Little Bear MC3 3-In-3-Out XLR and RCA Audio Selector Review

The Little Bear MC3 is a passive stereo audio selector and converter priced at $59.99. It is a 3-in-3-out device, with two stereo XLR and one stereo RCA connection on both the input and output sides, so it can send signals between balanced and unbalanced equipment as well as route them.

It is aimed at listeners with several XLR-equipped sources, such as DACs and players, feeding one or more power amplifiers that might have balanced or single-ended inputs. On the input side you get 2 stereo XLR and 1 stereo RCA, and mirrored outputs of the same configuration. A rotary switch selects the active input or output, allowing quick comparison between players or amplifiers, and because the conversion runs both ways, an RCA source can be sent to a balanced input and vice versa.

The design is fully passive: there is no power supply and no active circuitry, and the listing states there will be no impact on sound quality. The metal shell is intended to keep external noise out, and the XLR ports are gold-plated for reliable connections with minimal signal attenuation. Contacts in the switch are silver-plated, and the switching is HOT/COLD simultaneous with a common GND terminal. The unit measures 150 x 105 x 68mm and weighs 485g. Two caveats from the maker: compatibility with every device is not guaranteed, and if common ground noise appears, an isolation module should be added between the MC3 and the connected equipment. The package contains the selector and a manual, with no audio cables included.

Douk Audio ships worldwide with free and expedited options and country-dependent pricing. Orders under 2kg go by airmail (10-25 days) and orders over 2kg by DHL, UPS or FedEx (5-8 days); at 485g the MC3 ships by airmail. Import duties and customs charges are the buyer's responsibility. All items include a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty, with exclusions for orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, a subjective change of mind, and anything else outside the warranty terms.