XLR Audio Over Fiber Extender | Analog Audio TX/RX

8 XLR model description

8 channel Balanced XLR Audio over single mode or multimode fiber

Description

The Thor Fiber XLR Audio Over Fiber System is a professional solution for transmitting balanced XLR audio over fiber optic cable across long distances. This audio over fiber system is designed for broadcast, live events, and professional AV applications, delivering low-noise, interference-free analog audio over fiber beyond the limits of traditional copper cabling.

Each kit includes a matched XLR audio over fiber transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX), supporting 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 channels of balanced audio over fiber on a single optical link. Using 16-bit digitally encoded audio, the system ensures broadcast-quality audio over fiber transmission with perfect channel integrity and no EMI or RF interference.

The Thor fiber optic audio extender supports both single-mode and multi-mode fiber, enabling long-distance audio over fiber transmission up to 20 km on single-mode fiber and 3 km on multi-mode fiber. Extended configurations are available for 40 km, 80 km, and up to 120 km fiber audio transmission, making it ideal for large-scale and campus-wide deployments.

This XLR fiber audio system is widely used for broadcast audio over fiber, intercom over fiber, microphone audio over fiber, and pro audio fiber transmission in studios, concerts, theaters, stadiums, churches, theme parks, and CCTV audio systems. It integrates easily with audio mixers, digital recorders, intercom systems, and XLR signal splitters, making it a flexible fiber optic audio converter solution.

Available in both standalone and rack-mounted configurations, the system is built for reliability in demanding environments. Our standard optical interfaces use ST/PC fiber connectors.

Features

3-Pin Balanced XLR Audio input/output
Uni-directional 2 or 4 or 8 or 16 or 32 Channel
Bi-directional over single fiber available on 2 and 4 Channel model
12V DC Power input
Single mode fiber up to 20km, Multimode fiber up to 3000feet
40, 80, 120Km models avaiable
Easy to Use, Plug and Play Units

Video

Audio over fiber - Analog 4 XLR balance Audio Transmitter receiver over single mode or multimode

introduction of 4 channel analog Audio XLR over fiber extenders, unboxing, and setup. Thor Broadcast F-4XLR-TX/RX https://thorbroadcast.com/product/xlr-audio-over-fiber-1.html/87 The Thor Fiber XLR audio over fiber units are able to send balanced audio over fiber much further than traditional copper. Our Audio Interface with XLR kit has both a transmitter and receiver unit. Available options are for 2, 4, 8 or 16, 32 XLR inputs/outputs can be used on a single transmitter unit and sent over fiber to the receiver unit that also has an equal number of XLR outputs. The fiber allows the signal to be sent over a long distance without losing any quality in the signal. The kit is 16-bit digitally encoded broadcast quality balanced audio over one multi-mode or single-mode optical fiber. Thor XLR Audio Splitters are typically used in applications for Rental, Staging, Concerts, Theater, Churches, Stadiums, Theme Parks, Broadcast/Studio, Intercom, CCTV audio and Professional AV applications. They are available for stand-alone or rack-mount installations. Our standard fiber connectors are ST/PC, but it could also be ordered as SC/PC or FC/PC. Basic units support up to 20Km of single mode / 3000 multimode fiber, other modes are available - 40km, 80km, 120km

Unleashing Sound: 16-Channel XLR balance Audio Over Fiber Explained!

