MuxLab 500436 - 4K/60 HDMI Audio Extractor with Toslink Digital and Analog Outputs
The MuxLab 500436 is a professional solution designed to address one of the most common challenges in modern audiovisual installations: integrating high-resolution video sources with dedicated audio systems. This device allows you to de-embeddle or extract the audio signal from an HDMI 2.0 source (such as a Blu-ray player, game console, PC, or set-top box) and simultaneously send it to external sound equipment, while the video signal remains undisturbed and reaches your screen or projector with pristine quality.
Unlike conventional extractors, this model is built to meet today's demanding video standards. It offers full compatibility with 4K Ultra HD resolutions at 60Hz , ensuring no loss of fluidity or detail in the image thanks to its 18 Gbps bandwidth. It's the ideal tool for maintaining the visual integrity of HDR content while independently managing audio to soundbars, amplifiers, or audio distribution systems.
Versatility is key to the design of the MuxLab 500436. It features advanced EDID management via physical switches, allowing the installer to select the priority audio mode (Pass-through, Bitstream, or 2CH). This ensures compatibility with both 5.1 surround sound systems through its Toslink optical output (S/PDIF) and stereo systems through its 3.5 mm analog output, facilitating connections in corporate, educational, or residential environments.
Main features
-
Superior video performance: Supports resolutions up to 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and 8-bit color depth.
-
Standards compliance: Compatible with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 content protection, essential for playing protected content from current streaming platforms.
-
Digital Audio Output (Toslink): Allows you to extract multi-channel compressed audio formats such as LPCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 and even Dolby Digital Plus (in TV mode).
-
Analog Audio Output (3.5 mm): Ideal for extracting LPCM 2.0 stereo audio to active speakers or local amplifiers.
-
Simplified EDID Management: Accessible dip-switch selectors to force the desired audio configuration (TV, Bitstream or 2CH) and avoid signal conflicts.
-
Advanced Audio Pass-through: The HDMI output allows direct pass-through of high-definition formats such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio to the main AV receiver.
-
Visual diagnostics: LED indicators to quickly check power status and signal synchronization.
Benefits for the user
This extractor is essential for those looking to upgrade their viewing experience to 4K without replacing an older sound system that lacks HDMI inputs. By separating the audio, it eliminates reliance on the often low-quality built-in speakers of projectors or monitors, allowing you to direct the sound to a high-fidelity system. Furthermore, its compact design and metal housing ensure durability and easy concealment behind displays or in rack trays, maintaining a clean and professional installation aesthetic.
Use cases
-
Conference rooms and classrooms: To send the presenter's laptop video to the projector and the audio to the room's ceiling or wall speakers.
-
Home Cinema: Integration of next-generation consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) with older AV receivers that only have optical input, maintaining 4K video on the TV.
-
Digital Signage: Audio extraction for background music or announcements in commercial premises while visuals are displayed on silent screens.
-
Gaming stations: Use of 4K gaming monitors without speakers, routing the sound to headphones or external sound systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does this device perform a 5.1 downmix to stereo?
No, the MuxLab 500436 acts as an extractor, not a decoder. If you are using the 3.5 mm analog output, you must ensure that the source is set to send stereo audio (LPCM 2.0) or use the EDID switch in the "2CH" position.
-
Is it compatible with HDR signals?
Yes, thanks to its HDMI 2.0 support and 18 Gbps bandwidth, it is compatible with high dynamic range (HDR) signals.
-
Does the optical port support Dolby Atmos?
The optical (Toslink) port has inherent bandwidth limitations. It supports Dolby Atmos only if it's encapsulated over Dolby Digital Plus (compressed), but for lossless Atmos (TrueHD), the HDMI output (pass-through) must be used.
-
Does it need electrical power?
Yes, the device includes an external 5V DC power supply required for its active operation and signal amplification.
Project description
Professional HDMI 2.0 audio extractor supporting video resolutions up to 4K UHD at 60Hz (4:4:4) and 18 Gbps bandwidth. The device must comply with the HDCP 2.2 protocol and allow simultaneous audio de-embedding via an S/PDIF (Toslink) optical digital output compatible with LPCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS, and an analog stereo output via a 3.5 mm jack. It must include EDID management via physical switches for audio mode selection (TV, Bitstream, 2CH) and support pass-through of advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X through the HDMI output. The unit will be housed in a compact metal chassis and include an external 5V power supply.
