For location sound recording setups, reliable and intelligent power distribution isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. Whether you're mixing on a compact bag rig or powering a full cart, your setup is only as solid as the power keeping it alive. Audioroot has become a go-to brand for smart battery systems and power distributors, and two of its most recent (and capable) solutions, the eSMART DUO and eSMART TRIO, offer robust, flexible options for powering sound gear in the field.
While both units share Audioroot’s signature OLED displays, power monitoring, and support for smart battery telemetry, their core designs cater to slightly different workflows. Here's a side-by-side look at how the eSMART DUO and eSMART TRIO power distributors stack up.
Inputs & Outputs
eSMART DUO
The eSMART DUO is built with two TA4 inputs as standard, allowing power to be drawn from two separate sources. The input cables can be swopped for two battery cups, or 1 cup and 1 TA4. This allows for hot-swapping between power sources. It features six Hirose 4-pin outputs, split across two internal circuits.
Switch 1 (upper) controls the four top Hirose outputs. Switch 2 (lower) controls the two unfused Hirose connectors in the lower row. This design allows for power redundancy or isolation of sensitive gear.
eSMART TRIO
The TRIO ups the game with three TA4 inputs, providing greater flexibility for parallel powering or mixing sources like a smart battery or another DC supply. It also includes six Hirose outputs on the back panel and an additional TA4 'Main PWR + smBUS' output, which is ideal for higher-draw devices like the Sound Devices 888 and upwards, which can daisy chain power to a Nexus receiver, for example. All outputs on the TRIO are fused and monitored.
Current Handling & Connector Types
The Hirose 4-pin outputs found on both models are a standard in bag rigs, appreciated for their locking connection and small footprint. These are typically rated for 2 amps, suitable for receivers, mixers, and smaller transmitters.
The Switchcraft TA4 connectors used for both inputs and the TRIO’s main 'PWR+smBUS' output are rated for up to 5 amps, making them the better option for high-drain devices like digital transmitters or powering an entire sub-rig.
Notably, the TRIO’s inclusion of a TA4 output adds more flexibility in setups where one device might need more juice or where daisy-chaining becomes necessary.
The TRIO also features an additional Hirose 4 output on the front panel, along with USB-A and USB-C outputs if you need to charge your phone or tablet from your bag's supply.
Monitoring & Smart Features
Both units feature OLED displays providing real-time readouts of input voltage, current draw, and battery status when paired with compatible smart batteries using the SMBus protocol.
Protection circuits on both models guard against overcurrent, reverse polarity, and short circuits, ensuring peace of mind in high-pressure field conditions.
Real-World Use Cases
The eSMART DUO is ideal for small-to-medium kits where compactness and power redundancy are key. Up to a Mixpre-10 or even 833 (without a Nexus docked) would work without issue. Having two separate inputs allows you to swap batteries on one line while running off the other, minimizing downtime.
The eSMART TRIO is a more versatile solution for cart-based or complex bag setups. The three inputs and seven outputs (including the switchcraft TA4) make it perfect for operators needing higher current capacity and more routing options, for example a Sound Devices 888 + Nexus or SL2 setup with lots of peripherals.
Conclusion
If your rig is compact and you prioritize power redundancy and clean output distribution, the eSMART DUO (more info) is a reliable, streamlined solution. For more demanding setups where power flexibility and current capacity matter, the eSMART TRIO (more info) offers superior adaptability with its additional input and output options.
Either way, both units reflect Audioroot’s commitment to quality, intelligence, and field-ready durability, ensuring your gear stays reliably powered when it matters most.
If you are thinking of streamlining or upgrading the power solution for your location sound setup, give us a call, we're happy to help find your the perfect solution.
