MuxLab IMU-500026 - MonoPro Balun Extender with Female XLR Connector for Professional Audio over Cat5e/6
Optimize your professional audio setup and eliminate distance limitations with the MuxLab MonoPro XLR (Model 500026) . This high-performance balun (impedance adapter) is designed to extend analog and digital audio signals over Cat5e or Cat6 twisted-pair (UTP) cabling, offering a much more economical, lightweight, and manageable alternative to traditional long-distance shielded XLR microphone cables.
The MuxLab 500026 is equipped with a 3-pin female XLR connector on one end and an internal connection terminal block on the other, allowing for seamless integration with equipment that has male XLR outputs, such as microphones, mixing consoles, or active instruments. Thanks to its passive design, it requires no external power supply, simplifying the infrastructure of your audiovisual project.
Its robust construction includes a heavy-duty strain relief system (cable gland) and a locking connector, ensuring a secure connection even in demanding environments such as live stages, equipment rentals, or permanent installations in auditoriums. This adapter allows you to leverage existing structured cabling infrastructure to transmit high-fidelity audio without interference.
Main features
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Signal versatility: Compatible with analog line-level or microphone audio, as well as AES/EBU digital audio signals.
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Extended range: Allows transmission of analog audio up to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) and digital audio up to 426 m (1,400 ft) using Cat5e/6 cable.
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Simplified connection: It has an internal screw terminal block that facilitates the termination of the UTP cable without the need for complex crimping tools or soldering.
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Ultra-compact and rugged design: Die-cast housing with integrated pigtail cable and locking metal XLR connector to prevent accidental disconnections.
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Clean transmission: Takes advantage of the network cable's twisted-pair design to reduce crosstalk and reject electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Benefits for the installer and the user
Using the MuxLab MonoPro 500026 transforms the logistics of any event or installation. By replacing heavy audio conduits with Cat5e/6 cable, it dramatically reduces both the weight and cost of cabling. Furthermore, its ability to work with standard network infrastructure allows audio to be sent from one room to another in corporate or educational buildings without the need to run new, dedicated audio conduits.
Use cases
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Live events and stages: Connecting distant microphones or console outputs to remote amplifiers using lightweight cabling.
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Corporate facilities: Audio distribution in conference rooms and auditoriums using the building's structured cabling.
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Recording and Broadcast Studios: Extension of AES/EBU digital signals between control rooms and recording booths.
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Security and PA systems: Audio integration in public address systems distributed in large areas such as airports or shopping centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need two units for it to work?
Yes, they are generally used in pairs. This model (500026) with a female connector is typically connected to the source (microphone/mixer), and a complementary unit (such as the MuxLab 500025 with a male connector) is required at the receiving end to restore the XLR connection.
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Does it support phantom power?
The device allows the passage of phantom power for active microphones, provided that the ground pin (shield) is connected at both ends of the link through the corresponding terminal on the terminal block.
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Does it require electrical power?
No, it's a completely passive device.
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Can I use Cat7 cable?
Yes, although it is optimized for Cat5e/6, it will work correctly with higher category cables as long as they are copper twisted pair.
Project description
Passive audio extender (balun) for transmitting analog or AES/EBU digital signals over Cat5e/6 UTP cable. Equipped with a 3-pin female XLR connector with a locking mechanism on a pigtail cable and screw terminals (binding block) for connecting the twisted pair. Supports transmission distances of up to 1.5 km for analog audio and 426 m for digital audio. Compact design with integrated strain relief, dimensions of 48 x 25 x 25 mm and weight of 0.075 kg. Ideal for professional audio applications, rental, and staging.
