Jackreel Balanced XLR over CAT5 Reel with Belden 1583A Cable
Best professional solution for long-distance audio runs at live events.
The Jackreel MKR-AR-250 Connect-N-Go Reel provides robust, long-distance balanced XLR audio transmission over CAT5 cable. It comes pre-loaded with 250 feet of Belden 1583A cable and features integrated MuxLab MonoPro XLR Baluns for straightforward setup. This reel is ideal for demanding applications such as ENG, live events, and houses of worship, offering a rugged design with heavy-duty strain relief for reliable performance.
$247.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 2556
#99 in Audio & Video Cable Adapters & Couplers
Price vs Category Average
+218%
Above average
Cable Type
1583
/ Belden A Datatwist Cable
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious installers looking to reduce cable weight and infrastructure costs
- Audio engineers requiring reliable signal integrity for professional live events
- Production crews needing fast, organized setup and breakdown for mobile rigs
Who should skip it
- Small-scale productions operating on a strictly limited equipment budget
- Users wanting a plug-and-play solution without purchasing additional breakout hardware
- Technicians managing complex signal paths in high-interference RF environments
Performance breakdown
Deployment Speed
The reel design makes rapid, tangle-free setup effortless for live events.
Signal Integrity
Balanced transmission ensures clean audio over long CAT5 cable runs.
Build Durability
Rugged construction and heavy-duty strain relief handle demanding field environments.
Transmission Range
Extends analog audio up to 5,000 feet with impressive signal consistency.
Component Quality
Premium Belden cabling and MuxLab baluns provide professional-grade reliability.
Setup Simplicity
Integrated baluns eliminate complex wiring for a true plug-and-play experience.
Key Specs
Cable Type
Belden 1583A Datatwist Cable
Length
250 feet
Connectors
Male to female 3-Pin XLR
Analog Audio Extension Distance
Up to 5,000 feet
Digital Audio Extension Distance
Up to 1,400 feet
Balun Type
Built-in MonoPro XLR balun
Intended Use
Professional Audio
Connector Type
XLR
Features
- Balanced XLR over CAT5 audio transmission
- Fast, tangle-free deployment
- Cost-effective AV balun system
- Point-to-point CAT5 connections
- Heavy-duty strain relief
- Integrates Belden and MuxLabs technology
- Extends analog audio up to 5,000 ft
- Extends digital audio up to 1,400 ft
What customers say
Audio professionals overwhelmingly praise the Jackreel Balanced XLR over CAT5 Reel for its exceptional reliability and practical deployment. Users value the integration of high-quality Belden 1583A cable, which ensures superior signal integrity and low noise across long distances, crucial for demanding live sound work. This system effectively utilizes cost-effective CAT5 infrastructure, offering a robust alternative to bulky traditional cabling. The reel mechanism itself is lauded for its rugged build and smooth winding action, significantly improving setup and strike efficiency in fast environments. While recognized as a premium investment, the consensus points to superior long-term value derived from its durability and operational time savings. It is viewed as an indispensable, high-performance connectivity solution.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Jackreel supports both. It can extend analog audio signals up to 5,000 feet and digital audio signals up to 1,400 feet.
It comes fully pre-loaded and ready to use. The MuxLab MonoPro XLR baluns are integrated directly into the system, so you can start connecting your gear immediately.
The Belden 1583A is a high-quality Datatwist cable designed for reliable performance in professional environments. While it is robust, it relies on the balanced nature of the XLR signal to reject noise over long distances.
The unit features heavy-duty strain relief at the connection points to prevent cable damage during frequent deployment and retraction, making it well-suited for live events and ENG work.
The system is designed as a complete, pre-loaded solution. While the reel is durable, it is optimized for the included 250-foot length, and replacing the internal cabling would require significant technical modification.
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