Neutrik NAUSB-W-B Reversible USB 2.0 Type A/B Feedthrough – Black D-Shape
Bring professional USB connectivity cleanly through rack panels, stage boxes, equipment enclosures and custom AV infrastructure with the Neutrik NAUSB-W-B Reversible USB 2.0 Type A/B Feedthrough Adapter.
The NAUSB-W-B combines a USB Type A female receptacle and USB Type B female receptacle inside Neutrik’s rugged standard D-shape metal housing.
Its clever reversible insert allows the installer to choose either:
USB Type A on the front / USB Type B on the rear
or:
USB Type B on the front / USB Type A on the rear
without needing to purchase a different connector.
Designed for professional audio, AV, touring, theatre, broadcast, film, television and installation environments, the NAUSB-W-B provides a rugged panel-mount solution for integrating USB 2.0 connections into professional equipment.
Potential applications include:
- Digital mixing-console USB connections
- Audio interfaces
- Playback computers
- Show-control computers
- Recording systems
- AV racks
- Touring racks
- Theatre systems
- Broadcast equipment
- Stage boxes
- Lecterns
- Equipment panels
- Custom road cases
- Production workstations
- Professional audio networking equipment
- Computer-based production systems
Whether you are building a touring rack, protecting the USB port on an expensive digital console or adding a clean USB connection to a custom D-size panel, the NAUSB-W-B creates a professional and serviceable interface.
Professional USB 2.0 Panel Feedthrough
The NAUSB-W-B is designed to bring a USB connection through a fixed equipment panel.
Rather than running a loose USB cable through a hole in a rack or road case, the feedthrough provides a dedicated professional connection point.
A typical installation may be:
Computer or USB Host → USB Cable → NAUSB-W-B → USB Cable → Equipment
Potential equipment may include:
- Digital audio consoles
- Audio interfaces
- DSP systems
- Recording computers
- Playback systems
- Show-control computers
- AV processors
- Measurement systems
- Professional peripheral equipment
This creates a cleaner installation and can reduce repeated direct handling of USB ports fitted to expensive equipment inside a rack.
Reversible USB Type A / Type B Insert
One of the defining features of the NAUSB-W-B is its reversible internal USB insert.
The same adaptor can be configured as:
Front: USB Type A Female
Rear: USB Type B Female
or:
Front: USB Type B Female
Rear: USB Type A Female
This gives system designers additional flexibility when configuring equipment panels.
For example, a rack may require the familiar rectangular USB Type A socket on the user-facing side while connecting internally to equipment using USB Type B.
Another application may require exactly the opposite arrangement.
Instead of stocking separate feedthrough models, the same NAUSB-W-B can be configured to suit either orientation.
USB Type A to USB Type B
The adaptor provides a USB 2.0 connection between:
USB Type A female
and:
USB Type B female
interfaces.
This connector combination is commonly encountered across professional equipment including:
- Digital mixing consoles
- Audio interfaces
- USB audio devices
- Printers and peripheral hardware
- Control equipment
- Measurement systems
- Computer-based production equipment
The NAUSB-W-B does not convert USB protocols or actively process data.
It is a passive physical feedthrough between compatible USB Type A and Type B connections.
USB 2.0 Standard Compliance
Neutrik specifies the NAUSB-W-B as compliant with:
USB 2.0 specifications
USB 2.0 includes Hi-Speed operation up to 480 Mb/s when used with compatible USB 2.0 equipment and an appropriate complete cable path.
Actual USB performance depends on the complete system, including:
- Computer or host
- USB peripheral
- Front cable
- NAUSB-W-B
- Rear cable
- Total cable length
- Cable quality
- Power requirements
- Connected equipment
The feedthrough itself does not upgrade older equipment to USB 2.0 or USB 3.x performance.
USB 2.0 – Not USB 3.0
The NAUSB-W-B is specifically a USB 2.0 product.
