Monoprice Blackbird 4K HDMI Audio Extractor, 18Gbps, HDCP 2.2
Product # 24278
$44.99
Qty: 1
$44.99
Qty: 2-9
$44.43
Qty: 10-19
$43.87
Qty: 20-49
$43.30
Qty: 50+
$42.74
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Questions and Answers
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Browse 43 questions
Browse 43 questions
and 53 answers
How's the audio latency? I bought a different extractor to connect between Apple TV 4k and my stereo (Sonos Play 5), but there's a noticeable audio delay.
Franklin L
on Apr 27, 2018
BEST ANSWER: There isn't any. It's actually the reason I ended up with this one. Everything passes though with no issue. The only thing is if the source (like the apple TV) changes from 2CH to Surround, there is a 1 second pause of no audio (could also just be my older receiver).
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- Aaron C on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: There isn't any. It's actually the reason I ended up with this one. Everything passes though with no issue. The only thing is if the source (like the apple TV) changes from 2CH to Surround, there is a 1 second pause of no audio (could also just be my older receiver).
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- Aaron C on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 12, 2017
I use it to extract audio to my stereo system. There is a slight delay if I have the TV volume on at the same time as my stereo system causing an echo effect. All I do is turn down the TV volume.
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- Bruce S on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2018
i had no latency issues with this unit. I used the hdmi in and optical out to a Polk sound bar. Hdmi out to a Sony tv.
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- Guest on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Jul 26, 2017
You’ll get a delay with a Play 5 no matter what, they’re not made to sync with tv audio like a playbar or playbase is.
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- Matt S on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 11, 2017
No latency that I can see or feel. Setup is Apple TV 4K interfaced w/ old Bose Lifestyle system.
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- Ezio B on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 19, 2017
We did not have noticeable audio delay. This product worked fine.
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- mike o on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 13, 2017
the sound extracted on my setup had no latency.
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- john b on Apr 27, 2018
- Purchased on Jan 15, 2018
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Will this unit pass through the audio over the HDMI cable to the TV AND ALSO output the audio to the line out or optical jack? Or does it strip the audio from the HDMI output?
Ron F
on Jun 26, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I have this unit so I can watch and listen to my TV. When I want better quality sound, I pipe the audio out from this device to my stereo system. It doesn't strip out the audio from the hdmi signal, it just sends a copy of the audio out the line out jack or optical.
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- Bruce S on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I have this unit so I can watch and listen to my TV. When I want better quality sound, I pipe the audio out from this device to my stereo system. It doesn't strip out the audio from the hdmi signal, it just sends a copy of the audio out the line out jack or optical.
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- Bruce S on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2018
The unit does not strip the audio from the HDMI stream. It simply extracts the 5.1 audio stream and outputs it to the optical output OR extracts the stereo stream and outputs it to the analog mini jack.
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- Shawn M on Jun 27, 2018
- Purchased on Sep 29, 2017
We have only used this item with the Apple TV 4K. Audio passed through the HDMI connection to an AVR and also passed to the whole house distributed audio system via the line out.
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- Edward S on Jun 26, 2018
- Purchased on Jan 12, 2018
This unit will extract the audio at the end point of the HDMI cable it cannot push audio through HDMI and extract it on the other
side
side
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- bret b on Jun 27, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 5, 2017
I don’t know. I’m only interested in the audio that is stripped out of the HDMI signal
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- James B on Jun 26, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 20, 2017
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Will I have lip sync delay issues when extracting audio with this unit? I've had lip sync issues with other brands of HDMI audio extractors and movies were unwatchable because the the voices lagged so far behind the actor's lips.
A shopper
on Mar 18, 2019

Monoprice Blackbird 4K HDMI Audio Extractor, 18Gbps, HDCP 2.2

Monoprice Blackbird 4x1 HDMI 1.4 Switch HDCP 1.4 with Toslink and Analog Audio Extractor, 1080p@60Hz

Monoprice Blackbird 4K Series 2-channel HDMI Audio Extractor

Monoprice Blackbird 4K 4x1 HDMI 1.4 Switch, HDCP 1.4, With Toslink and Analog Audio Extractor, 4K@30Hz

Monoprice Blackbird 4K Series 7.1 HDMI Audio Extractor

Monoprice Blackbird 4K Series 7.1 HDMI Audio Extractor (Open Box)
BEST ANSWER: I've used this unit with 5.1 uncompressed audio over HDMI for movies, TV, and games. The entire setup is very low latency, and I have never had an issue with audio sync from this unit.
