GEARit GI-DMX-4CHWC XLR-over-Ethernet Snake with 2-ft Breakouts

The 2 ft XLR breakout cables give the GEARit GI-DMX-4CHWC a compact connection format for linking audio or lighting gear to an Ethernet run. The set includes two 4-channel adapter boxes with XLR and EtherCON-compatible RJ45 connections.

Use the pair to carry up to four analog XLR audio signals or four separate 3-pin DMX control signals over one Ethernet cable. That means fewer long individual cable runs across a stage or studio when your setup needs several channels.

The adapters also pass 48V phantom power over a compatible RJ45 cable, supporting condenser microphones and DI boxes in a connected audio setup.

Key features

For analog audio, connect microphones, instruments, or a mixer to the XLR breakouts, then send the signals between the two boxes over a shielded, balanced Ethernet cable. The same pair can instead carry up to four DMX signals over 3-pin XLR, helping connect lighting controllers with stage lights, DJ lights, fog machines, or effects. Choose this multi-channel approach when one shared cable run suits your setup better than routing separate long XLR lines.

EtherCON-compatible RJ45 connectors help keep the Ethernet connection secured during busy live events. With a compatible cable, the boxes can be connected over a run of up to 300 ft. The Ethernet cable is sold separately. For audio setups that use phantom-powered microphones or DI boxes, the adapters pass 48V phantom power through a compatible RJ45 cable.

Buyer feedback commonly highlights the adapters’ build quality. Reports on sound and reliability are mixed, so the practical takeaway is to set up the pair for the intended audio or DMX signal and compatible cable type.

Practical tips

Use the two adapter boxes together, with the Ethernet cable linking them. Select a shielded, balanced Ethernet cable for the connection, and keep the 300 ft maximum run in mind when planning where to place equipment. The included breakout cables are 2 ft, which gives you a short XLR connection from nearby audio or lighting gear to each adapter.

For audio, route the four XLR signals through the pair as a multi-channel link. For lighting, use the XLR connections for 3-pin DMX control signals. This setup is useful when several connections need to cross a stage or studio while following one Ethernet cable path.

Everyday use

At a live venue, one adapter can sit near the mixer and microphones while the other is placed by the stage equipment. The Ethernet run carries the audio channels between them, rather than requiring a separate long cable path for each signal. In a lighting setup, the same pair can carry up to four DMX control signals between a control position and connected fixtures or effects.

The GI-DMX-4CHWC is a purpose-built alternative to managing multiple long XLR runs individually. It brings audio or DMX connections together through one cable route, with EtherCON-compatible connectors for a secured link and 2 ft breakouts for nearby equipment.

Before you decide

How many channels can the adapter pair carry? It can carry up to four analog XLR audio signals or up to four separate 3-pin DMX control signals over one Ethernet cable.

Can it pass phantom power? Yes. The adapters pass 48V phantom power through a compatible RJ45 network cable for connected microphones and DI boxes.

How long can the Ethernet run be? The two boxes can be connected with an Ethernet cable up to 300 ft. The cable is sold separately.

Final verdict

For stage, studio, and DJ setups that need to move several audio or lighting signals between locations, the GEARit GI-DMX-4CHWC consolidates up to four channels into one Ethernet run. Its EtherCON-compatible connections, short XLR breakouts, and support for 48V phantom power make it a practical choice for multi-channel audio or 3-pin DMX routing.