Little Bear MC103 PRO XLR Passive Selector Review

The Little Bear MC103 PRO is a passive stereo audio splitter priced at $59.99 and sold in two versions: 3-IN-1-OUT, which switches three sources into one amplifier, or 1-IN-3-OUT, which sends one source to three amplifiers. Both use stereo XLR connections throughout.

It is designed for listeners with several pieces of XLR-equipped gear. The 3-in-1-out version lets you compare different sources through the same amplifier, while the 1-in-3-out version makes it easy to compare the sound of three amplifiers fed by one source. The routing is selected with the unit's switch, and the whole design is passive, meaning no power supply and, in the maker's words, no impact on sound quality.

Physically, the MC103 PRO uses an all-aluminium shell intended to keep external noise away from the signal, with gold-plated XLR ports for reliable electrical contact and minimal attenuation. Inside, each channel is connected with shielding wire to reduce interference, and the switch uses silver-plated contacts with HOT/COLD simultaneous switching and a common GND terminal. It measures 148 x 105 x 69mm and weighs 470g, small enough to tuck behind a rack or carry. Two things to note before buying: the package contains only the XLR audio selector, with no audio cables, and the maker warns that while most devices are compatible, that is not guaranteed for all, and an isolation module may be required if common ground noise appears.

Specifications

How it compares

The MC103 PRO is the XLR-only member of the Little Bear pair, at the same $59.99 as the Little Bear MC3 3-In-3-Out XLR/RCA Selector review. The MC3 has more sockets (two stereo XLR pairs and one RCA pair each way, so it can move between balanced and unbalanced gear) in a 150 x 105 x 68mm case of 485g; the MC103 PRO has three stereo XLR connections on one side and one on the other, sold as either 3-IN-1-OUT or 1-IN-3-OUT, in an all-aluminum 148 x 105 x 69mm shell of 470g. Neither needs power, and neither page lists a frequency response or a loss figure.

The Nobsound NS-05P PRO XLR/RCA Converter review ($59.99) does not switch at all: it is an active RCA-to-XLR and XLR-to-RCA converter with its own volume knob on each path, a DC 5V (1A or more) supply and a printed 20Hz-20kHz response, so it suits a single balanced-to-unbalanced link better than a three-way comparison. Choose the MC103 PRO if everything in your chain is balanced and you want to A/B three sources or three amplifiers over XLR; choose the MC3 if some gear is RCA; choose the NS-05P PRO if you need a real converter.

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.