MuxLab IMU-500439 - HDMI 2.0 Audio Extractor with Dolby and DTS Downmix 4K/60Hz
The MuxLab IMU-500439 is an advanced audiovisual engineering solution designed to solve one of the most common problems in professional and home integrations: the incompatibility between modern high-resolution video sources and analog stereo audio systems. This device is not a simple signal extractor; it acts as a powerful audio processor capable of receiving complex multichannel signals (such as Dolby Digital or DTS 7.1) and performing intelligent downmixing to convert them into a clear and crisp analog stereo signal through its RCA outputs.
Ideal for environments where maintaining the highest possible image quality is essential, the MuxLab 500439 guarantees transparent video passthrough, supporting 4K Ultra HD resolutions at 60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling. This means that while the device processes the audio to send it to amplifiers, mixers, or analog speakers, the image reaching the television or projector retains its high dynamic range (HDR) and definition attributes, and is fully compatible with demanding standards such as HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2.
Main features
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Intelligent Downmixing: Automatically converts up to 7.1-channel bitstream digital audio signals (Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, etc.) into analog stereo audio (2.0) without loss of critical information such as dialogue.
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Intact Video Quality: Supports resolutions up to 4K@60Hz (8-bit 4:4:4) and is compatible with high dynamic range formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10.
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Professional Signal Management: Compliant with HDCP 1.4 and 2.2 standards, ensuring compatibility with modern Blu-ray players, next-generation consoles, and satellite TV decoders.
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Direct Connectivity: It has HDMI input and output (loop) to easily insert the device between the source and the display, extracting the audio through its two gold-plated RCA connectors.
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18 Gbps Bandwidth: Sufficient capacity to handle the densest audiovisual signals on the current market without latency or artifacts.
Product benefits
The main benefit of the MuxLab 500439 lies in its ability to extend the lifespan of existing audio equipment . Many hi-fi stereo amplifiers or conference room PA systems lack HDMI inputs and Dolby/DTS decoders. By using this downmix extractor, you don't need to replace your sound system; the device takes care of "translating" modern digital audio into a format that your analog equipment can easily understand.
Furthermore, it simplifies installation by eliminating the need to manually configure video sources in "PCM" or "Stereo" mode, which often compromises the immersive experience if the system is also connected to a home cinema receiver later. MuxLab manages the signal automatically and transparently.
Use cases
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Meeting and Conference Rooms: To connect laptops or modern media players to 4K projectors and simultaneously send audio to the room's ceiling speaker system or analog zone amplifiers.
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Hybrid Home Theater Systems: Ideal when you want to view 4K HDR content on a state-of-the-art television, but prefer to use a classic high-end stereo amplifier for sound.
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Digital Signage: Allows you to extract audio from high-resolution advertising content and send it to independent public address systems in shopping centers or public spaces.
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Educational Environments: Facilitates the integration of new video sources (Apple TV, Chromecast, Blu-ray) in classrooms with pre-installed analog sound systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the device affect the image quality on my 4K TV?
No, the HDMI output port performs a "loop-out" or direct loop that supports 4K at 60Hz, HDR and Dolby Vision, so the image reaches the TV exactly as it came from the source.
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What audio formats can it convert to stereo?
It can downmix (mix to stereo) Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio and LPCM up to 7.1 channels.
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Does it require an external power supply?
Yes, it requires power to operate its internal signal processors. It includes its own 5V DC power supply.
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Does it work with copyrighted content (Netflix, Blu-ray)?
Yes, it is fully compatible with HDCP 2.2, the copy protection standard used by modern streaming platforms and players.
Project description
HDMI 2.0b audio extractor and de-embedder with active downmixing capability for multichannel Dolby and DTS signals to analog stereo. The device supports a video bandwidth of 18 Gbps, resolutions up to 4K@60Hz (4:4:4), and HDR/Dolby Vision metadata pass-through. It is compatible with HDCP 1.4 and 2.2. Inputs: 1x HDMI Type A. Outputs: 1x HDMI Type A (Loop-out), 2x RCA (Analog Audio L/R). It decodes and converts Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and LPCM (up to 7.1) to analog 2.0 output. The device features a metal chassis with ESD protection and includes an external 5VDC power supply.
