Eliminate the need for extra cables with SoundTools CAT Tails, our easy-to-use
audio-over-cat5 breakout cable.
-Plugs directly into analog or digital consoles
-Compatible with 48-volt phantom power
-Available in male or female XLR or DMX configurations
-Four 24” AES3 grade cables and one etherCON RJ45 connector
Efficiently run multiple audio or COM formats down a single Cat cable with the SoundTools CAT tails XLR or DMX to CAT breakout snake. Available in 3-pin or 5-pin male and female configurations, CAT Tails can be plugged directly into consoles or stage boxes to allow transmission of up to four lines of audio or AES3 down a shielded Cat cable.
Simplify your stage set up with SoundTools CAT Tails and run one slim Cat5e cable instead of 4 bulky XLR or DMX cables. CAT Tails are all-black, all-analog units with clear, laser-etched numbers 1-4 on each tail. With audio and COM over Cat5, we’ve run balanced analog as far as 600 feet in our workshop. When used with shielded cat cable, like our SuperCAT and SuperCAT Sound cables, CAT Tails are compatible with 48-volt phantom power and can run four channels of lossless audio and com with no interference and no distortion.
CAT Tails are compatible with all of our Analog Audio Over CAT5 of products, including our own series of CAT5 cables like the SoundTool SuperCAT cable, the SoundTools CAT Box, CAT Rack, and WallCAT. Mix and match fo the ultimate in modular snakes.
We chose the best in entertainment grade Neutrik connectors and AES3 grade cabling, and then housed the connections in ultra-rugged machined anodized aluminum that is so tough we have a lifetime guarantee called our Happy Human Warranty. If you’re not happy with it within the first year, you can return it for a refund. At any time after that, if it fails, contact us and we’ll send you a replacement.
Attach your shielded CAT5 cable to the etherCON connector on your CAT Tails and another CAT Tail, CAT Box, CAT Rack or WallCAT. Attach your XLR cable ends to channels 1, 2, 3, or 4. Now you can run up to four lines of audio down a shielded CAT5 cable.
Pair with an additional CAT Rack, CAT Box, CAT Rack, or WallCAT to send and receive four lines of balanced audio.
Application Guides:
Attach your shielded CAT5 cable to the etherCON connector on your CAT Tails and another CAT Tail, CAT Box, CAT Rack or WallCAT. Attach your XLR cable ends to channels 1, 2, 3, or 4. Now you can run up to four lines of audio down a shielded CAT5 cable.
Pair with an additional CAT Rack, CAT Box, CAT Rack, or WallCAT to send and receive four lines of balanced audio.
Application Guides:
Do I need to use shielded CAT5 cable?
Yes. Each of the channels share a common ground. This is especially important with digital signals.
How far can I send a my mic lines?
For balanced analog we've achieved distances of over 600ft using our SuperCAT cable. The results will vary with other CAT5 brands. For digital signals we reccommend distances up to 330 ft as per AES/EBU standards.
Can I use the CAT Tails with the SoundTools CAT Box or CAT Rack?
Absolutely! All of the RATCAT family will work together, bringing analog audio over CAT to the places you need it most. Connect CAT Tails to CAT Box or CAT Racks and route your audio where you want.
Can I send audio in both directions or do I need another gender CAT Box?
The CAT Tails are capable of sending or receiving signals, just like an analog snake. You can use gender turnarounds to send and receive. When sending mixed signals a high quality CAT cable is encouraged.
Is shielded cable really required?
The short answer is no. But in order to use phantom power and to minimize noise, we strongly suggest you use properly shielded cable. You can check if your cable is shielded by checking for continuity on the RJ45 jack using a multi-meter. Still not sure? Just purchase SuperCAT and you know you'll be covered.
Can I use it with my (digital console)?
While the CAT Box will work with any console on the market, it is important to note that it does not do any D/A conversion. The beauty of the CAT Box is that it sends analog audio over lightweight CAT cable, no conversion required. Hook directly up to your XLR connections and let CAT Box do the rest.
Do you have a wiring diagram available?
You can download a PDF version of the CAT Family Wiring Diagram HERE
All SoundTools products are covered by a one year no questions asked “Happy Human” warranty, wherein if a customer is unhappy for any reason they shall be able to return the item in the original packaging for a full refund from the place of purchase. Additionally, SoundTools strives for total customer satisfaction forever. If a customer wishes a replacement after the initial one-year warranty for any reason, we will replace it with one of equal or better condition.