Today We'll Be Discussing Thor Fiber 16 Channels of Uni-Directional Audio Over Fiber https://thorbroadcast.com/product/xlr-audio-over-fiber-1.html/110 Welcome to our latest tech deep dive! Today, we’ll be exploring the incredible capabilities of the Thor Fiber 16-Channel XLR Balanced Audio Over Fiber Unit, specifically the F-16A-XLR-TX/RX. This device is a game changer for anyone in the audio industry, from live event producers to broadcasters. Equipped with 16 balanced 3-pin XLR inputs, this unit supports single-mode fiber connections up to an impressive twenty kilometers. Plus, it’s rack mountable at nineteen inches, making it a perfect fit for any professional setup. The setup process is remarkably straightforward: just connect power, link the fiber, plug in your XLR audio sources, and power it on. It's that easy! In our test environment, we’ll generate a 100 Hz sine wave and send it over 35.4 kilometers of single-mode fiber. The signal chain is simple: we’ll take the signal from the generator to the transmitter, through the fiber, to the receiver, and finally to the oscilloscope. As we make adjustments, you’ll see the oscilloscope respond in real-time, showcasing the reliability and clarity of this audio transmission method. Imagine the applications! Whether you're hosting a live event, broadcasting from a studio, or performing in a theater, this unit ensures that audio remains pristine, no matter the distance. It’s perfect for recording studios, conference rooms, and even sports venues, allowing for clear and uninterrupted sound transmission. To learn more about the F-16A-XLR-TX/RX and see it in action, visit our website at ThorBroadcast.com. You’ll find it in the Analog Audio Video section, ready to elevate your audio game! Stay tuned for more tech insights, and let’s dive into the world of audio over fiber! Here are some possible applications for a 16-channel XLR balanced audio over fiber unit: Live Event Production: Ideal for concerts, festivals, and events, allowing multiple audio sources to be transmitted over long distances without signal degradation. Broadcasting: Perfect for television and radio stations where high-quality audio is essential, enabling seamless integration of multiple audio feeds. Theater Productions: Useful in stage performances for connecting microphones and instruments to a centralized audio system, ensuring clear sound for audiences. Recording Studios: Facilitates multi-track recording setups, allowing various instruments and vocalists to connect without interference. Broadcast Trucks: Essential for mobile production units, enabling the transmission of audio from various sources directly to the broadcasting system. Conference and Meeting Rooms: Provides high-quality audio for panel discussions and presentations, ensuring clear communication over long distances. Corporate Events: Useful for transmitting audio from multiple presenters and microphones, enhancing sound quality in large venues. House of Worship: Ideal for connecting multiple microphones and instruments in churches or auditoriums, delivering clear audio for sermons and performances. Educational Institutions: Can be used in lecture halls or auditoriums to connect audio systems for better sound distribution during classes or events. Sports Venues: Enhances sound quality for commentary and announcements in stadiums and arenas, ensuring fans receive clear audio. Visit https://thorbroadcast.com/ for more details

Thor Fiber XLR Audio Over Fiber - Long Distance Balanced Audio Transmission

The Thor Fiber XLR Audio Over Fiber units allow you to send high-quality, balanced audio signals over fiber optics, enabling long-distance transmission far beyond the limits of traditional copper cables. Our **Audio Interface with XLR Kit** includes both a transmitter and receiver, with options for 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 XLR inputs/outputs on a single transmitter unit. These can be sent over fiber to the receiver unit, which provides an equal number of XLR outputs. Thanks to the power of fiber optics, the audio signal maintains its integrity over long distances, delivering **16-bit digitally encoded broadcast-quality audio**. Ideal for **Rental, Staging, Concerts, Theater, Churches, Stadiums, Broadcast/Studio, CCTV, and Professional AV applications**, these kits are perfect for environments where reliable, long-range audio transmission is a must. Key features: - **Balanced Audio Transmission** over one multi-mode or single-mode optical fiber. - **Multiple XLR Input/Output Options** (2, 4, 8, 16, 32). - **Available for Stand-Alone or Rack-Mount Installations.** - **Fiber Connections**: Standard ST/PC connectors, optional SC/PC or FC/PC. - **Range Options**: Up to 20km (single-mode) or 3,000m (multi-mode), with extended versions available (40km, 80km, 120km). Common devices used with the Thor XLR Audio Transmitter and Receiver: - XLR Audio Mixers - Digital Audio Recorders (with XLR IN/OUT) - Audio Signal Splitters with XLR Perfect for environments like **Concerts**, **Broadcast Studios**, **Stadiums**, and more! https://thorbroadcast.com/product/xlr-audio-over-fiber-1.html

