GearCast - Gear Review: The LTIBLOX from RapcoHorizon

In gaming and technology, something that is often discussed in reviews and rollouts is "quality of life." While this phrase has a more conventional definition, for technology it has come to mean features of a process or interfaceDefinition:
A device that adds I/O capability to another device. Common would be a MIDI, audio or video interface for a computer. that make things generally more manageable and stop us endlessly futzing with menial organization and preparation tasks. As I’ve retreated deeper into my DAWDefinition:
(Digital Audio Workstation): A computer program or stand-alone device that provides digital audio recording, editing, and mixing. and the world of plugins, tiny accessories that ensure a better quality of life have become some of my favorite items in my studio.

LTIBLOX

RapcoHorizon are no strangers to accessories that improve quality of life. In addition to the countless cables, snakes and other studio essentials that make up their extensive product roster, their series of products known as "BLOX" solve many audio dilemmas. The LTIBLOX series takes on troublesome 3.5mmDefinition:
A popular, small audio connector. Used for many headphones and line-level stereo applications, as well as smartphones. connections. Useful to consumers and pros alike, the LTIBLOX are interfaces designed to convert inputs from computers, MP3Definition:
A lossy digital compression coding format for audio, derived from the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 formats. Audio compression can range from a data reduction ratio of 200:1 to broadcast quality (i.e., no noticeable audio degradation for the vast majority of listeners). MP3 streaming rates vary from 16 kilobit per second to 320 kilobits per second for stereo. Audio stored digitally in the MP3 format will have the .mp3 file extension. players, CDDefinition:
(Compact Disc): An optical-based, disc-shaped digital recording and playback medium. players and other consumer electronics to a mic level/ balanced output. These boxes come equipped with a 3.5mm male input and XLR male output. The base model and the LTIGLBLOX include a volume knob.

Why Is This Useful?

There are many reasons someone might want a dedicatedDefinition:
Designed or used to do a specific task or set of tasks. DI boxDefinition:
Direct Injection Box. A device that accepts the output from electronic instruments or other sound sources, and produces an output at microphone or line level to interface optimally with mixers. for consumer devices. Incorporating audio and video into presentations for work conferences and meetings has become commonplace. Impedance matching problems, machine noise and ground loopDefinition:
A phenomenon caused by having more than one possible path to ground for a device or devices, so the local grounds at each end of a length of cable are at a different AC potential. This can cause hum and noise between two separated pieces of equipment with unbalanced connections. Standard solutions include lifting the ground connection between the equipment, adding an isolation transformer, coupling audio signals optically, or (not recommended) lifting the ground at one of the AC connections. issues endlessly arise from this task, and the results can be disastrous. Ideally, every user would have an audio interfaceDefinition:
A device to convert audio signals into digital code suitable for use by a computer; typically communication occurs through a port such as USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, etc.. to make life easier, but this is not typical. Additionally, tasks like sampling consumer devices, or even reversing the flow to send a mic into a laptop can greatly benefit from a built-for-purpose device.

Often, users will try to solve these issues with various cables that, on paper, look to resolve the problem. 3.5mm TRSDefinition:
(Tip Ring Sleeve) Phone style connector. 3 conductor (Stereo) originally 1/4" diameter, also 1/8" and smaller and the TT style for patchbays. Used for headphones and patching. to dual 1/4" connectors, 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS, and so on all come with the same caveat: They do not resolve the issues with impedanceDefinition:
Also abbreviated as Z. The resistance to AC current flow, measured in ohms (similar to, but not necessarily, the same as DC resistance). that occur in the line levelDefinition:
Audio signals around 0.5 volt, ranging from -10dBm to +4dBm. Originally called Telephone Line Level connections. Hot signals, machine noise, and RFDefinition:
(Radio Frequency) Electromagnetic radiation through the air, or electrical signals in cable. Typically, RF frequencies are above 100 kHz. type interference will quickly alert presenters, attendees, studio rats and more to the fact that these were not the clever solution they appeared to be.

