MuxLab 500028 - Passive Stereo Hi-Fi Balun (RCA Audio Extender over Cat5e/6)
Optimize your professional and home audio installations with the MuxLab 500028 Stereo Hi-Fi Balun , an engineered solution designed to overcome the distance limitations of traditional analog cabling. This device allows you to transmit unbalanced line-level (RCA) stereo audio signals over a single Cat5e or Cat6 UTP network cable, reaching distances of up to 1 kilometer without any perceptible loss of quality.
Unlike long runs of coaxial cable that often suffer from high-frequency attenuation and interference pickup, the MuxLab 500028 balun maintains a full frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz , guaranteeing crystal-clear sound fidelity ("Hi-Fi"). It is an indispensable tool for integrators looking to leverage existing structured cabling infrastructure in buildings, offices, or homes to discreetly and efficiently send audio from one point to another.
Its compact design includes color-coded RCA patch cables (red and white) integrated directly into the unit, facilitating a quick and secure connection to equipment such as media players, amplifiers, mixers, or active subwoofers. Being a completely passive device, it requires no external power supply, simplifying cable management in the rack or behind audiovisual equipment.
Main features
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Long-range transmission: Sends high-fidelity stereo audio up to a maximum distance of 1 km (3,250 ft) using inexpensive twisted-pair cable.
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High Fidelity (Hi-Fi): Preserves the full audio spectrum (20 Hz - 20 kHz), ensuring that deep bass and bright treble reach their destination intact.
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Passive Design: It does not need plugs or batteries; it works by taking advantage of the physics of the twisted pair to balance the signal.
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Plug & Play connectivity: It has integrated male RCA connectors on 15cm cables for direct connection to the source or amplifier, and a standard RJ45 port for the network cable.
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Wiring versatility: Compatible with Cat5e and Cat6 cables, eliminating the need for expensive and bulky coaxial audio cables.
Benefits for the installer and the user
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Cost and space savings: UTP cable is significantly cheaper and thinner than traditional shielded audio cable, allowing multiple signals to pass through narrow conduits.
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Clean installations: Allows centralizing playback equipment in a technical rack and sending audio to amplifiers or active speakers located in other rooms or floors.
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Total flexibility: Facilitates quick changes in system configuration (movements, additions or changes) by taking advantage of existing RJ45 network sockets in the walls (requires a second balun at the other end).
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Immunity to interference: The use of twisted pairs helps to reject electromagnetic and radio frequency noise (EMI/RFI), common in long runs.
Typical use cases
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Multiroom Systems: Distribution of music from a central source to local amplifiers in different rooms of a luxury residence.
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Auditoriums and Conference Rooms: Connecting the audio output of a laptop computer on the lectern to the mixing console located in the control booth at the back of the room.
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Digital Signage: Sending synchronized audio to advertising screens located far from the media player.
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Education and Training: Audio link between classroom projectors and public address systems or amplified wall speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need two units for it to work?
Yes, baluns work in pairs (one in the transmitter and one in the receiver). This product is sold individually, so be sure to purchase a pair or combine it with a compatible wall plate model (such as the MuxLab 500028-WP).
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Does it work with shielded (STP) cables?
Yes, although it is designed for UTP (unshielded), it works perfectly with STP cables, which can provide extra protection in environments with a lot of industrial electrical noise.
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Can I use it to connect a record player?
Only if the turntable has a built-in phono preamp (line output). If the signal is direct from the cartridge (phono), it will need to be pre-amplified before entering the balun.
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Does it work for subwoofers?
Yes, it can transmit the LFE or line signal for active subwoofers over long distances.
Project description
Passive analog stereo audio extender capable of transmitting unbalanced line-level signals up to 1 km using Cat5e/6 UTP cable. The device must offer a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz for high-fidelity applications. It will feature two male RCA connectors on integrated patch cords for the audio interface and one RJ45 connector for the line interface. The housing dimensions will not exceed 61 x 57 x 25 mm, and its lightweight design will allow for overhead installation behind equipment. It will not require an external power supply.