Model Selection

Uni-Directional Models:

F-2A-XLR-TX/RX - 2 XLR Balanced Audio over Fiber Transmitter / Receiver kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode -Stand alone ( portable)

F-4A-XLR-TX/RX - 4 XLR Balanced Audio over fiber Transmitter / Receiver kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode - Stand alone ( portable)

F-8A-XLR-TX/RX-RM - 8 XLR Balanced Audio over fiber Transmitter / Receiver kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode 19"Rack Mountable

F-16A-XLR-TX/RX-RM - 16 XLR Balanced Audio over fiber Transmitter / Receiver kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode (special order) 19"Rack Mountable

F-32A-XLR-TX/RX-RM - 32 XLR Balanced Audio over fiber Transmitter / Receiver kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode (special order) 19"Rack Mountable

Bi-Directional Models:

F-2A-XLR-B-TX/RX - Stand alone ( portable) 2 Bi-directonal XLR Balanced Audio over 1 fiber Transmitter / Receiver (transceivers) kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode

F-2A-XLR-B-TX/RX-RM 2 Bi-directonal XLR Balanced Audio over 1 fiber Transmitter / Receiver (transceivers) kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode - 19"Rack Mountable form factor

F-4A-XLR-B-TX/RX-RM - 4 Bidirectional XLR Balanced Audio over 1 fiber Transmitter / Receiver (transceivers) kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode 19"Rack Mountable form factor

F-8A-XLR-B-TX/RX-RM - 8 Bidirectional XLR Balanced Audio over 1 fiber Transmitter / Receiver (transceivers) kit up to 20KM singlemode / 3000feet multimode 19"Rack Mountable form factor

PN: F-4A-XLR-TX/RX-XX ( XX= 40,60,80,120) 40km, 60Km, 80km 120km models available for all XLR Audio products (special order)

Accessories & Upgrades

Specification

Optical
Wavelength	1310nm or 1310/1550 for bi-directional models
Output Power	-8dBm (+-2db)
Optic fiber	50/125u multimode, 62.5/125u multimode, 9/125u single mode
Rx sensitivity	-25dBm
Optical connector	ST/PC
Distance	20Km for singlemode and 0~2KM (MM), 40, 80 120Km - model specific
Balanced Audio
Number of Channels	2-32 Input on the TX 2-32 Output on the RX
Input Connector	XLR (female)
Output Connector	XLR (male)
Input / Output Impedance	600 Ohm
Input capacitance LINE inputs	10 pF
Max input/output voltage	4.0Vp-p (6db)
Frequency Response	10 Hz - 20kHz @±3dB
Sample Rates From	48kHz
SNR Dynamic bandwitch Total harminc distortion (THD)	> 80dB 101dB -90dB
Electrical & Mechanical
Input Power Requirements:	DC 5V@2A
Power Adapter:	AC 90V~240V
Power Consumption:	< 5W
Stand-Alone Dimensions: 19"Rack Mountable	168mm × 154mm × 45mm ( L: 6 3/4" D 4 1/2" H: 1 3/4" for the mounting holes) 19" x 9" x 1.75" (RM)
Shipping Weight:	- Stand alone models(Transmitter & Receiver ) 5lb - 19" rack mountable form factor -12lb
Environmental
Operating Temperature:	-20°C ~ +75°C
Storage Temperature:	-40°C ~ +85°C
Relative Humidity:	0% ~ 95% (non-condensing)
MTBF:	>100,000 hours