Using the LTIBLOX

To test the LTIBLOX (the base model), I chose to use the ubiquitous Nintendo Switch. I release music in a genre with a tendency to sample old technology; so, I used the N64 emulator and used track 8 from the music player in the title Wave Race 64. I recorded via a UAD Apollo Twin Duo. The results are depicted in two photos - one being the waveformDefinition:
A graphic picture of a wave. view, and a second faderDefinition:
An audio control, rotary or linear, to control volume level. view to show relevant peaks.

1. Blue ChannelDefinition:
   1. In radio, television, citizen's band radio, and other wireless communications modes, a specific frequency for communication.  2. In mixers and video, an input or output signal path with controls.  3. In MIDI, one of 16 data paths. – The LTIBLOX (volume knob set to full) with UAD preamp at halfway/34db (source set to mic.) This resulted in a reasonable quality waveform peaking roughly between -24db & -17.9db.
2. Green Channel – A TRS 3.5mm to TRS 1/4" connector cable. In order to even get the signal at all audible, I had to take the preamp to 3/4 volume/50db (source set to line). The results were mostly noise, and max peakDefinition:
   A signal's maximum level at any point in time. was -33.9db.
3. Yellow Channel – A TRS 3.5mm to dual 1/4" monoDefinition:
   Short for Monophonic. An audio program, recording, or hardware device/software routine that produces or processes a signal with only one channel. connector cable back to half preamp gain/34db (source set to line.) This resulted in a -24db to -16db peak that was seemingly 25% RF noise.
4. Orange Channel – The same TRS 3.5mm to dual 1/4" mono, but this time boosted to 3/4 preamp gain/50db (source set to line.) While this did boost the overall signal (peaks between -6db & -2.97db), the noise that accompanied the previous test was also boosted, and was significantly louder in quieter sections of the program material.
5. Red Channel – I came back to the LTIBLOX (volume knob set to full), and this time raised the preamp volume to 3/4 gain/50db (source returned to mic.) The result was a usable, pleasant, minimally noisy captureDefinition:
   To acquire audio and/or video, and convert it to a file. with no distortionDefinition:
   A change in an electronic or acoustic signal's waveform. This can undesirable if it impacts signal quality, or desirable when used for creative signal processing. that peaked between -12db & -6db.

One note about my experience with the unit for these examples: the volume knob on the LTIBLOX, at least in my experiences so far, appears less useful for increasing volume and operates specifically to attenuateDefinition:
Reduction of energy for electrical, optical, and acoustic signals. volume in various scenarios. This makes sense, as there are different scenarios in which a non-adjustable device output may send a slightly too hot signal but still require boosting on a PA/Mixer/Interface preamp.

The Right Tool for the Job

The LTIBLOX comes in more than one model. Complex connection scenarios in venues and studios, along with inefficient electrical wiring, can cause ground loops. The LTIGLBLOX adds a groundDefinition:
A common zero-volt potential connection, commonly used for both electrical noise control and safety, and usually connected to the ground of the earth through a spike, plumbing, or electrical wiring that leads eventually to an earth connection. AKA: Earth. lift to the basic model to mitigate these issues. The LTIBLOX-NK (No Knob) removes the attenuating volume knob. This is useful in multi-user scenarios where the box is liable to get jostled and unintentionally adjusted. The removed adjustable knob can prevent the confusion of unintentionally lowered volume between uses.

You may notice that in the waveform examples, the TRS to dual 1/4" waves were in stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers., while the LTIBLOX examples rendered in mono. This is because the LTIBLOX, LTIBLOX-NK and the LTIGLBLOX sumDefinition:
An equal combining of signals. signals to mono. While this is fine for many scenarios, you might require a stereo result. In which case, the LTI-1 offers not only stereo output, but also includes the ground lift.

Whichever model is right for you, the LTIBLOX is a great tool for home recordists, A/V professionals and even streamers and podcasters to resolve issues commonly caused by consumer grade electronics and add to the quality of productions, presentations and content creation. Contact Full Compass or visit Full Compas Systems to get yours today!