Electro Standards Laboratories Introduces Next Generation XLR Audio Switch Solutions for Modern Broadcast Networks

Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL), an industry pioneer in network-switching technology, today unveils its latest professional XLR audio switching solutions, engineered to meet the evolving demands of radio and television broadcasters in a live-digital era. The expanded lineup — including Models 7317, 7298, and 7299 — offers studios and transmission facilities powerful, flexible, and highly reliable routing for audio and video signal paths.

Built on decades of engineering expertise, these switches are compatible with XLR-connector infrastructure widely used for microphones, mixers, speaker systems, cameras, and other pro-AV gear. They offer advanced remote-management capabilities, robust failover behavior, and ruggedized designs crafted for 24/7 operation in mission-critical broadcast environments.

Model 7317 — Dual-Channel XLR Audio A/B Switch with Ethernet Remote Control

The Model 7317 features two independent channels of switching (COMMON ↔ A/B) with remote control via 10/100 Base-T Ethernet using standard Telnet control commands or manual control using the front panel pushbutton. This 1U rackmount unit enables seamless incorporation into modern facility-automation systems and broadcast control networks. Its all-metal EMI/RFI-shielded chassis and front-panel lock-out capability make it ideal for high-density studio racks or playout rooms.

Model 7298 — Three-Channel XLR Audio A/B Switch with Contact-Closure Remote Interface

The Model 7298 offers three simultaneous XLR-audio channels, enabling one COMMON device to switch between two interface devices (A or B) per channel. Rear-panel DB9 contact-closure remote control and front-panel push-button access provide both automated and manual control modes. Rackmount ready (1U), this switch retains last-state memory through power loss, ensuring continuity in live broadcast workflows.

Model 7299 — Eight-Channel XLR Audio A/B/C Switch with Remote Control & State Retention

Designed for large-scale routing needs, the Model 7299 features eight channels of tri-position switching (COMMON ↔ A/B/C). With both front-panel and remote (DB9 contact-closure) control—including optional lock-out for operational security—it is built for high-availability installations. Its power-loss retention of switch state and continued signal pass-through add vital redundancy for live-on-air applications. Housed in a 3U rack enclosure, it’s tailored for control rooms, transmitter sites, and remote production trucks.

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. These newly released 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 as memory retention and signal continuity through power events
• Flexible deployment across control rooms, OB vans, satellite uplinks, and redundant backup paths

About Electro Standards Laboratories

Electro Standards Laboratories has been supplying copper- and fiber-optic network switches to government, industrial, commercial, and broadcast sectors for over 40 years. With the rollout of these new XLR-audio switch models, ESL reinforces its commitment to delivering mission-critical switching systems that support live production, redundancy architectures, and network-backbone infrastructure for the broadcast industry.

Media Contact: Tina Corticelli
Electro Standards Laboratories
401-943-1164
eslab@ElectroStandards.com
www.electrostandards.com