Question and Answers

Question:
My church is looking into replacing the poor quality XLR cables that go from the stage to the back of the church. Unfortunately, we have about 30 cables and replacing them with something that's high quality will take up too much space and won't fit in the conduit. The F-32A-XLR-T/RX looks like an interesting option to me, but I need to know a little more about it. Would it concert analog mic output into a 16-bit digital signal? Also, are both the transmitter and receiver units included? Finally, what would the cost be? What amount of delay is introduced in the audio when using the XLR over fiber for the 8, 16, and 32 channel kits? There must be some small delay due to the conversion from analog to digital. Additionally, is there an extra cost to customize the unit to use an SC/PC connector instead of ST/PC? If so, what would that adjusted price be? Also, we have ST/UPC fiber available. Would using UPC with this equipment pose any problems or would UPC and PC

Answer:
hank you for your inquiry. The XLR audio fiber optic transmitter receiver kit converts LINE level Audio ( not MIC level audio to 24bit data stream) so the audio needs to be pre-amplified in order to send it over the fiber. 32 XLR is a good choice or 2 pcs 16 XLR or 4 x 8ch for redundancy. We have also very high end 120db HIFI 8 CH XLR Audio over fiber this is the link: https://thorbroadcast.com/product/8-professional-high-quality-3-pin-xlr-audio-over-fiber-extender.html The 32 and 16ch units we make per order, the 8ch units we usually have available in stock. Units work over single-mode fiber up to 20Km, or multimode up to 2000 feet, so if you do not have fiber in place, I would suggest using a single mode. The unit is equipped with ST/PC fiber connector. The ST/ PC and ST/UPS are technically the same connectors type, You can use ST/UPC fiber jumpers with our devices. Because of the low interest, we do not offer them with SC/PC connectors anymore, the easiest way is just using conversion fiber jumpers ST to SC

Question:
I came across your website as I was researching the capabilities of Fiber Optic and if it would be something I need to consider in my audio world. Typically, I work on projects in which I need to set up multiple audio control rooms, and usually, I have been able to get by with ethernet cabling never greater than 300ft. In a rare case that I need to make a run longer than 300ft, perhaps Fiber is something I need to look at. Maximum 24 > channels of audio need to be sent down a line. My system uses Dante, as > well as an analog D/A for line-level outs. Does Thor have a solution that is recommended? I’ve never used Fiber Optics

Answer:
We have both kinds of audio over fiber, either unbalanced and XLR. This is our 16 audio over fiber [image: image.png] We also have a 32 channel option, It seems like the pictures were never loaded onto our site though. We have XLR too https://thorbroadcast.com/product/xlr-audio-over-fiber-1.html/86 All these sets work on both multimode fiber and single-mode fiber. Sending Audio over fiber is a very straight forward process, the fiber works like coper but without any losses, on our standard, you can send the Audio for up to 20Km over single-mode fiber or 300 feet over multimode fiber without quality or amplitude lose. you can send balance or unbalance audio across each Audio channel is digitized and send it as a digital stream to the receiver, the receiver takes this stream and converts it back to analog Audio.

Question:
1) I would like to ask you about your product. my task is to send an analog audio signal to 10 different locations that they are 100 meters one from the other.do you have something to do that? is there something that I can connect to a daisy chain so i can have an audio signal in a distance of 1 km? thank you 2) let's say that the only thing that I have is an audio console and the speakers.and what I want to do is to send the audio signal to ten points in a distance of 1 km in total.what do i need to do so and how much is going to cost

Answer:
- Yes, it is possible to send audio to many locations from 1 transmitter, there are 2 ways. 1 ) using optical slitter like 1x8 or 1x16 on the beginning and running fibers to each receiver, or using 1x2 splitters by each of the receivers and cascade the fiber. There is a specific optical budget between the transmitter and receiver ( optical output power on the TX and the Receiver sensitivity on the RX, the difference is a budget in db) Each splitter has its own power insertion loss we need to make sure that we will not exceed the optical budget, so let me ask a few questions. How many fibers do you have available? Single-mode or multimode fiber? How many Audio? Balance or unbalance? XLR or terminal block input/output is acceptable? 2) Again it is not so straight forward with distribution to 10 points with fiber optic cable. The more information we have, the better and more accurate of a solution we can provide. If you just need to run fiber from POINT A to POINT B that is 1km away, all of our audio over fiber units can do that. If you need a distribution layout with 10 endpoints, this is more complex and we need a very specific transmitter and receiver to compensate insertion loss We can do it in 2 different ways: Scenario 1 Cascading application - drop and forward fiber would go rem the one receiver to the next one 1 High power 2 Audio transmitter 10 Fiber 1x2 drop and forward slitters 10 Audio receiver Scenario 2 ( 10 fibers from the transmitter ) signal would be slitted near the transmitter and each fiber would be needed for each receiver 1 High power 2 Audio transmitter 1x16 Fiber slitter - (1x10 splitter does not exist) 10 Audio receiver each

