Sound Tools CAT Rack Female XLR Stage Box - 12-Channel Passive Rack

In this review of the Sound Tools CAT Rack Female XLR stage box, the bottom line is simple: it's a robust, no-frills 12-channel passive solution for routing analog and data signals from stage to rack with minimal fuss. The unit is aimed at live sound techs, small touring rigs, and studio engineers who need a compact, durable stage box that supports analog audio, AES3, DMX and intercom signals over shielded CAT cable. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of full XLR connectivity and etherCON inputs that let you replace bulky snake runs with a single shielded CAT run.

Key Features

• 12 Channel XLR: Delivers up to twelve XLR channels of balanced audio or data in a fully passive design, keeping signal flow simple and reliable.
• etherCON I/O: Includes an etherCON input and a parallel etherCON output so you can daisy-chain boxes and reduce cable congestion on busy stages.
• Reversible rack ears: Rack ears can be reversed by unscrewing two screws per side, giving flexible mounting orientation in a 1U rack slot.
• Modular compatibility: Works as a stage box, splitter or other routing device and accepts analog, AES3, DMX and intercom signals when used with shielded CAT5e or better cable.
• Durable construction: Built with Neutrik connectors, machined anodized aluminum and stainless screws for road-ready resilience.

Who It's For

The CAT Rack Female is best for live sound engineers, small touring acts, and studio operators who want a compact, low-maintenance stage box that fits a 1U rack slot and can carry multiple signal types over shielded CAT cable. It is particularly useful where quick setup, daisy-chaining and durable connectors are priorities.

Those who need powered active splitting, onboard signal processing, long runs without proper shielded cable, or integrated stage controls should look elsewhere; this is a fully passive unit intended as a rugged routing and split solution rather than a powered or networking converter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides twelve balanced XLR channels in a compact 1U package for straightforward stage-to-rack routing.
• etherCON input and parallel output let you daisy-chain multiple racks and simplify cabling.
• Reversible rack ears and strong Neutrik hardware make rack mounting flexible and durable for touring use.

Cons

• Fully passive design means no onboard processing or active distribution; users needing powered splitting must add external gear.
• Phantom power over CAT requires shielded CAT5e or better and proper system setup, so it is not a plug-and-play replacement for all mic snake scenarios.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Sound Tools CAT Rack Female is a practical, well-built passive stage box for anyone who needs tidy signal routing and durable connectors without extra processing. It represents good value for touring and studio environments where a simple, modular solution for analog, AES3, DMX or intercom over shielded CAT cable is required; buy it when you want reliability and compact rack mounting rather than active features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this carry phantom power?
Yes, phantom power can be passed when using shielded CAT5e or better cable, but correct wiring and system setup are required.

Can multiple units be daisy-chained?
Yes, the parallel etherCON output allows daisy-chaining of multiple CAT Rack units for expanded channel counts.

Is this an active splitter?
No, the CAT Rack is fully passive and provides no onboard active splitting or processing; external gear is needed for powered distribution.