New range of digital XLR feed-through connectors satisfies many needs

Cliff Electronics has introduced the new FT digital XLR feed-through connector series. The complete range of audio, data, and fibre connectors can be front or rear mounted into an industry standard 24mm XLR connector mounting hole. The new FT Series interconnects are simple to mount into any panel designed to accept XLR connectors including instrument, control and rack panels, wall-plates, etc. The FT series is ideal for developing custom I/O solutions used in broadcast, AV installations, systems integration, home theatre, etc. The RJ45 versions are suitable for creating Ethernet hubs and patch points in industrial applications. The FT Series offers true feed-through connection, allowing standard cabling to be used to connect at both front and rear, eliminating the need to solder or terminate the connections and simplifying and speeding up assembly and servicing. For ease of assembly the Cliff FT Series are available with standard or countersunk mounting holes. The connector shells are made of high-impact plastic, the same material used on Cliff's standard plastic XLR connectors, field proven to be rugged and reliable. Bezels are available in seven colours to identify the function of FT connectors when fitted to a control panel. Current options include both USB 2.0 and 3.0 LC and SC fibre, RJ45 in both Cat6 and Cat5e with and without shielding, connector 'gender' change and further options such as 1RU and 2RU 19-rack rack panels and wall-plates to further allow customised solutions will follow, says the company. John Hall, general manager, Cliff Electronics, said: "Our new FT series of feed-through digital XDR connectors offer a low cost, highly flexible and customisable solution to adding digital control connectors to standard audio and AV control panels. Using the same, industry standard, XLR connector cut-out already extensively used for audio and control connections greatly simplifies control panel design and manufacture"