It should not be described as:
- USB 3.0
- USB 3.1
- USB 3.2
- SuperSpeed USB
- USB-C
Neutrik manufactures separate NAUSB3 / NAUSB3-B products for USB 3.0 applications.
If the connected system requires USB 3.0 data performance, select the appropriate Neutrik USB 3.0 feedthrough rather than assuming the NAUSB-W-B will provide SuperSpeed operation.
Ideal for Digital Mixing Consoles
One of the strongest entertainment-industry applications for the NAUSB-W-B is professional digital audio.
Modern digital mixing consoles may use USB for:
- Multitrack recording
- Audio playback
- Computer control
- Firmware updates
- Show-file transfer
- Audio-interface functionality
- Peripheral connection
Instead of repeatedly connecting directly to a mixer port hidden inside a rack or case, the USB interface can be extended to a professional D-shape panel.
This can make the system easier to:
- Connect
- Service
- Troubleshoot
- Transport
- Reconfigure
Audio Interface Integration
Professional audio interfaces frequently use USB Type B connections to communicate with computers.
The NAUSB-W-B can provide a useful rack-panel interface where the audio interface itself is installed permanently inside:
- Recording racks
- Touring playback racks
- Broadcast systems
- Theatre audio racks
- Production workstations
This can reduce wear on the equipment-mounted USB connector because everyday connections occur at the panel feedthrough instead.
Protect Expensive Equipment Ports
One of the practical benefits of using a replaceable feedthrough connector is protecting ports on expensive equipment.
USB sockets mounted directly onto:
- Digital mixers
- Audio interfaces
- Media servers
- Computers
- DSP equipment
can be costly or difficult to repair if damaged.
By bringing that connection to a replaceable NAUSB-W-B installed on the rack panel, repeated plugging and unplugging occurs at the panel connector instead.
If the feedthrough eventually becomes damaged, replacing it may be substantially easier than repairing a USB socket mounted on an expensive piece of production equipment.
Standard Neutrik D-Shape Housing
The NAUSB-W-B uses Neutrik’s widely adopted standard D-shape housing.
This allows USB to be integrated into professional panels alongside other D-format connectors such as:
- XLR
- HDMI
- etherCON
- RJ45 feedthroughs
- Other multimedia connectors
- Professional audio interfaces
Using a common connector footprint can simplify the design of:
- Rack panels
- Stage boxes
- Custom patch panels
- Road cases
- AV wall plates
- Connection panels
- Touring systems
It also creates a clean and consistent appearance across the complete panel.
Black Metal Housing
The NAUSB-W-B is the black housing version of Neutrik’s USB 2.0 feedthrough.
Neutrik also produces the related:
NAUSB-W
with a nickel-finish housing.
The black NAUSB-W-B is particularly suited to professional production environments where connectors are being installed into:
- Black rack panels
- Road cases
- Stage boxes
- AV racks
- Broadcast panels
- Theatre infrastructure
The dark housing blends neatly into typical black professional production hardware.
Zinc Die-Cast Construction
Neutrik currently specifies the NAUSB-W-B shell as:
Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
with:
Black chromium plating
The metal D-shape housing provides a rugged mounting interface around the USB insert.
This makes it more appropriate for professional equipment panels than relying on a completely exposed consumer-style USB barrel adaptor.
Gold-Plated Contacts
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Plating: Gold (Au)
with current contact material listed as:
Bronze (CuSn)
for the NAUSB-W-B.
The gold-plated contact interface forms part of the USB connection between the attached cables.
For reliable digital connectivity, connectors should be kept clean and protected from:
- Dust
- Contamination
- Physical damage
- Excessive moisture
- Mechanical strain
Front Panel Mounting
Neutrik currently specifies the NAUSB-W-B for:
Front mounting
within a standard D-shape chassis opening.
This is worth keeping technically accurate.
