Little Bear MC3 3-In-3-Out XLR/RCA 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.

Specifications

How it compares

All three XLR boxes in this type list $59.99, so the choice is about what each one does. The Little Bear MC103 PRO XLR Passive Selector review is XLR only, in two versions chosen at checkout (3-IN-1-OUT or 1-IN-3-OUT), in an aluminum shell of 148 x 105 x 69mm and 470g; it has no RCA sockets, where the MC3 offers two stereo XLR pairs and one RCA pair each way in a 150 x 105 x 68mm, 485g case of nearly the same size. Both are passive and need no power.

The Nobsound NS-05P PRO XLR/RCA Converter review is a different tool: an active converter that needs DC 5V (1A or more), has a volume knob on each path and a fully differential circuit, and prints figures the passive MC3 page does not (frequency response 20Hz-20kHz, THD+N 0.008%, SNR of 89dB or better, 20kΩ input and 100Ω output impedance). It converts only RCA to XLR and XLR to RCA, so it cannot choose between sources. Choose the MC3 to switch between balanced and unbalanced gear without power; choose the MC103 PRO for an all-XLR system; choose the NS-05P PRO if you want a level-matched, balanced-output conversion.

Shipping, returns and warranty

• Shipping: Douk Audio's current shipping page says orders are generally processed no later than the next business day and arrive in 2-8 business days, with duties, taxes and customs fees included in the checkout price unless noted otherwise.
• Older shipping terms are still online: airmail at 10-25 days for parcels under 2 kg, DHL, UPS or FedEx at 5-8 days above that, and a line saying the store is not responsible for import duties. Check the delivery estimate and any duties at checkout.
• Returns: ask within 30 days of delivery and wait for approval before sending anything; an approved return has to ship within 7 days. Items need all packaging and accessories and no excessive wear, or the store can refuse them or refund part of the price. Refunds go to the original payment method after inspection.
• Not refunded: original and expedited shipping, duties, taxes and customs charges, unless the law requires it or the store made the error. The return page does not say who pays return postage, and the older refund page excludes mistaken orders and change-of-mind returns from free after-sale service.
• Warranty: 24 months from purchase for manufacturing defects, with free repair, a replacement unit and free shipping both ways for covered repairs. Drops, liquid, DIY repairs, lightning, extreme temperatures and misuse are excluded (partial fees may apply), and damage from weak packing on the way back may not be covered. The older refund page still says 1 year.
• Seller: the site is run by Shenzhen Anba Technology Co., Ltd (Shenzhen, China) and HONGKONG LONGSHENG Import and Export Trading Co., Limited (Hong Kong); support is by email at [email protected]. These terms cover orders placed on doukaudio.com; other sellers apply their own.

For this product, the page has a 'Shipping to' selector (US, UK, EU, AU, Other) and shows Free Shipping, 2-8 Days Arrival, 30-Day Return and 2-Year Warranty badges near the price.