Sound Tools CAT Rack Male - Male XLR Rack Mountable Stage Box

In this review the Sound Tools CAT Rack Male is evaluated for use by live sound engineers, touring techs, and studio owners who need a compact, reliable way to move multichannel analog or digital signals over shielded CAT cable. The bottom line: it is a no-frills, fully passive 12-channel XLR stage box that stands out for its durable Neutrik connectors and simple rack mount design, making it ideal when signal integrity and easy integration are more important than active conversion or long-distance network features.

Key Features

• 12 channel XLR: Sends or receives up to 12 channels of balanced audio using the built-in XLRs, keeping stage cabling straightforward for consoles and snake needs.
• EtherCON I/O: Includes an etherCON input and parallel etherCON output so the unit can be daisy-chained for quick stage patching and reduced cable runs.
• Fully passive design: All-analog passive circuitry avoids the need for power and simplifies setup while preserving signal transparency for short to moderate runs.
• Reversible rack ears: Rack ears can be reversed by removing two screws on each side, giving flexible mounting orientation in a 1U rack slot.
• Modular compatibility: Works with Analog, AES3, DMX and intercom signals, and when paired with shielded CAT5e or better cable it allows phantom power to pass.
• Durable construction: Machined anodized aluminum, stainless steel screws and high quality Neutrik connectors make this a rugged choice for touring and stage production.

Who It's For

The CAT Rack Male is aimed at live sound professionals, FOH and monitor techs, and small to medium studios that need to consolidate up to 12 XLR channels into a single shielded CAT run without active conversion. Its passive nature and durable connectors suit touring rigs and fixed installs where reliability and simplicity are priorities.

It is less suitable for engineers who require long-distance active digital conversion, networked audio with latency control, or integrated power and clocking for AES over long fiber runs. If you need an active stage box with DSP, preamps or remote control, look to powered alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple passive signal path that requires no power and preserves analog signal integrity for typical stage distances.
• Robust mechanical design with Neutrik connectors and machined aluminum housing for touring use.
• Flexible etherCON input and parallel output allow easy daisy-chaining and stage topology adjustments.
• Reversible rack ears provide mounting flexibility in a 1U rack slot.

Cons

• Passive design means no built-in active conversion or long-distance signal conditioning, so very long cable runs may need active solutions.
• No integrated digital network management or onboard DSP for signal shaping.

Specifications

Channels	12 XLR channels
Configuration	Male XLR (rack mountable stage box)
Connectivity	EtherCON input and parallel etherCON output
Design	Fully passive, all-analog
Compatibility	Analog, AES3, DMX, intercom; phantom power over shielded CAT5e or better
Rack size	Fits 1U rack slot with reversible rack ears
Construction	Neutrik connectors, machined anodized aluminum, stainless steel screws

Our Verdict

The Sound Tools CAT Rack Male is a practical, well-built 12-channel passive stage box that delivers reliable signal routing for live and studio environments where simplicity and durability matter. It offers excellent value for techs who need a compact, rackable interface for analog, AES3 or show control signals, but it is not intended to replace active digital stage boxes or devices with onboard processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this unit pass phantom power?
The CAT Rack can allow phantom power to pass when used with shielded CAT5e or better cable, enabling use with condenser microphones if the setup provides phantom at the console end.

Does it require external power?
No, the unit is fully passive and does not require external power for normal analog or data pass-through operation.

Can multiple units be daisy-chained?
Yes, the etherCON parallel output enables daisy-chaining additional CAT Rack units for expanded channel counts or stage splits.