Unlike some other Neutrik feedthrough models that may support front or rear mounting, the current NAUSB-W-B technical specification explicitly states front mounting.
Always use the current Neutrik dimensional drawing when manufacturing a custom panel.
More Than 1,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies a mechanical lifetime of:
More than 1,000 mating cycles
for the NAUSB-W-B.
This makes it suitable for professional systems where USB connections may be made and broken repeatedly.
Potential environments include:
- Touring
- Theatre
- Equipment hire
- Broadcast
- Production companies
- Corporate AV
- Schools
- Permanent venues
Actual service life will also depend on handling, cable quality, connector cleanliness and mechanical loading.
Optional Screen-to-Chassis Grounding
Neutrik includes an optional screen-to-chassis grounding arrangement.
This allows the USB screen to be connected to the metal D-shape chassis where appropriate for the system design.
Professional grounding strategies can vary between:
- Audio systems
- Computer systems
- Broadcast
- AV
- Touring racks
- Installed infrastructure
The feature allows system designers to choose the appropriate grounding arrangement rather than being forced into one fixed configuration.
Grounding decisions should be made according to the requirements of the complete system.
Audio Networking and Computer Integration
Neutrik specifically identifies the NAUSB-W-B as ideal for:
audio networking and integration of computer-based equipment into audio systems.
This is particularly relevant across modern live production.
Computers are increasingly used for:
- Playback
- Recording
- Show control
- Measurement
- DSP control
- Lighting software
- AV playback
- Production automation
A rugged panel-mounted USB interface allows those systems to integrate more cleanly with traditional professional production hardware.
Theatre Applications
Modern theatre production relies heavily on computer-based systems.
Potential NAUSB-W-B applications include:
- Playback computers
- Digital mixing consoles
- Audio interfaces
- Show-control systems
- Recording systems
- Measurement computers
- Technical-control racks
Installing the USB connection into a D-size panel can make rack systems much easier to access during rehearsal and performance periods.
Concert Touring
Touring racks are repeatedly:
- Connected
- Disconnected
- Transported
- Serviced
- Reconfigured
Exposing delicate ports on internal computers and audio equipment directly to everyday touring connections can create unnecessary wear.
The NAUSB-W-B allows production companies to bring those connections to a replaceable rack-panel interface.
Potential touring uses include:
- Playback racks
- Recording racks
- Measurement systems
- Console interfaces
- Production computers
- System-tech racks
Playback Systems
Professional playback rigs frequently depend on USB-connected equipment.
Potential devices include:
- Audio interfaces
- MIDI hardware
- Control surfaces
- Licence dongles
- Storage devices
- Peripheral equipment
Where an appropriate Type A / Type B path is required, the NAUSB-W-B can provide a clean panel interface for the rack.
Always confirm that the peripheral and cable configuration is compatible with the USB connection arrangement being built.
Recording Systems
Live multitrack recording and virtual soundcheck workflows can require USB connections between computers and professional audio equipment.
A rack-mounted USB feedthrough can simplify connection to:
- Recording computers
- Digital consoles
- Audio interfaces
- Measurement systems
This can be particularly useful where the equipment’s own USB port would otherwise be buried inside a rack.
Broadcast
Broadcast facilities can use professional USB feedthroughs for:
- Computer interfaces
- Audio devices
- Playback systems
- Production workstations
- Rack-mounted hardware
- Temporary production interfaces
The metal D-shape chassis makes the NAUSB-W-B suitable for integration into professionally engineered broadcast panels.
Film and Television
Film and television production increasingly depends on computer-based control and audio systems.
Potential applications include:
- Audio interfaces
- Playback systems
- Production computers
- Recording racks
- Studio systems
- Video-support equipment
- Control hardware
The black D-shape design integrates neatly into custom production panels and road cases.
Corporate AV
Professional AV environments are another strong application.
