Audio Over Ethernet - The Smart Way To Wire Your Home Studio

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If you’ve ever tried running dozens of XLR cables across your studio, you know how messy things can get fast. The good news? There’s a smarter way to wire your setup that’s cleaner, cheaper, and super efficient. Let’s talk about using Ethernet cables to send audio through your studio like a pro.

What Is Audio Over Ethernet

Here’s the deal. You can send analog audio through standard Ethernet cables without using expensive systems like Dante. Each Cat6a cable can carry up to four XLR channels, which means less clutter and fewer cables running across your space.

This setup is perfect for home studios because you can use affordable Cat6a cables and wall plates while keeping everything looking sleek and professional.

Setting Up Wall Plates and Channels

Start with something like the Wall Cat 4 wall plates. These let you connect four XLR channels on one plate, perfect for mics, guitars, or keyboards through DI boxes.
If you’re running return channels from your interface back to the room, use male versions of those plates. I like placing them near the drum kit or other key recording spots so you can patch things in easily.

Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable

For the main connection, go with Cat6a cables. They give you great shielding and solid data transfer. Use something like the Super Cat SoundTales RJ45 cables behind your desk for a clean, professional setup.
And just so you know, Cat8 is overkill. It’s made for data centers, not audio, and it won’t give you any real advantage for studio wiring.

Installing Keystone Jacks and Junction Boxes

Keystone jacks make the whole system modular and easy to maintain. Mount them into junction boxes to keep everything isolated and neat. You’ll thank yourself later when you need to swap or add new connections.

Shielding and EMI Protection

This part’s important. Always go with shielded cables and keystone jacks. It helps protect your signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI), especially when your power and audio lines are close together. Shielding keeps your recordings clean and quiet — no unwanted buzz or hum.

Choosing the Right Cable Type

Not all Ethernet cables are the same, and where you use them matters:

Riser cable for inside walls and studio spaces
Plenum cable for ceilings or floors, since it’s fire-safe
Direct burial cable for outdoor runs if you’re connecting different rooms or buildings

Planning Your Wiring Layout

Before you buy anything, sketch out your wiring plan. Figure out where your XLR, Ethernet, and headphone jacks will go. This keeps your workflow efficient and saves money by avoiding unnecessary materials.
If you’re working with an electrician, make sure your plan clearly separates line voltage from low-voltage cables. If they do cross, make it a 90-degree intersection to avoid interference.

Why This Setup Works

Ethernet wiring is affordable, reliable, and flexible. You can run hundreds of feet of cable for just a few hundred bucks and still get great signal quality. It’s a clean way to future-proof your studio without investing in expensive digital systems.

Final Thoughts

Audio over Ethernet is one of those game-changing setups that most home studio owners don’t realize they can actually do. With the right cables, shielding, and planning, you can make your studio feel more professional while keeping your costs low.

If you want to learn more about setting up your home recording studio the right way, join my free Soundproofing Workshop at soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop.
Or, if you want personalized help planning your wiring setup, book a free 30-minute Clarity Call at https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/Step1.

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