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- Varun M on Mar 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I've used this unit with 5.1 uncompressed audio over HDMI for movies, TV, and games. The entire setup is very low latency, and I have never had an issue with audio sync from this unit.
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- Varun M on Mar 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 5, 2018
I've not had any issues with this unit. Usually the audio is ahead of the video due to extra processing for video.
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- Joel C on Mar 20, 2019
There is a very minimal lip syns issue, un;ess you are really looking specifically to the sync you wont noticed.
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- Juan C on Mar 19, 2019
I've not had any issues with this unit as far as lag. I'm using the optical connection as my interface.
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- Linda on Mar 19, 2019
There is some lag/latency with it. In the end, it bugged me enough to stop using it.
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- Scott B on Mar 18, 2019
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Will this output to both the optical out and headphone jack simultaneously or is it and either/or proposition?
New User U
on Jul 20, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It’s either or not both. The audio signal is not stripped hoewever. This is not much of a limitation. Most people would want optical or headphones.
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- Paul E on Jul 21, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 23, 2017
BEST ANSWER: It’s either or not both. The audio signal is not stripped hoewever. This is not much of a limitation. Most people would want optical or headphones.
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- Paul E on Jul 21, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 23, 2017
You can only output to one source at a time--HDMI (TV), optical (bitstream), or 1/8" stereo (PCM).
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- Christopher C on Jul 20, 2018
- Purchased on Jun 26, 2018
I have never tried that simultaneously .
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- Kevin C on Jul 20, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 15, 2017
i am not sure. I use only the optical.
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- chris b on Jul 22, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 11, 2018
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Will I be able to use this together with an HDMI extender? Will there be any signal degradation if used together?
A shopper
on Nov 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: As a consumer, I'm not sure but the output on the HDMI audio extractor seems very strong and clear. It drives my 65" OLED TV wonderfully on a 10ft high quality HDMI cable. I think more importantly, you should check whether or not the HDMI extender you are going to use will support 4K 18Gbps and HDCP 2..2 over the distance you are planning to cover without signal loss.
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- Bruce S on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2018
BEST ANSWER: As a consumer, I'm not sure but the output on the HDMI audio extractor seems very strong and clear. It drives my 65" OLED TV wonderfully on a 10ft high quality HDMI cable. I think more importantly, you should check whether or not the HDMI extender you are going to use will support 4K 18Gbps and HDCP 2..2 over the distance you are planning to cover without signal loss.
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- Bruce S on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2018
This unit was used in-line prior to the video baluns for HDMI extender to extract the analog audio. There was no degradation in signal on the HDMI video.
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- mike o on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 13, 2017
I have used these with HDMI extenders with no problem. There is no noticeable signal degradation.
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- Theodore T on Nov 16, 2018
- Purchased on Aug 23, 2018
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I need to extract Atmos sound to the sound bar, but since this doesn't have a HDMI audio out, am I correct that it won't work? Are there any options to separate 4k 18gbps and Atmos/DTS:X?
Jaro S
on Jan 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: So there’s a couple options that look similar to the pic of what you were inquiring. First, there IS an hdmi out, must be on the other side of the box that the pic doesn’t show. But if you zoom in, you can see the light for “hdmi out”.
So I’ve used these quite a bit to get 2ch analog audio out on blurays for distributed audio. Where you ask about ATMOS, I see there’s PID 24478 that looks like it holds the 18gbps but it doesn’t say if it’s 5.1 or 7.1! The pid 13348 mentions 7.1, but only 10gbps.
Monoprice has amazing support, but it’s only on their chat deal on their website. But ask a few of those more technical questions with them to figure out the best option.
