- Modular stage/drop boxes for high-quality snakes
- Compatible with analog, DMX, AES3 and intercom
- 4 channels of balanced audio over Cat5
- Available in male or female configurations
DIMENSIONS
Unit
Height x Width x Depth:
2.25 x 7 x 2 in (5.715 x 17.78 x 5.08 cm)
Weight: 10.5 oz (297.67 G)
In Package
Height x Width x Depth:
4.5 x 8.75 x 2.25 in (11.43 x 22.225 x 5.715 cm)
Weight: 16 oz (453.592 G)
COMPATIBLE WITH
Analog audio (including phantom power*)
DMX signals
AES3
Intercom
*Requires shielded cable for full functionality
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
4 channels of balanced audio over Cat5
Chassis ground switch located on IN/OUT side of unit
Compatible with DMX, COM and other 3-pin XLR based COM systems
AES72-2O compliant
Available in male or female configurations
DOCUMENTATION
PACKAGE CONTENTS
CAT Box 4 (male or female unit)
Rubber foot pad
User documentation
WARRANTY INFORMATION
PART NUMBER
Male: CBMX
Female: CBFX
Perfect your stage snake system with the compact and durable SoundTools CAT Box. Minimize the number of cables required by running up to four channels of audio and data from XLR, DMX, or AES3 lines through a single shielded CAT line. Designed by sound humans to look great and function for a lifetime. The disconnectable CAT Box stage boxes can be daisy-chained and used in multiple configurations to build the perfect snake.
The SoundTools CAT Box isn’t your average stage drop box. We’ve designed it to be one of the most versatile audio-over-Cat units on the market. When combined with our SuperCAT or SuperCAT Sound cables, a snake built with CAT Boxes will cost approximately 15% of what you’ll pay for an average audio snake using 4 XLR cables. Now you can run four isolated channels of clear audio or intercom down a single shielded Cat5e or better cable, and even increase the distance of your lines. We’ve successfully run balanced analog over 600 feet with our SuperCAT cable in our workshop.
Not all disconnects are created equally. Because of its design, the SoundTools CAT Box can be used in a multitude of applications.
- Use for bi-directional audio and COM for small stage or presentation applications
- Use as a low-cost hard-wire split
- Daisy-chain units and drop each channel in a different location
- Use as an XLR-to-Cat conversion box to lower cable costs
- Utilize Cat5 wiring in building installations to quickly set up audio in conference rooms
SoundTools is founded and run by other audio professionals just like you. We know how much your happiness depends on high-quality tools that work every time. The SoundTools CAT Box is part of our Happy Human Warranty. If you’re not happy with it within the first year, you can return it for a refund. At any time after that, if it fails, contact us and we’ll send you a replacement.
All SoundTools products are covered by a LIFETIME Happy Human warranty. At any point during the first year of ownership, all SoundTools products can be returned to the original place of purchase for a replacement or full refund. Simply contact the place of purchase or see https://soundtools.com/support to arrange the warranty coverage and arrange for SoundTools to cover shipping costs.
After the one year period all SoundTools products have Lifetime coverage against defects or malfunction and SoundTools will replace or repair the unit at no cost. If you wish to start a claim under the Lifetime Warranty contact the SoundTools dealer closest to you, or reach out directly to SoundTools support. Replacement units may be refurbished or B-Stock. SoundTools will cover shipment of the replacement or repaired unit.
*In the event your SoundTools product is discontinued, give us a shout and we will figure it out.
**For damaged SoundTools cables over one year past purchase date, the warranty covers no cost re-termination to the longest viable length.
- Do I need to use shielded CAT5 cable?
Yes. Each of the channels shares a common ground. This is especially important with digital signals.
- How far can I send my mic lines?
For balanced analog we've achieved distances of over 600ft using our SuperCAT cable. The results will vary with other CAT5 brands. For digital signals we recommend distances up to 330 ft as per AES/EBU standards.
- What is the tiny switch for?
The CAT Box comes with a chassis ground lift switch which will disconnect the ground from the box. Helpful if you run into issues with the metal body grounding to something else.
- Can I use the CAT Box with the SoundTools CAT Tails?
Absolutely! All of the SoundTools Analog Audio over CAT family will work together, bringing audio over CAT to the places you need it most. Connect CAT Box to CAT Tails or CAT Racks, split signals using the parallel/thru jacks, and route your audio where you want.
- Can I send audio in both directions or do I need another gender CAT Box?
The CAT Box is capable of sending or receiving signals, just like an analog snake. You can use gender turnarounds OR use the "parallel" option and a second CAT Box. When sending mixed signals a high quality CAT cable is encouraged.
- Is shielded cable really required?
The short answer is no. But in order to use phantom power and to minimize noise, we strongly suggest you use properly shielded cable. You can check if your cable is shielded by checking for continuity on the RJ45 jack using a multi-meter. Still not sure? Just purchase SuperCAT and you know you'll be covered.
- Can I use it with my (digital console)?
While the CAT Box will work with any console on the market, it is important to note that it does not do any D/A conversion. The beauty of the CAT Box is that it sends analog audio over lightweight CAT cable, no conversion required. Hook directly up to your XLR connections and let CAT Box do the rest.
- Do you have a wiring diagram available?
You can download a PDF version of the CAT Family Wiring Diagram HERE
A breakout unit with 4 XLR or DMX cables capable of sending balanced analog audio, digital, DMX, and Clear-Com signals over shielded CAT5 cable. Available in Male or Female.
SoundTools SuperCAT XM is our most impressive cable yet, guaranteed to run AES50 without pops or dropouts over lengths up to 110 meters.