Imagine a device:

• with n amount of XLR input ports on one side
• with n or 1 XLR outputs on second site
• each switchable, ON/OFF

Does something like this exists? I heard about patchbays but they are expensive as hell and I dare say not user friendly

I have audio interface with small amount of ports but and good preamps so I guess that could save me a bit¹

‼️ Phantom power would be handled by audio interface itself ‼️

¹ - a bit unstable cable managment

Advanced artistical vision:

 

https://www.thomann.co.uk/millenium_pocket_phantom.htm

 

I don't know if i'm getting it right, but you essentially want multiple inputs connected to one preamp of your interface and the ability to switch between them?

Something like this maybe?
https://www.thomann.es/palmer_peabi.htm

 

A somewhat technical person could solder this entire thing of Aliexpress parts in no time tho, or you could find someone who has some knowledge and they make it for you with the exsact specs, like former studio techs etc.

Ali

 

Last edited: Mar 15, 2026

Anytime any of my friends has a 'toolbox' question I send them this link.

It's likely that most of your audio switching needs have already been spec'ed out as a product by one such fine company (or another).

Since we're not friends technically, and I don't know if that's enough, I will go further and point you in the following direction:

• Relay XO - seems like bullseye to me. What say you.
• Hotshot 48V - in case you do need Phantom Power, live on stage.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your music production (nice product specification drawing btw - I've far less clear in my day).

 

Do you want to merge multiple inputs to one output...?

 

I use a cheap 6.3mm patch bay for things like that. It's under 100 bucks. These patchbays do have symmetrical I/Os, so all you would have to change are your cables (xlr to symmetrical 6.3mm jack).
BUT, there are xlr patchbays for cheap money:
https://www.thomann.co.uk/millenium_pb16_xlr_in_out.htm

 

The usual way to do it is using ADAT extension on a cheaper ADAT soundcard.
Like buying Audient soundcard and a Behringer ADAT bay.

We had a discussion like this some time ago :
https://www.thomann.fr/behringer_ada_8200_ultragain.htm
https://www.thomann.fr/audient_id14_mkii.htm

 

Joke's on you, i don't know even how to use AI. I just googled XLR switch or something similar.

I'm old school like that.

 

Rolls RM89 8-channel Mic/Line Mixer
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RM89--rolls-rm89-8-channel-mic-line-mixer

But, this still includes some gain staging. Cheaper than RADIAL, though!

 

I´m bout to delete the thing mentioned, does not serve the purpose anyway.

 

Sescom SES-XLR-AB Balanced Audio Pro Grade XLR A/B Passive Switch, 2 Female XLR to 1 Male XLR:
https://www.amazon.com/Sescom-SES-XLR-AB-Balanced-Passive-Switch/dp/B007MHJV9K

You don't really need an active version. Passive is usually cheaper, and always less likely to fail. That one is $65. Use that to comparison shop against other manufacturers. You have to take reviews with a grain of salt. But is very close to what you asked for.

 

Exactly what do you disagree on, tommy?

 

Very easy to DIY with minimal parts. If you have any experience soldering, $10-15, and a chat robot to walk you through, you can build this in 45 minutes.

 

...so i can input this to my audio i/f

 

The thing is that I want that active version BECAUSE I'd like to have 2 inputs at the same time, and then manually route to 1 output

In short: I'm too lazy to unplug a thing

 

I don't think it's gonna be that cheap. The 4 xlr sockets alone are about 15 bucks.
Then we need two pole switches, another 4 or 5 bucks and the case. The case should preferably be a metal case for interference protection. could be another 20.
My guess if one builds that:https://www.amazon.com/-/dp/B07QVKPR2V/132-3737405-8634644?pd_rd_w=HfgPi&content-id=amzn1.sym.aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_p=aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_r=ZJ4CT803ZSFN56M8T7QQ&pd_rd_wg=Wcqfa&pd_rd_r=2eacf1b5-9649-4f99-8236-eebb18975d20&pd_rd_i=B07QVKPR2V&psc=1
himself, he's gonna safe 10 bucks, it looks ugly and takes a frustrating half a day.
(just think about drilling the holes as big as xlr in a metal case, I hate that).
I do a lot of diy and it is always more complicated than I thought. And more expensive. And way more frustrating than I could have hoped.

 

so, is that what you're looking for? (no patching)
https://www.amazon.com/-/dp/B07QVKP...99-8236-eebb18975d20&pd_rd_i=B07QVKPR2V&psc=1

 

what about this?

I just found this on AliExpress:
HIFI audio signal switching selector XLR lossless distribution box 3 in 1 out, 1 in 3 out, for CD decoder amp active speakers
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EH3qXdS

 

This is why finding a unit like what you want will be difficult, because at about $150 is where you have a larger selection from more well known companies. You really don't want to risk using some Temu active anything with any decent mic to save whatever, 50 or 80 dollars.