And then there was one combiner to control them all -- Audio-Technica has released the MCB4 IEM Antenna Combiner, a new blackbox that allows the signals of up to four M3 Wireless In-Ear Monitor stereo transmitters to be combined onto a single transmitting antenna, and in turn reduce rack clutter.

As a wide-band unit that operates over a 470 to 865 MHz range, the MCB4 is complements in-ear wireless systems (with external BNC antenna connections) such as Audio-Technica's M3 Wireless In-Ear Monitor Systems. The MCB4 provides one output and four isolated transmitter inputs, and all RF connectors are BNC-type. Passive antennas may be used.

The combiner sports four jacks on the rear panel (controlled by the unit's power switch), which provide 12V DC (center positive) to power as many as four transmitters operating on 12V at up to 500 mA each. Included with the unit are four DC cables appropriate for use with Audio-Technica's M3T stereo transmitter or like-powered transmitters from other manufacturers. The 12V supplies for powering transmitters are short-circuit protected, and the unit features all-metal construction for durability and protection from RF interference.

Main features:

• Broadband UHF operation (470 to 865 MHz range)
• Combines the signals of up to four wireless in-ear monitor transmitters into one antenna
• Centralized power supply with ability to power four individual transmitters
• Maintains clean signals with low distortion
• Includes hardware for front-mounted antenna for improved performance
• Comes with adapters to allow the unit to be mounted into a single rackspace

Audio-Technica expects to ship the MCB4 IEM Antenna Combiner in the spring of 2010 for $799 MSRP. For more information, please visit audio-technica.com.