So I’ve used these quite a bit to get 2ch analog audio out on blurays for distributed audio. Where you ask about ATMOS, I see there’s PID 24478 that looks like it holds the 18gbps but it doesn’t say if it’s 5.1 or 7.1! The pid 13348 mentions 7.1, but only 10gbps.
Monoprice has amazing support, but it’s only on their chat deal on their website. But ask a few of those more technical questions with them to figure out the best option.
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- Maintenance A on Jan 9, 2019
- Purchased on Sep 26, 2017
BEST ANSWER: So there’s a couple options that look similar to the pic of what you were inquiring. First, there IS an hdmi out, must be on the other side of the box that the pic doesn’t show. But if you zoom in, you can see the light for “hdmi out”.
So I’ve used these quite a bit to get 2ch analog audio out on blurays for distributed audio. Where you ask about ATMOS, I see there’s PID 24478 that looks like it holds the 18gbps but it doesn’t say if it’s 5.1 or 7.1! The pid 13348 mentions 7.1, but only 10gbps.
Monoprice has amazing support, but it’s only on their chat deal on their website. But ask a few of those more technical questions with them to figure out the best option.
So I’ve used these quite a bit to get 2ch analog audio out on blurays for distributed audio. Where you ask about ATMOS, I see there’s PID 24478 that looks like it holds the 18gbps but it doesn’t say if it’s 5.1 or 7.1! The pid 13348 mentions 7.1, but only 10gbps.
Monoprice has amazing support, but it’s only on their chat deal on their website. But ask a few of those more technical questions with them to figure out the best option.
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- Maintenance A on Jan 9, 2019
- Purchased on Sep 26, 2017
If your soundbar has HDMI input for audio, then you are correct. The whole point of this product is to extract audio from HDMI to optical/Toslink. It's otherwise hard to answer your question without more information.
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- Anthony B on Jan 9, 2019
- Purchased on Sep 9, 2018
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I wanted to go out of my SACD player via HDMI-then can i go via Optical to my Amp? (Amp has optical in but no HDMI) Will it lose any quality of the SACD?
New User U
on Mar 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: SACD won't pass through Optical.
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- daniel9600 on Mar 20, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: SACD won't pass through Optical.
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- daniel9600 on Mar 20, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 10, 2019
It will pull the full audio signal out of HDMI and send it to the optical out in the Blackbird. I get full surround processing in my setup (no downconversion to bitstream, although that's an switchable option). But I don't know why you wouldn't just go SACD optical/toslink or coax straight to your amp. I've NEVER seen an SACD deck that had HDMI, but not a toslink or coax output.
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- Anthony B on Mar 20, 2019
- Purchased on Sep 9, 2018
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My AppleTV only has HDMI out and my audio DAC only accepts optical in. I am using the AppleTV to stream audio from my computer as well as radio stations that stream. Would this device serve to allow the audio from the AppleTV to be converted to optical to input to the DAC?
Jim H
on Feb 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: That is basically how we use them. HDMI in and then the optical output to an audio device. We have not used with a Dac, but I do not see why it would not work.
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- Edward S on Feb 13, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 26, 2019
BEST ANSWER: That is basically how we use them. HDMI in and then the optical output to an audio device. We have not used with a Dac, but I do not see why it would not work.
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- Edward S on Feb 13, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 26, 2019
Yes, this will provide optical output you need.
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- Kevin L on Feb 13, 2020
- Purchased on May 3, 2019
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Is there any input lag/latency with the HDMI passthrough? I want to use this for the Xbox Series X but worried that the latency will be increased.
A shopper
on Nov 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I had the same concern when I purchased. I have had zero problems. I have HDMI to TV and optical cable to my Denon surround sound receiver. I plug in Roku, AppleTV, laptop, Xbox & PS4 and there are no delays with any of them and the audio is always in sync.
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- Don Martin on Nov 13, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I had the same concern when I purchased. I have had zero problems. I have HDMI to TV and optical cable to my Denon surround sound receiver. I plug in Roku, AppleTV, laptop, Xbox & PS4 and there are no delays with any of them and the audio is always in sync.
