About the Pro Co IFACE 1/8" and RCA to XLR Direct Box Portable Audio Player Interface
The Pro Co IFACE is a compact, portable direct box designed to interface consumer audio players and devices with professional balanced microphone-level inputs found on mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and recording systems. It solves the common problem of connecting devices with unbalanced 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone outputs or RCA outputs—such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or portable music players—to balanced XLR inputs without introducing noise, hum, or level mismatches. The IFACE performs two key functions: it converts the high-impedance, unbalanced line-level signal to a low-impedance, balanced microphone-level signal, and it provides ground lift isolation to break ground loops that are a frequent cause of audible hum in such connections.
Housed in a rugged, pocket-sized metal casing, the IFACE is built for durability in mobile use. Its straightforward design features a female 1/8" stereo input jack and a pair of RCA input jacks on one end, and a male XLR output connector on the other. A ground lift switch allows the user to disconnect the ground connection between the source and destination to eliminate hum when it occurs. The device is passive, requiring no batteries or external power, making it instantly ready for use. Its transparent circuitry is designed to preserve the frequency response and dynamic range of the original audio source while providing the necessary interface conversion.
This accessory is an essential tool for DJs, musicians, presenters, and audio engineers who need to quickly and reliably integrate personal audio devices into a professional sound system. Whether for playing backing tracks, presentation audio, or music during breaks, the Pro Co IFACE ensures a clean, robust, and hum-free connection, effectively bridging the gap between consumer electronics and professional audio gear with simplicity and reliability.