8 Channel XLR Audio Over Fiber Extender | Analog TX/RX

Q: The XLR extender works on single mode or multimode cable?

The extender can work on both singlemode and multimode. However you are very limited on the distance of multimode usually to a few thousand feet whereas the same unit will work usually up to 20km on singlemode fiber. So its not the hardware, its the fiber the creates the distance limitation.

Q: I’m looking to purchase an F-4A-XLR-TxRx 4-channel unbalanced audio over fiber kit. Our application uses 62.5uM multi-mode fiber, and I’m like to know what the max possible distance supported would be. Our worst case possible run would be ~2500ft with multiple junction box connections along the way. For the connector, we would want ST on both units. I also need to know the physical and connector details of the power supply, if one is included. I’ll be mounting this inside an enclosure on both ends. 2) So is there no alternate part number/option for a higher distance for multimode fiber or for the ST connector option, it would just be the F-4A-TxRx that we would order?

Those units are rated to go a few thousand feet, usually we say about 2000ft; but realistically we can do about 3000ft. Multimode has a very wide core and the signal disintegrates quite quickly. If those junctions don't eat a lot of power they should work fine. Standard connectors are ST. Standard DC 5V power supplies come with the units, for wall outlets. 2) For singlemode we can do up to 80km; sometimes further because of the way the signal travels down singlemode, we can use slightly more powerful lasers. The difference with multimode is that regardless of the power of the laser, the signal reverberates quite significantly down the pipe too much. Same exact unit with absolutely no changes in hardware can do 20km on SM and only 2000ft approx om MM. So this basically tells you the scale of how much worse MM is versus SM. Again, since this is just audio, the engineers here say the signal should make it, we downplay the distance a little bit to ensure it will work for 99% of the applications. Is there any chance you can do an optical reading on the line to see how much loss is created from those junction boxes? We can calculate against those numbers. The other option is to just install and see if it works, we have a 30 day money back guarantee so you can try to install without the worry of not being able to return. Sound waves do tend to traverse through these pipes a bit easier then lets say HD video programs, so you're probably in the clear.

Description

The F-8XLR-HiFi-TX/RX XLR Audio Over Fiber Extender is a professional multi-channel analog audio over fiber system designed for high-fidelity, long-distance transmission of balanced XLR audio signals. Supporting up to 8 channels of audio over a single optical fiber, this system delivers exceptional sound quality for demanding broadcast and professional AV applications.

The unit consists of a matched fiber optic transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX). The transmitter converts analog XLR audio signals into digitally encoded data, which is then transmitted over fiber optic cable. The receiver performs precise optical-to-analog conversion, restoring the original balanced audio signal with outstanding clarity and minimal noise.

Engineered for performance, this XLR fiber extender provides low-noise, interference-free audio transmission, eliminating ground loops and signal degradation commonly found in copper-based systems. The result is broadcast-quality audio over fiber with excellent signal-to-noise ratio and consistent channel integrity.

This audio over fiber converter is ideal for broadcast studios, live events, concerts, theaters, stadiums, houses of worship, and professional AV installations, where reliable long-distance audio transmission over fiber is required.

Features

Compact design with 1U height, 19 inch, which can be installed on standard rack
Optical interface
- Supports optical signal loss indication
- ST/PC
XLR interface for Audio
- The optical transmitter provides up to 8 XLR interfaces for balanced audio input
- The optical receiver provides up to 8 XLR interfaces for balanced audio output
- 24 bit quantized accuracy, 192K sampling frequency
- SNR is better than 98dB
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) <0.03%
Provides AC110~220V dual power redundancy

Applications include:
- Concerts
- Churches,
- Sport events
- links from studio to the transmitter (STL)
- studio to studio
- studio to CATV head–end
- common carrier,
- RBOC Telco circuits,
- Distance learning,
- Intelligent Transportation Systems
- back–haul feeds from special events.

