
Pathway® 7317 Two Channel XLR A/B Audio Switch with Ethernet Remote Control, Simultaneous Channel Control
Overview
The Pathway® 7317 Dual Channel XLR Audio Switch with Ethernet Remote Control uses Telnet commands to allow the user the capability of sharing two XLR interface devices, connected to the "COMMON" port, among two other devices, connected to the "A" and "B" ports for each device/channel. The Model 7317 allows simultaneous switching of each Channel from A to B positions. The 7317 XLR Switcher is enclosed in a 1U, full rack size, all metal, black chassis designed to fit in a standard 19" rack. Remote access can be accomplished using an Ethernet 10/100Base-T connection with a Telnet Session. Users can then monitor status, lockout front panel pushbutton control, and control switch position.
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Ideal Network Switch for Broadcasts, such as Radio & Television
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Applicable to switching professional Audio, Video, and Stage Lighting Equipment
FEATURES:
- Each of two channels allows access to two XLR interface devices from one COMMON XLR device.
- The switch ports are transparent to all data.
- All (3) pins of the XLR interface are switched via break-before-make electromechanical relays.
- Front-panel pushbutton control.
- Simultaneous channel control.
- Switch maintains last set position on power loss and continues to pass data.
- On power up, the unit maintains its position.
- Control of the switch position from a 10/100-Base-T LAN Ethernet environment.
- Remote Control Telnet command interface that allows the user to control switch position, lockout front panel operations and obtain switch status.
- Front panel LED's display switch position and power status.
- Attractive all metal black box packaging provides EMI/RFI shielding.
- Custom length XLR cables available for your switch installation.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- PORT CONNECTORS: (2) XLR female connectors labeled A and B for each of two channels. (1) XLR male connector labeled COMMON for each of two channels.
- FRONT PANEL CONTROL: (1) Manual pushbutton allows local switching.
- DISPLAY: (2) Front panel LED's display switch position and power status.
- REMOTE: (1) RJ45 female connector on rear panel accepts 10/100 Base-T LAN Access Ethernet that uses TELNET commands for Remote Control operation.
- POWER: UL Approved 100VAC/240VAC, 50Hz/60Hz wall mount power module supplies 12VDC, 500mA to the unit. Has 2-prong, US, non-polarized plug.
- DIMENSIONS: Rackmount configuration 19.0" W x 1.75" H x 8.26" D. (48.3 x 4.4 x 21.0 cm)
- WEIGHT: Approximately 4.2 lbs. (1.9 kg)
Wide Range Power Option Available:
(Cat No 517277) CE, RoHS, and UL listed table mount power module, 100VAC/240VAC, 50Hz/60Hz for use in place of standard power module that is included with the unit. Has IEC 60320 C14 inlet. Ideal for international applications.
DUAL-CHANNEL XLR AUDIO A/B SWITCH APPLICATION w/TELNET: The drawing illustrates a COMMON Stereo Device connected to COM1 / COM 2 ports with access to two Stereo Devices, Stereo A and Stereo B. The RJ45 Remote port is IP addressable and allows the user to remotely control the switch position, lockout front panel operations via Telnet commands, as well as obtain the switch status.

Real-World Application & Customer Benefit: TV or Radio Broadcasting Stations
By installing the Model 7317, the broadcasting network can either remotely control the XLR devices from an offsite studio, control room, playout room, etc. via Telnet commands or locally by simply pushing the front-panel button to select the A or B positions to switch control of the XLR devices desired (stereos, microphones, mixers, etc.). The results:
•Reduced cable and connector wear, because the XLR devices are no longer repeatedly unplugged and plugged.
•Faster switching between broadcast devices/networks, increasing throughput and reducing labor time.
•Lower downtime and cost, since damaged cabling and connectors mean fewer interruptions and repair/replacement expenses.
BROADCASTING APPLICATION USING MODEL 7317 XLR SWITCH:
The application diagram below shows the Model 7317 as part of a remote/local audio switching solution for a broadcast station.
Engineered for Today’s Broadcast Reality
As broadcast networks transition to IP-native workflows, multi-platform streaming, and hybrid analog-digital signal chains, reliable hardware switching remains a foundational element.
XLR switches from ESL provide:
- Professional XLR audio connectivity widely used in broadcast infrastructure
- Remote management suited to modern automation, telemetry, and facility-control systems
- Rack-optimized, shielded enclosures built for EMI/RFI-rich broadcast equipment environments
- Fail-safe behavior such maintaining signal continuity through power events
- Flexible deployment across control rooms, OB vans, satellite uplinks, and redundant backup paths.
Why Choose the PathWay 7317 2-Channel XLR A/B Switch?
- Built by Electro Standards Laboratories with 49 years of fiber optic manufacturing in the USA.
- Transparent Fiber switching with minimal signal impact ensures high reliability.
- Remote Management via Ethernet gives full control from anywhere on the network.
- Rackmountable format fits standard telecommunications/industrial racks.
- Maintains position through power failures and continues to pass data.
Ordering Information
- Catalog Number: 307317
- Model Number:7317
- Base Price: See website or contact us for current pricing and availability.
- Optional Wide-Range power supply: Catalog Number 517277 IEC C14 Inlet, 100-240VAC, 12 VDC
Documentation & Support
- Specification Sheet (PDF) Download Available.
- Product Manual available upon request.
- For custom fiber optic network switch requirements contact our sales support team 401-943-1164 or email eslab@electrostandards.com
- We welcome international inquiries and ship worldwide.
Shipping and Returns 
- Shipped via UPS ground (unless otherwise requested).
- Freight Charges prepaid and added to invoice. We can estimate freight charges for you.
- Return policy: contact us within 30 days of shipment for an RMA number. Items returned without RMA not accepted. Please refer to our full return policy in our Terms and Conditions found on our website.
Electro Standards can supply all of your Network Cable requirements. Click here to reach our CABLES, COPPER NETWORK Webpage.
All ESL products are available for export.
Electro Standards welcomes International inquiries: commutateur d'ordinateur, equipo interruptor, interruttore del calcolatore, interruptor do computador, dator switch.
Electro Standards’ products are integrated into systems worldwide, including but not limited to:
Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, UAE, UK.