Rothwell Audio In Line XLR Attenuators (Pair)

Rothwell Audio In Line XLR Attenuators (Pair) are designed to bring the proven benefits of Rothwell’s RCA attenuators to systems that use balanced connections. Many audiophiles experience issues caused by excess gain, where the volume becomes too loud too quickly and fine control at low levels is difficult.

These balanced attenuators solve this long-standing problem for users of high-end amplifiers, preamps, and source components with XLR connectivity. Built with precision resistors and silver-plated oxygen-free solid core copper wiring, they offer performance that complements the finest audio equipment.

Their simple plug-in design allows them to fit between components with ease and instantly improve the usable range of your volume control.

Restoring Accurate Volume Control and Channel Balance

Excess gain may seem like an inconvenience, but it can compromise the performance of even the best audio systems. Volume controls work most accurately through the main portion of their range, yet too much gain forces them to operate at the extreme low end. This often leads to channel imbalance where one channel rises or falls more quickly than the other, shifting the stereo image.

It can also make the music sound veiled, indistinct or lacking precision. Upgrading the potentiometer rarely solves the issue because the volume control is not the root cause. What is required is a reduction in overall system gain without altering or modifying the equipment itself.

Rothwell Audio In Line XLR Attenuators reduce the signal by 10 dB before it reaches the next stage, allowing the system to operate where it performs best.

Lower Noise, Higher Transparency and Enhanced System Matching

These balanced attenuators are ideal for integrated amplifiers and pre-power systems. When used in integrated amplifiers, they allow the volume control to sit two or three hours further around its travel, giving far better low-level control and preventing the pot from operating at its least accurate point.

In pre-power systems they can be installed either at the preamp input or more effectively between the preamp and power amp. Positioned here, they not only reduce gain by 10 dB but also improve the signal-to-noise ratio by the same amount. This lowers the noise floor and provides a quieter, more transparent background from which musical detail emerges with greater clarity.

Their benefits are measurable as well as audible and they are perfectly at home in systems costing many thousands of pounds. If your system shows any signs of excess gain, these attenuators offer a reliable and highly effective solution.