Drawings

Accessories & Upgrades

Specification

Interfaces on Panel
Name	Description
OPT	Optical interface, uni-directional, ST/PC connector
XLR IN/ OUT	XLR interface input/output for Audio
Power	Support AC110~220V power supply.
	Power switch	ON: power on; OFF: power off
	AC110~220V AC	AC power input. 100VAC~230VAC
Indicators on Panel
Name	Description
PWR1,PWR2	Power1/Power2 indicators, GREEN ON: the power works normally OFF: the power is abnormal or absence.
LINK (Transmitter)	Optical port status indicator. GREEN ON: Optical port works normally OFF: Optical port works abnormally
LINK (Receiver)	Optical received status indicator. RED/GREEN/YELLOW. RED ON: Optical signal loss is detected at the port. GREEN ON: Receive a normal signal. GREEN OFF: Optical port works abnormally YELLOW ON/BLINK: Blink for bit error occurring event, and on for serious bit error.
LOCK	XLR audio channel status indicator, RED/GREEN. OFF: NO signal input or the Vp-p of an input signal is below 0.2Vp-p ON: Input/output normal. GREEN BLINK: the Vp-p of an input signal is between 0.2Vp-p and 5.6VP-P, and the THD is less than 0.03%. RED ON: the Vp-p of an input signal at the transmitter reaches to 5.6V, the signal chopped will occur.
Technical Specification
Optical Interface
Item	Description
Connector	ST/PC
Distance	0-20Km (singlemode fiber) 2000ft (multimode fiber)
Receiving sensitivity	-23dBm
Overload optical power	-3dbm
Output optical power	-5.5-5.6dBm
Wavelength	1310nm
XLR Interface
Connector	XLR
The maximum differential input level	5.6Vp-p
The maximum differential output level	6.2Vp-p
Power consumption	6W for both Transmitting and receiving
frequency bandwidth	20HZ~50KHZ@-3dB
Adjacent Channel Isolation	>94dB@1KHz (1.228Vrms)
Impedance	Input impedance: 200KΩ, output impedance: 600Ω
Receiving sensitivity	0.11Vp-p
SNR	>98dB@1KHz (1.228Vrms)
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)	<0.03%@1KHz
Power Supply
Power supply	AC110~AC220 (50HZ~60HZ)
input voltage range	100~230V AC
Environment Requirements
Working temperature	0~65°C
Relative Humidity	≤95°C, no condensation
Storage temperature	-40~85°C
Mechanical Dimension
Dimension	482mm(L)×44mm(H)×250mm(W)

Note:

1. The default transmission distance is 20km. Please declare when ordering if longer distance is required for 40, 60, 80km.

2. In order to prevent damaging the optical modules, an attenuator(10dB in general) must be inserted into the short fiber tail that sometimes used to connects the two devices for test purposes.

Question and Answers

Question:
The XLR extender works on single mode or multimode cable?

Answer:
The extender can work on both singlemode and multimode. However you are very limited on the distance of multimode usually to a few thousand feet whereas the same unit will work usually up to 20km on singlemode fiber. So its not the hardware, its the fiber the creates the distance limitation.

Question:

I’m looking to purchase an F-4A-XLR-TxRx 4-channel unbalanced audio over fiber kit. Our application uses 62.5uM multi-mode fiber, and I’m like to know what the max possible distance supported would be. Our worst case possible run would be ~2500ft with multiple junction box connections along the way. For the connector, we would want ST on both units. I also need to know the physical and connector details of the power supply, if one is included. I’ll be mounting this inside an enclosure on both ends.

2) So is there no alternate part number/option for a higher distance for multimode fiber or for the ST connector option, it would just be the F-4A-TxRx that we would order?

Answer:

Those units are rated to go a few thousand feet, usually we say about 2000ft; but realistically we can do about 3000ft.

Multimode has a very wide core and the signal disintegrates quite quickly.

If those junctions don't eat a lot of power they should work fine.

Standard connectors are ST. Standard DC 5V power supplies come with the units, for wall outlets.

2)

For singlemode we can do up to 80km; sometimes further because of the way the signal travels down singlemode, we can use slightly more powerful lasers.

The difference with multimode is that regardless of the power of the laser, the signal reverberates quite significantly down the pipe too much.

Same exact unit with absolutely no changes in hardware can do 20km on SM and only 2000ft approx om MM.

So this basically tells you the scale of how much worse MM is versus SM.

Again, since this is just audio, the engineers here say the signal should make it, we downplay the distance a little bit to ensure it will work for 99% of the applications.

Is there any chance you can do an optical reading on the line to see how much loss is created from those junction boxes? We can calculate against those numbers.

The other option is to just install and see if it works, we have a 30 day money back guarantee so you can try to install without the worry of not being able to return.

Sound waves do tend to traverse through these pipes a bit easier then lets say HD video programs, so you're probably in the clear.