA cables. This kit includes two balun units (transceivers) that allow the transmission of unbalanced line-level audio signals using a single Cat 5e or Cat 6 network cable, ensuring a clean, economical, and efficient installation.
Unlike standard models with male connectors, this "F" (Female) version integrates gold-plated female RCA connectors directly into the chassis. This feature provides exceptional flexibility for the installer, allowing them to use RCA patch cables of the exact length and quality required for their project, eliminating the clutter of pigtails hanging behind equipment. Its compact and robust design makes it easy to place behind amplifiers, televisions, computers, or in rack trays without taking up unnecessary space.
Thanks to its high-quality passive engineering, this system requires no external power supply. Its internal transformer performs precise impedance matching, converting the unbalanced signal into a balanced signal for transmission over the twisted pair. This ensures a full frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz , maintaining Hi-Fi sound integrity even over extreme distances of up to 1 kilometer , eliminating noise and interference common in long cable runs.
Main features
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Long-range transmission: Ability to send crisp stereo audio up to 1 km (3,250 feet) using standard UTP structured cabling.
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Hi-Fi Full Range Quality: Supports a full bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ideal for music and professional audio applications.
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Passive design: It does not require power supplies, batteries, or power adapters, simplifying installation and reducing points of failure.
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Flexible connection: Equipped with RCA Female inputs/outputs to connect custom audio cables according to the needs of the environment.
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Noise immunity: The use of balanced transmission over twisted pair offers excellent common-mode noise rejection, protecting the signal against electromagnetic (EMI) and radio frequency (RFI) interference.
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RJ45 Connectivity: Uses standard network infrastructure (Cat5e/6), taking advantage of existing cabling in commercial and residential buildings.
Benefits for the installer and user
This kit is the perfect tool for audiovisual integrators looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. By replacing expensive and heavy coaxial cable with UTP cable (Cat5e/6), cable routing through narrow conduits and suspended ceilings is greatly simplified. Furthermore, the kit's modular nature allows for quick moves, additions, and changes to the audio system configuration without the need to rewire the entire structure, simply by utilizing existing network outlets.
Recommended use cases
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Distributed Audio Systems: Connection of centralized music sources to amplifiers in different rooms or areas of a building.
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Conference Rooms and Auditoriums: Link between the audio output of a laptop on the podium and the main mixing console or amplification system located in the control room.
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Educational Environments: Audio transmission from projectors or interactive whiteboards to classroom speakers located at a distance.
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Residential Installations (Home Cinema): Connection of active subwoofers or rear speakers that are located far from the main AV receiver.
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Digital Signage: Sending audio associated with information screens or remote multimedia kiosks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to connect the baluns to the electrical current?
No, the MuxLab 500028-F is a completely passive device and does not require external power.
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What type of network cable should I use?
It is recommended to use solid copper Cat 5e or Cat 6 UTP cable to ensure maximum performance and distance.
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Does the kit include RCA cables?
No, since it's the model with female connectors, it's designed so that you can use your own male RCA cables of the length you need.
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Can I use it for coaxial digital audio?
No, this model is specifically designed for analog stereo line-level audio. MuxLab offers other models specifically for digital audio.
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Does it work both ways?
Yes, baluns are transceivers; either unit can function as a transmitter or receiver interchangeably.
Project description
Passive stereo analog audio extender kit consisting of two transceiver baluns for point-to-point transmission over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) Cat5e/6 cabling. Each unit features two gold-plated female RCA connectors for line-level unbalanced audio input/output and an RJ45 connector for interconnection. The system supports a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.007% at 1 kHz. It allows transmission distances of up to 1 km (3,250 ft) without the need for an external power supply. The unit is housed in a flame-retardant ABS plastic casing measuring 61 x 57 x 25 mm. The pin configuration is EIA 568 A/B compliant.
