MC3 2-IN-2-OUT XLR Balanced/RCA Converter Audio Selector Splitter Box Passive Preamp XLR to RCA Switch

This splitter/switcher allowed my to be able to use my single-ended, RCA- only stereo amp to be fed from my all-balanced desktop headphone amp/preamp - when before I had to use an RCA-only switcher and XLR to RCA cables that picked up all sorts of EMI/RFI noise and interference. After I installed this and was finally able to use XLR cables into it and only one RCA cable for the run from the RCA connectors in this box into the RCA connectors of my amp - no more noise at all. Before, I could hear the interference from my listening seat but now I can just barely hear it if I place my ear directly on the tweeter (and only if I strain). Totally worthwhile IMO, even though it a little more costly than cheaper solutions. It is well built though and has good fit-n-finish also. It is bigger than it looks in the picture and the knobs are a li'l large but they can be easily replaced with smaller ones - just make sure you buy the correct ones. Overall, I'm really satisfied in it's operation - and that's what counts......

Does it's job and feels VERY high quality. I'm also using this for a pretty complex monitor chain, and wanted to use one set of converters for all my monitors. Bonus, the knobs feel cool and the switches feel very high quality. Absolutely perfect. The cables definitely wanted to pull him off the desk, but I just took the bundled the cables against the side of my desk with a zip tie, so that there wasn't tension pull the unit off the desk. I feel like, if it were a big problem for me, I'd just open the little guy up and fill it with a bunch of rubber pellets or somethin'. For the price and quality, I can't take a star off because my cables going to it have tension. The price would have to be higher to put a chunk of steel in there to weight it down... so considering everything, it's still priced great.

I would have given 3.5 stars if that choice was available. Pros: - Good switching feature set for the price - 2 balanced + 1 single ended inputs - 2 balanced + 1 single ended outputs - Knobs are solid and reliable - No sound degradation Cons: - The unit weighs VERY little. Unless you have cable lifters (who has cable lifters?) your attached cables will tilt the face of unit up and this looks unsightly. It also makes the unit unstable if the cables are moved around. - Plastic/rubber feet do not keep the unit from sliding. This is mainly due to the unsubstantial weight of the chassis.

I'm using this for a simple purpose: it routes a line level signal to either of 2 powered monitors. So it's overkill for my situation in a way, but I like the fact that it can do more if I need it to. If you are wondering what it's made of (as I was): the top, bottom and sides are steel (a magnet sticks), and the front and back are plastic panels. I would never have thought about the weight being unusually light. XLR cables are beefy, I get that, but I don't see the weight of this unit as a problem (as some have said). I was prepared to screw it down to my desk, but it isn't going to be necessary. I don't get pops when I switch between monitors. The switches operate nicely, and there's nothing wrong with the printed graphics or the fit and finish. Very pleased with this thing!

I am using the unit to distribute multiple inputs such as LapTop, iPad to multiple outputs such as different monitor speakers. Great unit. Well build. Very light. XLR and RCA in and outs. Highly recommended.

I bought this to use as part of a complex monitor-switching setup in my studio. It works great. It's very clean and transparent. I took it apart to verify that there wasn't anything in the signal path. The internals are very straightforward. just an input and output PCB, a PCB for the switches, and some wires in between. No resistors or capacitors. Just in, out, and a couple rotary switches. I can't hear a difference with this unit in or out of my the signal chain. Highly recommend. Build quality is good. I added some labels for my own use. The unit comes exactly as shown on the product page.

I bought this specifically for the purpose of routing two separate DJ setups (in one room) into the same pair of speakers. For this task (as well as for many others you might need) this device works absolutely perfectly. It's basically an XLR switcher. The item lists it as a "splitter." I wouldn't call it a splitter, I think "switcher" is the better term, because that's what it does, it switches the audio from one source to another and it does it brilliantly! Highly recommended for anyone who doesn't want to buy a 2nd pair of speakers, and wants to switch from one set of equipment to another without swapping out cables.

While one might consider this simple device somehow overpriced, nevertheless it does the job that it is supposed to do as an Audio Splitter Selector. In my case while the amplifier (Parasound Halo 21) has both XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) inputs along a switch to choose between the two, nonetheless, since they are located at the rear of the amplifier, their accessibility creates some difficulty for the user. And, hence enters the current device: For input chices I have used the Audio RCA for an analog player (Turntable --> Phono Preamp-->Selector) and the XLR for digital sources (--> DAC-->Selector). But for the output, I have only used one of splitter's XLR outputs that is connected to the amplifier. Of course, since I have two pairs of passive speakers the ouptput of the amplifier in turns goes to a router (TC-7220 2-Way Amplifier Speaker Selector Switch Switcher Comparator Crossover Router) that allows one to choose between each pair of speakers. Note that one can also connect the Splitter directly to active speakers (that do not need external amplifers), however in my case, I had no need for that option as my active speakers can be directly fed by the DAC. In this regard, my test with this Selector/Splitter passive device showed no issue. The device does its simple job, as it is expected of any normal switch, without interfering with the sound quality in any way. Furthermore, its case and knobs are not flimsy but quite elegant.

These boxes are great and can also be used as passive preamps if you have volume control on your line input items. They've been reviewed elsewhere and I can confirm that if there is any signal loss or coloration from using this box, it is minimal. I knew what I was getting into as I used a MC103pro 3in - 1 out box and the performance is basically the same but I needed 2 in - 2 out so I bought this box. Deducting a point because the box is very light and once cables are in and moving around your studio, the box will not sit flat on your surface. You will have to put something on the top front to keep it flat. These boxes are great but should come in heavier or at least front heavy cases so they stay on the surface once cables are in.

works like it should