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- Don Martin on Nov 13, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 13, 2020
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Does the "Blackbird 4K HDMI Audio Extractor, 18Gbps, HDCP 2.2" Product#24278 support down mixing 7.1 surround, Dolby TrueHD , DTS-HD, or other HD audio formats to Stereo, or will there just be no sound with the 2CH setting when such a source is used?
Scott H
on Aug 7, 2017
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Will this pass 7.1 from the Apple TV HDMI to my SPDIF-only receiver (which takes 7.1 of course)?
A shopper
on Dec 10, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I haven't found any content on my Apple TV with 7.1, but it supports TrueHD which is usually 7.1. So I'm going to say yes.
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- Aaron C on Jan 5, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I haven't found any content on my Apple TV with 7.1, but it supports TrueHD which is usually 7.1. So I'm going to say yes.
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- Aaron C on Jan 5, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 12, 2017
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Does the "Blackbird 4K HDMI Audio Extractor, 18Gbps, HDCP 2.2" Product#24278 pass through the audio signal to its HDMI output port? Or is the audio signal actually removed from the HDMI output?
B S
on Dec 11, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This item would not have a setting that would keep audio from passing through the HDMI output cable.
This item would not have a setting that would keep audio from passing through the HDMI output cable.
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- Tyler C Staff on Apr 12, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This item would not have a setting that would keep audio from passing through the HDMI output cable.
This item would not have a setting that would keep audio from passing through the HDMI output cable.
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- Tyler C Staff on Apr 12, 2019
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Has anyone tried this with Amazon Fire TV or Chromecast and had audio from the L/R output? Thanks.
Michael H
on Dec 20, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I tried it with a Fire stick 4K...It would pass video without a problem, but there was no sound. It worked fine with a cable box, Xbox One , and Sony Blu-Ray using the same cables/inputs.
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- Dave S on Mar 6, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I tried it with a Fire stick 4K...It would pass video without a problem, but there was no sound. It worked fine with a cable box, Xbox One , and Sony Blu-Ray using the same cables/inputs.
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- Dave S on Mar 6, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 19, 2019
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Question related to Blackbird 4K HDMI audio extractor (#24278). The switch in the Input section has three options TV, Bitstream and 2-CH. If I understand correctly setting to Bitstream, simply passes the bitstream to the output. Does setting to 2-CH decode the bit stream to 2 channels and sends to output ? What does setting to TV mean ? Thanks in advance for the answers
Shivakumar G
on Dec 31, 2017
BEST ANSWER: From the manual: "TV/Bitstream/2CH Switch: Allows selection of the audio format. The TV option sets the audio output to that of the connected display. The Bitstream option passes the audio output from the video source device and the 2CH option sets audio to 2-channel stereo." There's no mention of up or down conversion; just straight pass-through.
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- Dale M on Jan 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: From the manual: "TV/Bitstream/2CH Switch: Allows selection of the audio format. The TV option sets the audio output to that of the connected display. The Bitstream option passes the audio output from the video source device and the 2CH option sets audio to 2-channel stereo." There's no mention of up or down conversion; just straight pass-through.
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- Dale M on Jan 5, 2018
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Is this unit compatible with Dolby Digital Plus?
A shopper
on Jan 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I can confirm the unit can extract Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3) from and Apple TV 4K unit via HDMI. I believe the Apple unit can output both AC-3 as well as E-AC-3 (7.1). I have no data on E-AC-3.
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- Ezio B on Jan 5, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 19, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I can confirm the unit can extract Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3) from and Apple TV 4K unit via HDMI. I believe the Apple unit can output both AC-3 as well as E-AC-3 (7.1). I have no data on E-AC-3.
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- Ezio B on Jan 5, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 19, 2017
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Is it ARC compatible? i.e., will it pass ARC from output through the input? Can it decode the ARC audio signal or just the signal on the input?
Jwm
on May 19, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Not ARC compatible. Only decodes from the input side.
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- Trevor R on May 20, 2018
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Not ARC compatible. Only decodes from the input side.
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- Trevor R on May 20, 2018
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2018
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Is an HDMI output connection required to receive audio at the analog and optical outputs? A couple of the other models have this feature.
A shopper
on Jul 12, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Hi Shopper,
The extractor needs to be connected to a Sink device in order to operate normally. Thanks for asking.
