This is a review and detailed measurements of the BobWire XLR1 XLR switcher including support for conversion from RCA. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $270.
As these "problem solver" boxes go, this is very attractive packaging. The big deal though is high level of flexibility and functionality. Dual methods of switching is provided to select inputs: signal level or 12 volt trigger:
The level sensitivity pots were easy to adjust unlike some recessed ones that require tiny screwdriver. The indicators in green are great as it allows you to figure out what the unit has decided to do, i.e. which input is selected.
Due to use of relays for switching, you can also use the unit backwards with one input going to two outputs (then only trigger method works).
One key application here is for "home theater bypass" where you could use this box to switch between your 2-channel and home theater processor to access the same amps and speakers.
Here is the output:
BobWire XLR1 Measurements
Let's start with loopback in Audio Precision using its balanced I/O at 4 volt to know how good we could measure:
Routing the same signals through XLR1 generates essentially the same response:
There is an inconsequential rise in distortion to vanishingly small -140 dB. Noise must have remained the same for SINAD to be as good as the analyzer.
Using the RCA input incurs fair bit of penalty though:
Distortion goes down a bit at lower input levels but not enough to matter.
Frequency response is flat and extended just like AP:
Noise is the same as loopback in AP:
Crosstalk was amazingly good:
All of these measurements far exceed the product specs which made me read the description again, realizing then that switching is done by relays and not electronics! Still, some care has been involved to make sure that signal path is very clean. So I decided to not measure in this route anymore and focus on other aspects such as bleed from alternative channel:
So best to turn off the non-input or at least turn its level down if you are not listening to it.
Conclusions
The XLR1 switcher is a high-function device with ability to be fully transparent to any source you through it at. While there is a good bit of premium here relative to typical boxes out there, I think it is well deserved given the full picture. In grand scheme of things, solving the integration of 2-channel and multi-channel is worth this and more.
I am happy to recommend the BobWire XLR1 balanced and unbalanced switcher. Member @BobWire has done a great job here in identifying the need and executing very well against it.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
As these "problem solver" boxes go, this is very attractive packaging. The big deal though is high level of flexibility and functionality. Dual methods of switching is provided to select inputs: signal level or 12 volt trigger:
The level sensitivity pots were easy to adjust unlike some recessed ones that require tiny screwdriver. The indicators in green are great as it allows you to figure out what the unit has decided to do, i.e. which input is selected.
Due to use of relays for switching, you can also use the unit backwards with one input going to two outputs (then only trigger method works).
One key application here is for "home theater bypass" where you could use this box to switch between your 2-channel and home theater processor to access the same amps and speakers.
Here is the output:
BobWire XLR1 Measurements
Let's start with loopback in Audio Precision using its balanced I/O at 4 volt to know how good we could measure:
Routing the same signals through XLR1 generates essentially the same response:
There is an inconsequential rise in distortion to vanishingly small -140 dB. Noise must have remained the same for SINAD to be as good as the analyzer.
Using the RCA input incurs fair bit of penalty though:
Distortion goes down a bit at lower input levels but not enough to matter.
Frequency response is flat and extended just like AP:
Noise is the same as loopback in AP:
Crosstalk was amazingly good:
All of these measurements far exceed the product specs which made me read the description again, realizing then that switching is done by relays and not electronics! Still, some care has been involved to make sure that signal path is very clean. So I decided to not measure in this route anymore and focus on other aspects such as bleed from alternative channel:
So best to turn off the non-input or at least turn its level down if you are not listening to it.
Conclusions
The XLR1 switcher is a high-function device with ability to be fully transparent to any source you through it at. While there is a good bit of premium here relative to typical boxes out there, I think it is well deserved given the full picture. In grand scheme of things, solving the integration of 2-channel and multi-channel is worth this and more.
I am happy to recommend the BobWire XLR1 balanced and unbalanced switcher. Member @BobWire has done a great job here in identifying the need and executing very well against it.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
