Studio & production · New gear

Violet Audio introduces DX16B passive splitter and io44 RJ45 audio adapter

Violet Audio has announced two passive analogue-routing products: the rackmount DX16B, a 16-channel, three-way audio splitter, and the io44, a four-channel adapter for carrying analogue XLR signals over Cat5e or Cat6 cabling. Both operate without a power supply, with the DX16B offering XLR, Ethercon and D-Sub connections for larger installed or mobile systems.

Violet Audio DX16B and io44

Violet Audio DX16B and io44

Violet Audio has announced the DX16B and io44, two products aimed at analogue signal distribution and transport. The DX16B is a 16-channel, three-way passive audio signal splitter in a 2RU rackmount format. The io44 is a compact passive adapter designed to carry four analogue XLR signals in both directions over a single RJ45/Ethercon Cat5e or Cat6 cable.

The DX16B uses what Violet calls a fully passive signal path, so it does not require a power supply. Its front panel carries 16 locking XLR inputs and 16 XLR outputs. On the rear, the unit provides three sets of 16 outputs: XLR, Ethercon and 25-pin D-Sub. That connection count places it in the territory of multi-channel systems where several analogue destinations or cabling formats need to be accommodated from one rackmounted unit.

Construction is described as a heavy-duty metal 2RU chassis. Beyond the stated passive design and I/O layout, Violet has not detailed further technical specifications in its announcement, such as connector pinouts, channel labelling, cable-length guidance or audio-performance measurements.

The io44 takes a smaller-scale approach to analogue transport. It is a four-channel, two-way passive unit that carries four analogue XLR audio signals over one RJ45/Ethercon Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Like the DX16B, it needs no power supply and is housed in a heavy-duty metal chassis. The bi-directional description means the unit is intended for two-way signal carriage rather than being specified solely as an input or output breakout.

For DJs, producers and audio professionals, the two units address different points in an analogue setup: the DX16B is the higher-channel-count splitter, while the io44 is the four-channel XLR-to-network-cable transport option. Their passive operation may also be relevant where powered hardware is not part of the signal-routing plan.

Violet’s announcement does not provide pricing, release dates or regional availability for either product. Full connection and product details are available in the company’s official announcement: [Violet Audio DX16B and io44 specifications](https://violetaudio.com/seamless-signal-routing-introducing-the-dx16b-audio-splitter-io44-adapter-ecosystem/).

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