The extractor needs to be connected to a Sink device in order to operate normally. Thanks for asking.
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- Manuel H Staff on Sep 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Hi Shopper,
The extractor needs to be connected to a Sink device in order to operate normally. Thanks for asking.
The extractor needs to be connected to a Sink device in order to operate normally. Thanks for asking.
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- Manuel H Staff on Sep 24, 2018
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If used together with an HDMI extender through CAT5e, will there be any signal degradation?
New User U
on Nov 16, 2018

Monoprice Blackbird 4K HDMI Audio Extractor, 18Gbps, HDCP 2.2

Monoprice BitPath AV HDMI over Ethernet Extender Kit
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
We would not test our extenders and extractors together so we cannot guarantee it would work together at all.
If they were to function as long as you keep the HDMI cables short (6' or less).
We would not test our extenders and extractors together so we cannot guarantee it would work together at all.
If they were to function as long as you keep the HDMI cables short (6' or less).
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
We would not test our extenders and extractors together so we cannot guarantee it would work together at all.
If they were to function as long as you keep the HDMI cables short (6' or less).
We would not test our extenders and extractors together so we cannot guarantee it would work together at all.
If they were to function as long as you keep the HDMI cables short (6' or less).
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 8, 2019
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Is this extractor backwards compatible with HDCP 1.4 for playing 1080p content? The HDMI signal path will be: Roku ultra > This audio extractor > BenQ projector (HDCP 1.4). If I plug a hard drive with 1080p videos on it into the roku, Will the video make it to the projector? Also, if the 1080p video has either AC3 or DTS 5.1, it will come out of this extractors optical out, correct?
New User U
on Nov 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
If a device can pass HDCP 2.2 then it can pass HDCP 1.4.
You can get audio from the optical outputs on this extractor.
If a device can pass HDCP 2.2 then it can pass HDCP 1.4.
You can get audio from the optical outputs on this extractor.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
If a device can pass HDCP 2.2 then it can pass HDCP 1.4.
You can get audio from the optical outputs on this extractor.
If a device can pass HDCP 2.2 then it can pass HDCP 1.4.
You can get audio from the optical outputs on this extractor.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 8, 2019
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Will this extractor support HDMI cables over 30 feet? I have a splitter at the source, then a 30' run to the TV/stereo.
Douglas B
on Dec 15, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
It would not be recommend to use this in conjunction with a splitter or with a cable that is that long.
It would not be recommend to use this in conjunction with a splitter or with a cable that is that long.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
It would not be recommend to use this in conjunction with a splitter or with a cable that is that long.
It would not be recommend to use this in conjunction with a splitter or with a cable that is that long.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 13, 2019
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Will this pass thru dolby vision video from apple tv to lg oled or equivalent dolby vision products?
Marc S
on Jan 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would not support HDR color.
This would not support HDR color.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would not support HDR color.
This would not support HDR color.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 19, 2019
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WOULD THIS PRODUCT ALLOW SIGNAL FROM HD 4K CABLE BOX VIA SPDIF TO A PROCESSOR WITH OPTIC INPUT?
A shopper
on Jan 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would allow you to get an optical audio output if you connect an HDMI device to the HDMI input on this item.
This would allow you to get an optical audio output if you connect an HDMI device to the HDMI input on this item.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would allow you to get an optical audio output if you connect an HDMI device to the HDMI input on this item.
This would allow you to get an optical audio output if you connect an HDMI device to the HDMI input on this item.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 19, 2019
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I have a Sony receiver but no hdcp 2.2 and I also have HDMI will the blackbird give me hdcp 2.2 ?
New User U
on Jan 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would not make your HDMI device's signal HDCP 2.2.
This would not make your HDMI device's signal HDCP 2.2.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would not make your HDMI device's signal HDCP 2.2.
This would not make your HDMI device's signal HDCP 2.2.
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- Tyler C Staff on Aug 19, 2019
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Does this support any Variable Refresh Rate standards like Freesync?
Nick K
on Jan 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would not support Freesync.
This would not support Freesync.
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- Tyler C Staff on Jan 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would not support Freesync.
