Hosa Pro-Conex Little Cat Breakout Snake

Analog Audio. Network Cable.

The Hosa Pro-Conex Little Cat (DFX Series) is a streamlined audio snake that leverages standard network cabling to transmit four channels of analog audio. By utilizing the design of shielded Cat cable, the Little Cat delivers the high-fidelity performance of a traditional multi-core snake without the weight or expense.

Select Your Signal Flow

The Little Cat is available in two dedicated configurations to match your specific application:

• XLR Male (DFX-345M): Features a male fan-out, perfect for plugging directly into the inputs of a mixing console, audio interface, or stage box.
• XLR Female (DFX-345F): Features a female fan-out, designed to accept signals from microphones, instruments, or direct boxes.

Pure Analog Architecture

The Little Cat operates strictly in the analog domain. There is no digital conversion, no latency, and no external power required. It simply uses the copper conductors within the Ethernet cable to carry balanced audio or AES3 signals, acting as a transparent physical extension of your microphone or line-level inputs.

Simplified Long-Distance Runs

Running thick multi-channel audio snakes across a venue or studio is heavy and costly. The Little Cat solves this by allowing you to use lightweight, field-replaceable network cables for long runs. It also enables you to tap into a building’s existing shielded network drops to send audio between rooms without pulling new wire.

Integrated Breakout Design

Unlike box-style extenders that require four additional patch cables to function, the Little Cat features a hard-wired breakout whip. This connects directly to your equipment, reducing setup time and eliminating unnecessary connection points.

Common Applications

• Corporate Boardrooms: Streamline conference table setups by routing multiple table microphones through a single, discrete network cable to a floor box, keeping meeting spaces clean and clutter-free.
• Systems Integration: Simplify AV installs in schools, churches, and offices by utilizing existing shielded Cat infrastructure to route analog audio, eliminating the labor and material costs of pulling dedicated audio lines.
• Stage Sub-Snake: Consolidate four channels from a drum kit, keyboard rig, or pedalboard into a single slim cable run to the main stage box, effectively reducing stage clutter and trip hazards.
• Studio Interconnect: Utilize a facility’s structured wiring (shielded wall ports) to patch audio from a live room or vocal booth to the control room without running long cables under doors or through hallways.
• Mobile Recording & Broadcast: Replace heavy, bulky multi-channel snakes with lightweight Cat cables for quick deployment in press boxes, overflow rooms, or remote recording trucks.

Key Features

• High-Efficiency Transmission: Sends 4 channels of balanced audio or AES3 signals over widely available shielded Cat cable.
• Integrated Breakout Whip: 4-channel XLR fan-out connects directly to equipment, eliminating the need for extra patch cables.
• Passive Design: Requires no power supply or batteries—simply plug in and transmit.
• Heavy-Duty Enclosure: Galvanized steel housing protects internal connections from impact and crushing forces.
• Locking Connections: Features a locking RJ45 Ethercon- (and Hosa EtherLok) compatible chassis connector to prevent accidental disconnects.

Technical Specifications

• Series: Hosa Little Cat (DFX Series)
• Form Factor: Breakout Snake (Box to Fan-out)
• Channels: 4-Channel Balanced
• Transmission Medium: Shielded CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT7 Cable (STP/FTP)
• Connectors (CAT End): Locking RJ45 (Ethercon & EtherLok Compatible)
• Connectors (Model DFX-345M): 3-Pin XLR Male Fan-out
• Connectors (Model DFX-345F): 3-Pin XLR Female Fan-out
• Housing: Galvanized Steel with Integrated Strain Relief