Monoprice Blackbird 4x2 4K HDMI Matrix - Compact 4K HDR Switch

Our review of the Monoprice Blackbird 4x2 HDMI Matrix finds it best for users who need a reliable way to route multiple 4K sources to one or two displays without fuss. The single biggest reason to buy is its straightforward support for full 4K@60Hz YCbCr 4:4:4 video and 7.1 channel audio pass-through, which keeps picture and sound quality intact when switching sources. Setup is simple for anyone comfortable with HDMI, and the included IR remote and smart EDID management mean it fits both home theater setups and small AV installations.

Key Features

• 4K@60Hz YCbCr 4:4:4 support: Preserves full color fidelity and detail for HDR video sources so images remain sharp and accurate on capable displays.
• HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant: Ensures compatibility with modern 4K HDR content and copy protection used by streaming devices and set-top boxes.
• 18 Gbps bandwidth: Handles high-bandwidth signals reliably, reducing the chance of handshake or dropouts with high-data-rate sources.
• 7.1 channel audio pass-through: Maintains multichannel audio for home theater receivers or sound systems without sacrificing video routing options.
• Audio de-embed and downscale options: Lets Output A de-embed audio to optical and analog outs and allows Output B to be downscaled to 1080p for displays that do not support 4K.
• IR remote and EDID management: Includes a remote for easy switching and 16 EDID presets to simplify compatibility with mixed-display setups.

Who It's For

The Blackbird 4x2 is ideal for homeowners and small business users who want a compact HDMI matrix to manage multiple 4K sources across one or two displays while preserving HDR and multichannel audio. Enthusiasts with a mix of 4K and 1080p displays will appreciate the downscale and EDID options that keep devices communicating smoothly.

It is less suited to large commercial AV installations that require IP or advanced control system integration, or to users who need long-term enterprise warranties; some customers reported mixed longevity experiences, so mission-critical deployments should consider redundant solutions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports full 4K@60Hz YCbCr 4:4:4 for accurate HDR video delivery.
• Maintains 7.1 channel audio and offers de-embedding to optical and analog outputs for flexible audio routing.
• Includes IR remote and 16 EDID presets for easy setup across varied displays.
• Downscaling on Output B helps compatibility with older 1080p displays.

Cons

• Some customers reported mixed long-term reliability, so heavy daily commercial use may need caution.
• Not designed for advanced centralized control systems out of the box.

Specifications

HDMI Compliance	HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2 and 1.4
Bandwidth	18 Gbps
Max Video Resolution	4K@60Hz YCbCr 4:4:4
Audio	7.1 channel pass-through; Output A de-embed to optical and analog
EDID Management	16 preset EDID configurations
Downscale	Output B can downscale video to 1080p
Environmental	Operating 32 to 104F (0 to 40C); Storage -4 to 140F (-20 to 60C)

Our Verdict

The Monoprice Blackbird 4x2 HDMI Matrix is a compact, feature-rich choice for home theater enthusiasts and small AV setups that need dependable 4K HDR routing and flexible audio handling. It delivers solid video and audio quality, easy setup with EDID presets, and useful de-embedding and downscale options, making it good value for most consumer and prosumer use cases; those needing industrial-grade longevity or advanced control integration should evaluate requirements closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this unit pass HDR and full color detail?
Yes. It supports 4K@60Hz with YCbCr 4:4:4 and HDMI 2.0b, which preserves HDR and full color fidelity for compatible sources and displays.

Can I get audio out separately from the HDMI outputs?
Yes. Audio from Output A can be de-embedded to optical multichannel and to analog stereo outputs for external sound systems.

Will it work with older 1080p displays?
Yes. Output B can be downscaled to 1080p, and the unit offers 16 EDID presets to improve compatibility with mixed-resolution displays.