Radial Catapult MINI TX Cat 5 Audio Snake - 4-Channel Analog

In this review the Radial Catapult MINI TX is evaluated as a focused solution for anyone needing to move balanced analog audio across a building without bulky multicore snakes. The bottom line: the MINI TX is for engineers and performers who want a simple, passive way to send four balanced channels over a single shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable, with no digital conversion or power required. It stands out because it leverages existing network cabling to deliver clean, straight-wire analog lines between rooms with minimal fuss.

Key Features

• 4-channel analog transmission: Transmits four balanced audio lines over one Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable to reduce cable runs and simplify setup.
• Passive straight-wire design: Uses a purely analog, passive path so there is no latency or digital conversion artifacts introduced.
• Pair with MINI RX: Works with the Catapult MINI RX to create a complete 4-channel snake that terminates at the destination.
• Uses shielded cabling: Designed to operate over shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6 to help maintain signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.
• Flexible deployment: Can leverage a building's pre-existing Ethernet infrastructure to route audio between rooms without running new multicore cable.

Who It's For

The MINI TX is ideal for small venues, rehearsal spaces, broadcast booths, and studios where running a low-profile Cat 5 or Cat 6 between locations is easier than a bulky analog snake. Live sound techs who need a compact transmitter to send four mic or line signals to a remote stage or FOH will appreciate its simplicity and passive operation.

Users who require long digital runs, sample-accurate multitrack capture, or remote power over Ethernet should look elsewhere, since the MINI TX is an analog, passive module and does not perform digital conversion or network audio transport.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact, unobtrusive form that turns a single Cat 5/6 run into four balanced channels.
• Passive straight-wire design keeps signal path analog and free of digital latency.
• Compatible with existing building Ethernet when shielded cable is available, making deployment flexible.

Cons

• Does not provide any conversion to digital formats or network audio protocols, limiting use cases to analog transport.

Specifications

Product	Catapult MINI TX
Channels	4 analog channels
Cable type	Shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6
Operation	Passive straight-wire analog
Companion unit	Catapult MINI RX
Use case	Transmit balanced audio between rooms or locations

Our Verdict

The Radial Catapult MINI TX is a practical, no-frills analog transmitter for anyone who needs to route four balanced channels over a single Cat 5 or Cat 6 run. It represents good value when you want a passive, low-latency solution that pairs with the MINI RX and uses existing cabling, though it is not a substitute for digital or networked audio systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an unshielded Cat 5 cable?
Radial specifies shielded Cat 5 or Cat 6 to preserve signal integrity; unshielded cable may increase noise in electrically noisy environments.

Does the MINI TX require power?
No, the MINI TX operates as a passive straight-wire analog transmitter and does not need external power.

Do I need the MINI RX?
Yes, the MINI RX is required at the destination to convert the Cat 5/6 conductors back to four balanced audio outputs.