Question:

Do you still offer analog audio over fiber as seen here? https://thorbroadcast.com/product/analog-audio-over-fiber-1.html/57 The application is just stereo audio over multi-mode

Answer:

Yes we have a variety of units available that can do audio over fiber.

On that page, you highlighted we have options for several kinds of connectors as well, including RCA and XLR.

The least expensive variety are the units with terminal block https://thorbroadcast.com/product/analog-audio-over-fiber-1.html/57

Those units are for unbalanced, so for stereo, you would need to connect 2 audio's for every 1 stereo.

Question:

1) I have a unique situation that maybe your product could help with. I need to send 4 digital audio (coax) streams to different matrix amplifiers through this house(very large home). We have fiber at every location so this would be ideal. Most runs would be between 400' - 600'. Could your 4-channel audio over fiber extender work in this situation?

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2)

- The source is an Autonomics MMS-5e music server (4 zones)

- Unbalanced digital audio, single RCA connector per zone so 4 total

- We have multi-mode fiber through the property landed at fiber patch panels using LC connectors, I can use SC-LC patch cables if needed for connection purposes

- I was thinking that the F-4A-TxRx would work for this application but I was unsure if it could transmit/receive digital audio correctly.

Answer:

1)

Is your 4 Audio unbalanced (single-ended) or Balanced like XLR?

What is the Audio level?

Do you have Single mode or multimode fiber?

What is the fiber termination connector, if you do not know you can take a picture and to send it to us.

If your Audio level is up to 4V PP you could use the following units :

Unbalanced 4 Audio :

https://thorbroadcast.com/product/analog-audio-over-fiber-1.html/62

4 Balanced Audio XLR :

https://thorbroadcast.com/product/xlr-audio-over-fiber-1.html/87

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2)

This is incorrect, the F-4A-TxRx can send Analog Audio only 20hz to 20Khz, not digital.

But from the spec, you sent me looks like the device outputs 4 Stream unbalanced Audio, which means that you could use F-8A-TX/RX ,

Because 1 Stereo unbalanced Audio = 2 Mono unbalanced Audio

Question:

Hi, So, what is sent over the fiber? Analogue audio, or data that is coverted back to analog audio? The description says is 16 bit digital. The name says Analogue. I'm confused... Is it analogue or digital?

Answer:

The XLR is an analog audio interface that is internally converted to a data stream for reliable transmission via fiber.

On the transmission side, there is an analog video input, and on the receiving side, the device converts that data to an analog audio output.

From the end-user perspective, it is analog in and analog out, but internally it is processed digitally.

I hope that is clear.

Are you interested?

If so, how many XLR channels are you looking for? We have 2 to 16 XLR audio over fiber available

Question:

Do you have a Line Level Audio (analog) over Multimode Fiber in your product line?

Answer:

We have several choices, do you need balanced or unbalanced audio?

We do have units with XLR, RCA, or terminal block interface.

How many channels?

What is the multimode fiber distance?

Question:

What it means that XLR Audio over fiber units have LINE level audio inputs requirments ?

Answer:

ine-level audio refers to audio signals that have been amplified to a standard level before they are transmitted or processed further in audio equipment. Line-level signals are typically stronger and have higher voltage levels compared to microphone-level signals, which are very weak and require preamplification.

