— New passive transport and distribution system moves balanced analog audio over standard Cat5e/Cat6 cabling without power or signal conversion. —
Los Angeles, CA – August 6, 2026 — Violet Audio US today announced the DX16B 16-channel passive audio splitter and the io44 four-channel XLR-to-Ethercon adapter, a flexible analog transport and distribution system that enables engineers to move balanced microphone and line-level audio over inexpensive shielded Cat5e or Cat6 cable while reducing installation costs, cable bulk and setup time.
Designed for live sound, broadcast, installed AV and recording applications, the DX16B and io44 transport professional analog audio without power supplies, digital conversion or active signal processing. Built around Violet Audio's Pure Path passive architecture, the system preserves the original microphone signal while simplifying routing between consoles, recording systems and broadcast feeds.
The Violet Audio DX16B 16-channel passive audio splitter (front panel)
The DX16B accepts microphone inputs and simultaneously distributes them through front- and rear-panel XLR connectors, dual DB25 connectors and four Ethercon ports. The io44 connects four balanced audio channels over a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable via either female or male XLR jacks.
A Complete Passive Audio Transport Solution
Operating bidirectionally and requiring no external power, the io44 provides an economical way to transport professional analog audio through conduit, walls and across large venues using readily available structured cabling.
The Violet Audio DX16B 16-channel passive audio splitter (rear panel)
The DX16B simultaneously distributes microphone signals to front-of-house, monitor, broadcast and recording systems through XLR, Ethercon and DB25 connections. Its passive design maintains signal integrity while replacing bulky analog snakes and eliminating the expense and complexity of powered distribution systems.
Built for Professional Workflows
Together, the DX16B and io44 provide a scalable analog infrastructure that moves four balanced audio channels over a single shielded Cat5e or Cat6 cable while preserving signal quality. By replacing bulky analog multicore snakes with standard Ethernet cabling, the system reduces installation costs, minimizes stage clutter and speeds deployment for both temporary productions and permanent installations.
The Violet Audio io44 four-channel XLR-to-Ethercon adapter
Professional-grade locking XLR and Ethercon connectors ensure reliable operation in demanding environments, while the DX16B's daisy-chain capability allows systems to expand as production requirements grow. Rugged all-metal construction makes both products ideal for touring, broadcast, houses of worship, theaters, corporate AV, education, recording studios and permanent installations. Whether transporting analog audio over long distances or distributing microphone signals to multiple destinations, the system integrates easily into existing workflows while providing a simple, dependable alternative to traditional analog snake systems.
Availability
The DX16B (MAP $395 USD) and the io44 (MAP $49.99 USD) are available through authorized Violet Audio US dealers throughout North America.
The Violet Audio io44 four-channel XLR-to-Ethercon adapter (foreground) and the DX16B 16-channel passive audio splitter (behind)
For more information on Violet Audio, please visit www.violetaudio.com.
