phazer
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- Mar 8, 2026
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Hello everyone,
I’d like to share a product I recently finished designing under the Nereneas brand: eXpLoRer, a balanced XLR source selector.
The idea came from a practical problem in my own system. I often have multiple balanced sources connected (DAC, tape playback electronics, phono stage, etc.), and switching between them meant constantly unplugging and reconnecting XLR cables. I wanted a cleaner solution that keeps the audio signal path entirely passive.
The unit uses a relay switching matrix to route four balanced inputs to two outputs while avoiding any active circuitry in the signal path.
Main features:
-4 balanced XLR inputs
-2 balanced XLR outputs
-latching relay switching
-electronically controlled but passive signal path
-short signal paths and single connector board architecture
-integrated linear power supply
-state memory stored in EEPROM
-completely silent power-up
The relays are controlled by a microcontroller that manages the switching logic and capacitive touch interface, but the audio signal itself passes only through the relay contacts.
Because the relays are latching, the selected signal path remains active even when the unit is powered off.
I’ve also included a simplified signal architecture diagram and some internal photos below.
More details here:
www.nereneas.com
Happy to answer any questions about the design.
I’d like to share a product I recently finished designing under the Nereneas brand: eXpLoRer, a balanced XLR source selector.
The idea came from a practical problem in my own system. I often have multiple balanced sources connected (DAC, tape playback electronics, phono stage, etc.), and switching between them meant constantly unplugging and reconnecting XLR cables. I wanted a cleaner solution that keeps the audio signal path entirely passive.
The unit uses a relay switching matrix to route four balanced inputs to two outputs while avoiding any active circuitry in the signal path.
Main features:
-4 balanced XLR inputs
-2 balanced XLR outputs
-latching relay switching
-electronically controlled but passive signal path
-short signal paths and single connector board architecture
-integrated linear power supply
-state memory stored in EEPROM
-completely silent power-up
The relays are controlled by a microcontroller that manages the switching logic and capacitive touch interface, but the audio signal itself passes only through the relay contacts.
Because the relays are latching, the selected signal path remains active even when the unit is powered off.
I’ve also included a simplified signal architecture diagram and some internal photos below.
More details here:
Nereneas | Tape head preamplifiers | Phono Stages
eXpLoRer is an audiophile XLR switcher with 4 balanced inputs, 2 outputs, and precision relay switching for clean, seamless control of your audio system.
www.nereneas.com
Happy to answer any questions about the design.