Key characteristics of line-level audio include:

Higher Voltage: Line-level signals are stronger and have voltage levels typically in the range of around 0.3 to 2 volts. This increased voltage ensures that the signal is less susceptible to noise interference.
Low Impedance: Line-level signals usually have a low output impedance, which means they can be easily transmitted over cables without significant signal degradation.
Pre-Amplified: These signals have already been amplified to a level suitable for processing or further amplification in audio equipment like mixers, amplifiers, and recording devices.

Line-level audio is commonly used for connecting various audio sources and equipment, such as CD players, DVD players, synthesizers, and audio interfaces, to mixers, amplifiers, and recording devices. It provides a consistent and standardized level of audio that makes it easier to work with different audio components and ensures high-quality audio transmission with minimal noise interference.

Line-level audio typically has a low output impedance. The exact impedance level can vary somewhat depending on the specific audio equipment and standards being used, but it generally falls within the range of 150 ohms to 600 ohms. This low output impedance allows line-level signals to be easily transmitted over cables without significant signal loss or degradation, making them suitable for connecting various audio sources and equipment in professional audio setups.

Question:

Could you send me a price for this unit? I assume two identical units work as a pair TX/RX? Meaning if I had qty 3 of these units I could use anyone of theses as the RX for the one I would have Racked? Will this also work with your 2-Ch RX onlys

Answer:

Well first thing is we sell those as sets, so the price you see on the webpage is for 2 units; the TxRx in the model number is transmitter/receiver.

However since this is the 2 Channel Bidirectional model you get the Tx/Rx but they are matched with each other because they send / receive on 1310 /1550.

So if you have a 2 channel kit that is unidirectional it wouldn't match the mux that is in the bidirectional model.

Let's say you had 3 pieces, one in a rack, and 2 others in the field that are labeled opposite the Rack Model, lets call them A and B; you'd have an A in the Rack and two B's in the field, you could swap the fiber at the A with either of the two B's in the field and it will work.

The thing you need to keep in line is that the A will transmit on 1310 and receive on 1550; so the B has to send on 1550 and receive on 1310.

I hope that makes sense. I can clarify further. But the direction of the muxes is very important, if you have two A models connected, it simply wouldn't work as there would be a collision of data cause you're trying to send and receive on 1310.

This is also why they are sold in sets, to eliminate that chance of happening. Also why they are labeled as Tx or Rx.

If you look at the picture closely:

Notice on the Tx up top the XLR is female, on the bottom the Rx is Male (ports on the left side; while the right side is opposite)

Hence we know there is a Tx and Rx and the connectors are inverse to each other.

Question:

Could you send me a price for this unit? I assume two identical units work as a pair TX/RX? Meaning if I had qty 3 of these units I could use anyone of theses as the RX for the one I would have Racked? Will this also work with your 2-Ch RX onlys

Answer:

Well first thing is we sell those as sets, so the price you see on the webpage is for 2 units; the TxRx in the model number is transmitter/receiver.

However since this is the 2 Channel Bidirectional model you get the Tx/Rx but they are matched with each other because they send / receive on 1310 /1550.

So if you have a 2 channel kit that is unidirectional it wouldn't match the mux that is in the bidirectional model.

Let's say you had 3 pieces, one in a rack, and 2 others in the field that are labeled opposite the Rack Model, lets call them A and B; you'd have an A in the Rack and two B's in the field, you could swap the fiber at the A with either of the two B's in the field and it will work.

The thing you need to keep in line is that the A will transmit on 1310 and receive on 1550; so the B has to send on 1550 and receive on 1310.

I hope that makes sense. I can clarify further. But the direction of the muxes is very important, if you have two A models connected, it simply wouldn't work as there would be a collision of data cause you're trying to send and receive on 1310.

This is also why they are sold in sets, to eliminate that chance of happening. Also why they are labeled as Tx or Rx.

If you look at the picture closely: