CAT Tails FX Female XLR Breakout 4-Channel - Slim Stage Fanout

In this review of the CAT Tails FX Female XLR Breakout, the bottom line is simple: this tool is for live sound engineers and studio techs who want to replace four bulky XLR runs with a single slim shielded CAT cable without sacrificing audio integrity. The biggest reason to buy is the reliable, all-analog conversion in a compact, road-ready package that supports analog, AES3, DMX and intercom signals while carrying 48-volt phantom power when shielded cable is used. The review focuses on real-world setup speed, build quality, and how it integrates into existing stage and venue cabling.

Key Features

• Slim fanout: Replaces four separate XLR cables with one shielded CAT5/6/7 run to reduce cable bulk and stage clutter.
• Four-channel wiring: Contains four 24 Mogami AES3 grade cables to maintain signal quality across all channels.
• Neutrik etherCON: Uses a Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connector for a secure, road-worthy network-style link.
• Signal compatibility: Works with analog audio, AES3 digital, DMX and intercom signals for flexible use on tour or in the studio.
• Rugged construction: Housed in machined anodized aluminum for long-term durability under live sound conditions.
• Transport ready: Ships in a durable red canvas zippered bag that keeps the unit organized between gigs.

Who It's For

The CAT Tails FX Female XLR Breakout is aimed at live sound engineers, production companies and venues that need a compact way to fan out four channels of XLR from a single CAT cable or patch point. It is particularly useful for touring rigs, stage snakes and buildings with pre-installed CAT wiring where quick fanouts to consoles or stage boxes save setup time.

Those who should look elsewhere include users needing long runs without venue CAT infrastructure or anyone requiring fully digital networking solutions beyond point-to-point AES3; this is a straightforward analog/digital breakout, not a network switch or converter for complex signal routing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Significantly reduces cable bulk by combining four XLRs into one CAT run.
• High-quality internal wiring with Mogami-grade cables preserves signal integrity.
• Sturdy Neutrik etherCON and anodized aluminum body withstand road use.

Cons

• Requires shielded CAT cable when using 48-volt phantom power, adding a constraint to cable choice.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CAT Tails FX Female XLR Breakout is a practical, well-built fanout that earns its place in live sound toolkits for anyone wanting to simplify stage cabling and speed load-ins. It offers clear benefits in cable management, durable connectors and broad signal compatibility, making it good value for production teams and studios that use venue CAT infrastructure or need compact fanouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this carry phantom power?
Yes, it supports 48-volt phantom power but you must use shielded CAT cable to do so.

Is it digital or analog?
It is an all-analog unit that is compatible with AES3 digital and analog signals, as well as DMX and intercom.

What connectors are used?
It uses a Neutrik etherCON RJ45 on the CAT side and four Neutrik XLR connectors labeled 1-4.