This would not support Freesync.
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- Tyler C Staff on Jan 22, 2020
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I am trying to find a way to send simple stereo audio files (WAV, FLAC) from a PC to an older stereo system while being controlled by a phone/tablet. My thought that I would use Plex with a Chromecast Audio thing, but Google has discontinued the Chromecast Audio product. Would this device work with a Chromecast Ultra to provide the same function?
A shopper
on Jan 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I use a Roku for all my Plex playback. You may need to set each media to force direct play or direct stream. Roku doesn't always tell Plex very good default formats to use.
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- Mark C on Jan 24, 2021
BEST ANSWER: I use a Roku for all my Plex playback. You may need to set each media to force direct play or direct stream. Roku doesn't always tell Plex very good default formats to use.
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- Mark C on Jan 24, 2021
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HI, I am unclear about how often I need to change the settings on the Blackbird Extractor (if at all) to meet my different viewing behavior. With Roku as source, if I want default to be watching video and hearing sound through ONLY TV (AVR is OFF, e.g. for sitcoms or news), then want to watch movies in DTS or Dolby surround through AVR, will it do it automatically if everything is hooked up, or do I need to toggle something on the Blackbird for each change in desired viewing experience? Thank you.
New User U
on Feb 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
The only settings this extractor would allow for would be where the audio is coming from using the switch on the front.
The only settings this extractor would allow for would be where the audio is coming from using the switch on the front.
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- Tyler C Staff on Feb 3, 2020
Tyler , thank you for your response. In the manual on this page, it says the switch sets the output. Basically, I am asking if there is a way I can use both TV built-in speakers and AVR-attached speaker (e.g. home theater system), or easily switch between the two, and what actions are necessary to do that. The goal is not to have to keep the AVR powered on all the time, nor always use surround system. Thanks.
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- New User U on Feb 3, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
The only settings this extractor would allow for would be where the audio is coming from using the switch on the front.
The only settings this extractor would allow for would be where the audio is coming from using the switch on the front.
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- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Feb 3, 2020
Tyler , thank you for your response. In the manual on this page, it says the switch sets the output. Basically, I am asking if there is a way I can use both TV built-in speakers and AVR-attached speaker (e.g. home theater system), or easily switch between the two, and what actions are necessary to do that. The goal is not to have to keep the AVR powered on all the time, nor always use surround system. Thanks.
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- New User U on Feb 3, 2020
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Lost 2 ch analog audio from tv. Will this fix problem?
A shopper
on Apr 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: As long as digital audio is still present on the TV, and you have an HDMI out or ARC connection, this will provide audio output.
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- Kevin L on Apr 15, 2020
- Purchased on May 3, 2019
BEST ANSWER: As long as digital audio is still present on the TV, and you have an HDMI out or ARC connection, this will provide audio output.
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- Kevin L on Apr 15, 2020
- Purchased on May 3, 2019
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Has anyone tried this on 1440p 120 hz? Just want to know if it can pass through 120 fps.
A shopper
on Dec 2, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yep it works. It just won’t passthrough Freesync at least on my monitor.
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- Cody D on Jan 23, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 12, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Yep it works. It just won’t passthrough Freesync at least on my monitor.
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- Cody D on Jan 23, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 12, 2021
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Will this pass through 24/192 via Optical Out?
A shopper
on Jan 21, 2021
BEST ANSWER: to the best of my knowledge - no - the only audio output is a 3.5mm (dual unbalanced stereo) connection....
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- Robin P on Jan 21, 2021
- Purchased on Oct 5, 2020
BEST ANSWER: to the best of my knowledge - no - the only audio output is a 3.5mm (dual unbalanced stereo) connection....
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- Robin P on Jan 21, 2021
- Purchased on Oct 5, 2020
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Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
26 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
18
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4
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0
Rated 5 out of 5
What a delight!
I am in general wary of splitter technology. Often, especially with inexpensive devices, there is static/noise or latency (sound/picture discord resulting in the very annoying phenomenon of lips moving out of sync with the sound of the speakers voice). I am very happy to say that neither of these happens with this Blackbird! What a delight! And it was very straightforward to hook up to split the HDMI as input from my new Apple TV into HDMI output to my Epson projector and optical audio output to my Bose home theater sound system. (I did need get a short HDMI cable to mate the Apple TV to the Blackbird.) I highly recommend this product!
