The Whirlwind Qbox-AES is a portable, multipurpose testing device that allows you to troubleshoot digital and analog audio signals. The unit has two sections; a Send section and a Receive/Monitor section. The Test Mode switch selects between analog or digital testing modes.

In the AES test mode, LEDs light up to indicate the sampling rate of the incoming digital audio from the BNC or XLR inputs. The digital signal is decoded and output through the built-in speaker or the 3.5mm jack for connection to other gear. The digital Send section converts a choice of analog input signals into AES-3 and S/PDIF digital formats and delivers them to the output connectors through the Send Level and Sample Rate controls. The In-line Monitor function lets you insert the Qbox-AES into an AES stream for real-time monitoring.

In analog test mode, XLR connectors are used to send and receive analog audio signals. Microphone, oscillator, and Aux signals are routed to the male XLR through the Send Level control. The female XLR receives the analog input and delivers it to the speaker with volume control. A three position switch allows the selection of a balanced input or unbalanced pin 2 or pin 3 to be monitored separately. LEDs indicate the presence of phantom power at the male XLR.

The Qbox-AES is powered by the included 6 VDC power supply or can operate for up to six hours on four AA batteries (1 hour if speaker is at full volume).

AES3, S/PDIF, and Analog Signal Tester    Up to 192 kHz Sample Rates    Generates AES3 and S/PDIF Test Signals    Built-In Mic, Test Tone Generators    Built-In Speaker, 3.5mm Output    XLR and BNC Inputs/Outputs    Powered by Wall Unit or 4 x AA Batteries

• Tests both AES digital and analog signals
• Transmit and Receive sections can be used independently or can be set to In Line Monitor where the Qbox-AES is acting like a repeater
• Send/Receive Test Mode allows the operator to pass the digital signal through a cable and back into the Qbox-AES to verify cable integrity and bandwidth capability
• Operates with battery or wall adapter power

• Receives and identifies 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sample rates
• Converts AES digital to analog and outputs the analog via built-in speaker or Line/Phones Monitor jack
• Listen to individual A and B streams or summed together through the speaker

• Transmits at 48, 96, and 192 kHz sampling rates
• Generate AES digital from analog Line In jack, built-in dual-tone generator, or built-in condenser microphone
• LEDs indicate reference output level

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Some speaker cables have a banana plug on one end and a TS connector on the other. Are the banana connections on this tester able to accept this type of connector so you can test this type of speaker cable?

A: The banana plug inputs on the unit are specifically made to connect the included probes, which can then be used to test continuity with any type of cable connector.

Q: 2. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO GET REPLACEMENT PARTS AND/OR PART NUMBERS FOR THE Q/BOX ?

A: Unfortunately when I broke mine in the past I've had to buy a new one as all the parts inside are pretty well sealed up. I crushed the link toggle switches into the unit and my engineer was unable to take the circuitboard out because the front facing XLR's are attached to the face. All in all, not very user-friendly.

Q: 3. I am new to this and see that there might be a difference between BNC connectors. Will this test a BNC plug RG58 Coax Coaxial Cable Kable 50ohm RF?

A: Yes, the Whirlwind MCT7 Multi Connector Cable Tester is capable of testing both 50 and 75 ohm BNC coaxial cables.

Q: 4. is this cable tester made in China ?

A: The Country Of Origin is CHINA(Subject to change)

Q: 5. How does this indicate when two pins on a connector are shorted? How indicate when cable is wired to wrong pin on connector? Thanks

A: It would show, according to the LED lights, which wire is connected to which pin.

Q: 6. can it test cables that are already placed in the walles and the tester can only be at one side and my camera at the other side ?

A: No. The unit is designed to test cables by attaching both ends to the tester.

Q: 7. Can this test cables with different connectors on each end? For example, XLR on one end and 1/4 TRS on the other end.

A: Yes, it can.

Q: 8. Are both inputs active all the time? In other words can I plug in 2 analog inputs and play them out of the digital output? Thank you

A: Only one stereo analog input should be used to go to two stereo digital outputs.

Q: 9. can it test up to 1,000 Mb/s?

A: The Greenlee NC-100 NETcat Micro Wiring Tester will not test up to 1,000 Mb/s.

Q: 10. Hoping to verify that the jack on the side is for accepting 1/4 (6.35 mm) . It doesn't actually say it in the specs.

A: I can confirm the Kopul CBT-8 8-in-1 Cable Tester can accept 1/4" TRS/TS connections to test continuity.