Little Labs
Little Labs STD Mercenary Edition Instrument Cable Extender Splitter System
Best signal integrity for professional audio routing and extension needs.
The Little Labs STD Mercenary Edition is a two-part instrument cable extender and splitter system designed to overcome signal loss over long cable runs. It consists of a special Purple Cable that converts your instrument's 1/4-inch unbalanced signal into a balanced XLR signal, and an active STD Base Unit. The balanced XLR signal can then be sent over long distances using standard XLR cables. The STD Base Unit receives this balanced XLR signal and splits it into two 1/4-inch unbalanced outputs, allowing you to feed multiple destinations like guitar amplifiers or effects pedals. This system is ideal for recording engineers, producers, and guitarists who need to extend their guitar or instrument cable runs over long distances (up to 80 feet) without signal degradation. It's also perfect for those who need to split an instrument signal to feed multiple guitar amplifiers simultaneously for re-amping, or to send a signal to different effects pedals in studio or live settings.
$190.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
100
/ 2584
#100 in Audio & Video Cable Adapters & Couplers
Price vs Category Average
+144%
Above average
Type
Passive Direct Box
/ Passive Direct Box
Who it's for
- Professional musicians and engineers needing flawless audio over distance
- Studio engineers and live sound technicians requiring complex routing
- Audio professionals demanding silent operation in challenging environments
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious musicians and hobbyists seeking basic signal splitting
- Casual users preferring plug-and-play simplicity for their instrument setup
- Home recording enthusiasts and gigging musicians with straightforward needs
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
Maintains pristine high-frequency response even over eighty-foot cable runs.
Noise Rejection
Balanced XLR conversion effectively eliminates hum and interference in complex setups.
Signal Splitting
Dual outputs provide clean, reliable routing for re-amping or multi-amp rigs.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of professional studio environments.
Setup Versatility
Solves complex routing challenges for guitarists and engineers with ease.
Ease of Integration
Simple plug-and-play operation requires minimal configuration for immediate professional results.
Key Specs
Type
Passive Direct Box
Channels
1
Inputs
1 x XLR
Outputs
2 x 1/4"
Manufacturer Part Number
STD
Cable Length
Up to 80 feet
Features
- Extend instrument cable runs up to 80 feet without signal loss
- Convert unbalanced 1/4-inch signal to balanced XLR for long distances
- Split balanced XLR signal into two unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs
- Active design maintains signal integrity over long runs
- Ideal for re-amping or feeding multiple amplifiers/effects
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and unwavering reliability of this instrument cable system. Its robust construction and transparent signal path are frequently highlighted, ensuring pristine audio integrity even in demanding professional environments. Users appreciate the thoughtful design that facilitates seamless integration into complex setups, making it a dependable solution for extending and splitting instrument signals without compromise. The consistent performance justifies its premium positioning among discerning audio professionals.
Know before you buy
The system converts your instrument's high-impedance, unbalanced signal into a low-impedance, balanced XLR signal. This balanced signal is much more resistant to noise and high-frequency loss, allowing you to run cables up to 80 feet without compromising your tone.
Yes, the STD Base Unit is an active device and requires power to maintain signal integrity and drive the outputs. It is designed to ensure your instrument's signal remains strong and clear even after traveling through long cable runs.
Absolutely. The STD Base Unit features two 1/4-inch outputs, making it an excellent tool for splitting your signal to feed two amplifiers simultaneously for stereo setups or re-amping applications.
Yes, the system consists of two parts: the Purple Cable, which acts as the transmitter to convert your signal to XLR, and the active STD Base Unit, which receives and splits the signal.
The STD is designed to be transparent, focusing on preserving the integrity of your original signal rather than coloring it. By eliminating the capacitance issues associated with long unbalanced cable runs, it actually helps you maintain the high-end detail that is often lost over distance.
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Ready to buy?
$190