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Rated 3 out of 5
Doesn't pass optical streams as promised
Device does not pass LPCM 5.1 sound from the optical port even though the owners' manual in the box says it will pass optical sound formats including "LPCM 5.1"
Monoprice has changed the online owners manual. It now says it supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz, but says nothing about number of channels supported.
Not sure which is worse: a false claim, or none at all.
Other than that, it works.
Monoprice has changed the online owners manual. It now says it supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz, but says nothing about number of channels supported.
Not sure which is worse: a false claim, or none at all.
Other than that, it works.

from printed manual
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Rated 4 out of 5
Works with optical headsets on new consoles
Recently purchased this item to continue to use my headset on the new Xbox Series X. The headphone amp uses optical and the new consoles removed that port. Using this on a 1440p 144hz monitor so I needed 1440p passthrough and this supported 4K 60 so same spec.
It does support 1440p 120hz just fine as this wasnt in the manual. But it does not allow Freesync/VRR passthrough so Im praying the XSX wont drop too many frames and cause tearing.
It does support 1440p 120hz just fine as this wasnt in the manual. But it does not allow Freesync/VRR passthrough so Im praying the XSX wont drop too many frames and cause tearing.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Brings new life to legacy components
This little device enabled me to connect my Roku Ultra to an old (i.e., more than 20 years) Yamaha receiver that predated the HDMI standard. With a couple of tweaks to the audio settings on the Roku, I can now get pristine 5.1 Dolby Digital output through my receiver using an optical cable. Yes, I could just get a modern receiver, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the old one except for the legacy connections. A Monoprice HDMI switch that I had from before also allowed me to connect a Nintendo Switch to the same extractor, so I can get digital audio from both the Roku and the Switch! No latency problems passing the signal through all these devices and works fine with HDCP, too. Thanks, Monoprice!
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January 5, 2021
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Rated 5 out of 5
Plug and Play & Works Great
This product saved me from replacing my Denon surround sound receiver that doesn't have HDMI inputs. I was concerned about the audio being out of sync but it works perfectly regardless what I plug in. I run optical cable to Denon. I use this for everything - Roku, AppleTV, Laptop, PS4 and Xbox. Great when guests come over with devices to plug in. One HDMI port to plug into and everything just works every time. Plugged it in and haven't had to touch it since.
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Rated 2 out of 5
Trouble
Extractor worked in system until projector turned on, then no sound!
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Rated 5 out of 5
solved the problem
i have discovered that most media streamers have eliminated the optical out that allowed a two channel audio user to run the sound of streamed movies etc. through their DAC. Only a couple of DAC's on market have HDMI flow through (Bryston and NAD) . this really is a bummer. Apple, Roku, Nvidia sheild all dropped the optical out. I recently purchased a Nvidia Sheild. had to get this Blackbird to add the optical out to my DAC and two channel system. i have just received and set it up and it works for what i wanted. i am finding the output volume a little low requiring me to turn the volume on amp up more than other sources. the sound and picture quality seems acceptable so i am happy with purchase.
product recommendations for monoprice that i think would do well:
2 channel preamp with digital inputs including flow through of HDMI Matching your monolith 2X power amp
2 channel DAC with HDMI inputs
music and movie streamer with optical and digital coax outputs Basically a unit that combines the capability of a Nvidia Sheild and a bluesound node 2i in to one unit. would sell alot!
product recommendations for monoprice that i think would do well:
2 channel preamp with digital inputs including flow through of HDMI Matching your monolith 2X power amp
2 channel DAC with HDMI inputs
music and movie streamer with optical and digital coax outputs Basically a unit that combines the capability of a Nvidia Sheild and a bluesound node 2i in to one unit. would sell alot!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Works exactly as desired
I wanted to keep my TV/speaker/surround sound setup as is but also have sound available via bluetooth. Used this to split out the sound and connect it to a bluetooth transmitter.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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