MuxLab 500025 MonoPro XLR Male - Analog and Digital Audio Extender Balun over Cat5e/6
The MuxLab 500025 MonoPro XLR is the ultimate solution for audio professionals, installers, and event technicians who need to transmit sound signals over long distances without the loss of quality or the high cost of traditional audio cables. This passive balun (impedance transformer) allows you to extend a balanced mono or AES digital audio signal using standard Cat5e or Cat6 network cable, replacing heavy and expensive XLR cables with a lightweight and efficient UTP infrastructure.
Designed with a focus on durability and ease of field installation, the 500025 features a 3-pin male XLR connector with a locking mechanism on one end and a screw terminal block inside the housing. This eliminates the need for complex crimping tools or additional RJ45 connectors; simply strip the network cable, screw in the conductors, and you're ready to transmit.
Thanks to its compact design and impact-resistant housing, it's ideal for rental applications, live stages, and PA systems where space and reliability are critical. When used in conjunction with its counterpart (typically the 500026 female model), this device ensures clean, transparent audio transmission free from ground loop interference over impressive distances.
Main features
-
Long-range transmission: Capable of sending line-level analog audio up to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) and AES digital audio up to 426 m, far exceeding the limitations of standard copper cabling.
-
Solderless connection: Its output interface via terminal block (screw terminals) facilitates quick termination in the workplace, allowing the use of UTP or STP cable without the need for RJ45 connectors.
-
Signal versatility: Compatible with both professional analog audio (active microphones, consoles, amplifiers) and AES/EBU digital signals.
-
Ultra-compact and robust design: Its small form factor (48x25x25 mm) and integrated strain relief (cable gland) protect internal connections against accidental pulls, ideal for rough use on stages.
-
Safety XLR connector: Incorporates a metal XLR connector with a locking latch to prevent accidental disconnections during the event or installation.
Benefits for the installer and the user
Using the MuxLab 500025 transforms the logistics of any audiovisual project. The main benefit is cost and weight savings : Cat5e/6 cable is considerably cheaper and lighter than shielded balanced microphone cable. This allows for easier routing through narrow conduits or suspended ceilings. Furthermore, as a passive device, it requires no external power supply, simplifying cable management in the rack or on stage. Its ability to maintain signal integrity over extreme distances makes it invaluable for connecting the front-of-house (FOH) mixing console to the power amplifier or active speakers located hundreds of meters away.
Use cases
-
Live events and rental: Quick connection of microphones or table outputs to distant amplifiers using lightweight network cable reels.
-
Fixed installations in buildings: Audio distribution in auditoriums, airports, schools or conference centers taking advantage of existing structured cabling.
-
Security and public address systems: Sending clear audio signals to remote areas of the venue without loss of volume.
-
Recording and broadcast studios: Routing of AES digital signals between control rooms separated by large distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need two units for it to work?
Yes, baluns work in pairs (transmitter and receiver). You will generally need this model (500025, Male) on one end and the complementary model (500026, Female) on the other, depending on the gender of the connectors on your audio equipment.
Does this balun require a power supply?
No, the MuxLab 500025 is a passive device and does not require any external power supply.
Can I use it for microphones?
Yes, it supports active or line-level microphones. If using microphones that require phantom power, ensure the ground (shielding) connection is properly connected at both ends via the shielded STP cable.
How do I connect the network cable?
The device opens to reveal a block of screw terminals. You connect the wires of the Cat5e/6 cable directly to these terminals (signal + and -), securing them with a small screwdriver.
Project description
Passive balun-type audio extender for transmitting balanced mono or AES/EBU digital signals over twisted-pair cabling (Cat5e/6). It features a locking 3-pin male XLR connector on the audio side and an internal screw terminal block for UTP cable, with cable glands for strain relief. It supports distances up to 1.5 km for analog audio and 426 m for digital audio. The bandwidth is DC to 6 MHz, and the output impedance is 600 ohms. It has compact dimensions of 48 x 25 x 25 mm and weighs only 0.075 kg.
