AVPro Edge AC-MX-42 18Gbps 4K60 4:4:4, 4x2 Matrix & Auto Switch/AVR Bypass

Product Overview

The AVPro Edge AC-MX-42 is a 4-input, 2-output HDMI matrix switch supporting full 18Gbps bandwidth, enabling 4K60 4:4:4, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG from any of four sources to either or both connected displays simultaneously. Designed specifically to solve the AVR bypass problem, it allows integrators to deliver uncompressed 4K HDR video directly to a display while routing a down-scaled HDMI signal — with original high-bitrate audio intact — into a legacy or audio-focused AV receiver. At $979, it is a purpose-built solution for home theater integrators, small commercial AV deployments, and any environment where audio and video paths need to be independently managed. Auto-switching and advanced EDID management further simplify commissioning and day-to-day operation.

Product Description

The AC-MX-42 addresses one of the most common integration challenges in modern home theater: legacy AV receivers that cannot pass 18Gbps HDMI signals. Many high-quality AVRs excel at audio processing — Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and high-bitrate PCM — but their HDMI video handling is limited to 10.2Gbps or lower. The AC-MX-42 solves this by providing two independently managed outputs: Output 1 delivers the full uncompressed 18Gbps signal to the display or projector, while Output 2 can be down-scaled to 1080p and routed into the AVR, preserving all original audio codecs without modification. This eliminates the need to compromise video quality to accommodate the audio chain. The matrix includes 29 onboard EDID profiles (including HDR variants), a dual audio de-embedding system with both balanced analog and optical Toslink outputs, and full IR, RS-232, and LAN control options with drivers available for Crestron, Control4, RTI, ELAN, and other leading control platforms. Auto-switching mode can be configured to activate either or both outputs when a new source becomes active, making the unit well-suited for BYOD and meeting room environments.

Key Features

• Full 18Gbps bandwidth supports 4K60 4:4:4, HDR10, 12-bit HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG
• HDCP 2.3 compliant with backward compatibility for all earlier HDCP versions
• AVR bypass mode routes uncompressed 18Gbps video to display while sending down-scaled HDMI to legacy AVR with audio preserved
• 4K-to-1080p down-scaler on Output 1 eliminates forced system-wide resolution reduction in mixed-display environments
• 29 onboard EDID profiles including HDR variants; reads display EDID at the push of a button
• Auto-switching mode configurable per output — ideal for BYOD and meeting room environments
• Dual audio de-embedding: balanced analog 2CH and optical Toslink supporting 7.1 PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, DD+, DTS Master Audio
• Extracted audio routing tied to selected output for predictable behavior
• IR, RS-232, and LAN control with drivers for Crestron, Control4, RTI, ELAN, and other platforms
• Includes IR remote, RS-232 terminal connector, and rack mounting brackets

Typical Applications

• Home theaters with legacy AVRs requiring bypass of the video path to achieve 4K HDR on the display
• Small commercial AV installations with 4 sources and 2 display zones
• Meeting rooms and conference spaces needing auto-switching for BYOD laptop connections
• Residential installations integrating Crestron, Control4, RTI, or ELAN control systems
• Mixed-resolution environments with one 4K and one 1080p display

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the AC-MX-42 send the same 4K source to both outputs simultaneously?

Yes. Any source can be routed to both outputs simultaneously. Output 1 delivers full 18Gbps and can scale down to 1080p; Output 2 can be independently assigned to the same or a different source.

How does the AVR bypass work in practice?

Output 1 carries the full uncompressed 4K HDR signal to your display or projector. Output 2 sends a down-scaled HDMI signal (1080p) with the original audio bitstream preserved to the AVR. The AVR receives and decodes the high-bitrate audio without processing the full 18Gbps video signal.

Does it support Dolby Atmos and DTS-X pass-through?

Yes. The optical Toslink de-embedded output supports Dolby Digital+, DTS Master Audio, and the unit passes Dolby Atmos and DTS-X object metadata through the HDMI audio stream to a capable AVR.

Is the AC-MX-42 compatible with Crestron and Control4?

Yes. AVPro Edge provides control drivers for Crestron, Control4, RTI, and ELAN, enabling full integration with professionally installed control systems.