Nobsound NS-05P PRO HiFi XLR Balanced / RCA Audio Converter Review
A bi-directional, fully differential converter that turns RCA into true balanced XLR and XLR back into RCA, with two independent paths — each with its own volume knob — to remove hum and ground-loop noise.

Our verdict
The Nobsound NS-05P PRO is a clean fix for the RCA-meets-XLR problem. Its fully differential design delivers a true balanced signal when converting RCA to XLR, and it runs two independent paths simultaneously, each with its own volume knob for level matching — a neat way to drop hum and ground-loop noise between hi-fi and pro gear for $59.99. Plan your cabling carefully and budget a DC 5V supply, since the listing does not state one is included.
- Best for
- Anyone bridging RCA hi-fi gear with balanced XLR equipment — or chasing hum and ground-loop noise out of a mixed setup
- Skip if
- You only need RCA-to-RCA or XLR-to-XLR, or you want a passive adapter with no power supply requirement
The Nobsound NS-05P PRO is a compact audio converter priced at $59.99. It translates between unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR connections — in both directions — to bridge consumer hi-fi components with professional audio gear such as mixers, audio interfaces, active studio monitors, power amplifiers and DACs.
Inside is a fully differential circuit, and the FAQ confirms the RCA-to-XLR direction produces a true balanced output. That is the core of the pitch: upgrading an RCA signal to a balanced XLR link eliminates unwanted electrical hum, buzz and ground-loop noise that can contaminate a system, for a cleaner, more detailed result.
The two signal paths are independent and can operate at the same time without interference, which means you can run an RCA-to-XLR conversion and an XLR-to-RCA conversion simultaneously. Each path has its own volume knob, acting as a mini-preamp for precise level matching. Gain differs by direction: at maximum, XLR-to-RCA provides up to +5dB while RCA-to-XLR provides 0dB. The compact aluminum chassis provides shielding against external interference.
Two setup notes from the maker: as an active converter it requires a DC 5V supply rated at least 1A to work at all, and the ports must be wired correctly — the left half is RCA input to XLR output and the right half is XLR input to RCA output. It does not perform RCA-to-RCA or XLR-to-XLR conversion, and incorrect connections result in no output.
Shipping is worldwide with free and expedited options, and cost varies by country. This unit is light, so it ships airmail in an estimated 10-25 days unless expedited service is chosen. Import duties and customs fees are the customer's responsibility. Free 30-day returns with a full refund and a 1-year warranty apply to all items, excluding orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, subjective change of mind, and anything else outside the warranty terms.
What we liked
- Solves the classic mismatch of wiring consumer RCA gear to balanced XLR equipment, in either direction
- True balanced, fully differential RCA-to-XLR conversion that targets hum, buzz and ground-loop noise
- The two paths are fully independent and can run at the same time without interference
- Each path has its own volume knob, doubling as a mini-preamp for level matching between components
- Solid aluminum chassis provides shielding while fitting on a desk
Worth noting
- It is an active converter that needs a DC 5V supply of at least 1A, and the listing does not state that a power adapter is included
- It supports only RCA-to-XLR and XLR-to-RCA — RCA-to-RCA or XLR-to-XLR hookups are not supported and produce no signal
- Output level differs between modes (up to +5dB versus 0dB), so levels shift when you switch direction
Questions before you buy
Is the RCA-to-XLR output truly balanced?
Yes. The NS-05P PRO uses a fully differential design that delivers a true balanced signal when converting from RCA to XLR, which is the basis for its hum and ground-loop-noise rejection.
Can both conversion directions run at once?
Yes. The two signal paths are fully independent and can operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, each with its own volume knob for level matching.
Why do the two modes sound different in level?
At maximum volume, XLR-to-RCA mode provides up to +5dB gain while RCA-to-XLR mode provides 0dB, so the XLR-to-RCA output is louder when the knob is fully up.
What are the shipping and warranty terms?
Worldwide shipping with free and expedited options; light orders ship airmail in about 10-25 days, heavier ones by DHL/UPS/FedEx in 5-8 days. Import duties are the customer's responsibility. Free 30-day returns for a full refund and a 1-year warranty apply, excluding orders by mistake, misuse, change of mind and anything outside the warranty terms.
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