Potential uses include:
- Lecterns
- Presentation racks
- Conference systems
- Control racks
- AV breakout boxes
- Custom interface panels
- Equipment cabinets
The reversible Type A / Type B orientation makes it particularly flexible for custom AV design.
Conferences
Conference systems regularly require connection between:
- Computers
- Audio hardware
- Presentation systems
- USB peripherals
- Recording hardware
A professional rack-panel USB interface can keep the user connection accessible while protecting the actual equipment behind the panel.
Exhibitions
Exhibition systems often conceal technical equipment inside:
- Display plinths
- Technical cupboards
- Control racks
- Exhibition walls
- Custom stands
The NAUSB-W-B allows the required USB port to be brought to an accessible panel location without exposing the internal equipment.
Schools and Performing Arts Centres
Schools and performing arts venues increasingly operate:
- Digital mixing consoles
- Recording systems
- Playback computers
- AV equipment
- Production-control systems
The NAUSB-W-B can form part of professionally built:
- Theatre racks
- Auditorium panels
- Recording spaces
- Technical classrooms
- Production training systems
Using proper panel infrastructure can also make systems easier for students and staff to troubleshoot.
Equipment-Hire Companies
Professional equipment-hire companies can use the NAUSB-W-B when manufacturing:
- Touring racks
- Playback systems
- Digital-console racks
- Custom connection panels
- AV breakout systems
- Road cases
Standardising on Neutrik D-shape panel connectors also simplifies manufacturing and replacement across a larger fleet.
IP65 Protection – Conditional
The NAUSB-W-B can provide:
IP65 ingress protection in the mated condition
but only when used with the specified compatible components.
Neutrik specifically requires:
- Compatible NKUSB- cable assembly*
- Appropriate SCDP- sealing gasket*
for the stated IP65 configuration.
This qualification should always accompany the IP rating.
The bare NAUSB-W-B or an arbitrary conventional USB cable should not automatically be described as an IP65 connection.
IP65 Does Not Mean an Open Socket Is Waterproof
The IP65 rating relates to the correctly configured and mated Neutrik system.
An unmated USB receptacle should still be protected from:
- Rain
- Water
- Dust
- Contamination
- Dirt
For outdoor events or location production, use suitable covers and weather-management practices.
The environmental rating of the overall installation will only be as strong as the lowest-rated component.
Compatible Neutrik NKUSB Cable System
Neutrik offers rugged NKUSB cable assemblies designed to complement the NAUSB-W series.
These cable assemblies add professional protection around the standard USB interface.
Where the full Neutrik rugged / IP65 system is required, use the specified compatible NKUSB cable and sealing components.
Conventional USB cables may still be used where the system design permits, but they do not automatically provide the same environmental protection.
USB Cable Length and Reliability
USB data reliability depends on the complete cable path.
The NAUSB-W-B adds another connection interface between host and peripheral.
For reliable installations:
- Use quality USB 2.0 cables
- Keep cable runs appropriate for USB 2.0 operation
- Avoid unnecessary extensions
- Avoid multiple passive couplers
- Support cables mechanically
- Test the complete system before production
For critical show systems, do not assume that a configuration is reliable merely because the connectors physically fit.
Test the actual hardware, cable lengths and application before deployment.
USB Power Considerations
USB can carry both data and power.
The NAUSB-W-B is a passive feedthrough and does not:
- Increase available USB power
- Regenerate the USB signal
- Provide active extension
- Provide additional bus power
- Act as a USB hub
The amount of power available to a connected USB device remains dependent on the USB host, cable path and USB specification.
For long-distance or power-intensive applications, an active USB extension or powered hub may be required instead of simply extending the passive cable path.
Not a USB Hub
The NAUSB-W-B provides one USB path.
It does not split one computer connection into multiple USB ports.
If multiple peripheral connections are required, use an appropriate USB hub or professionally designed USB distribution system.
Passive Feedthrough – No Signal Conversion
The NAUSB-W-B performs no digital format conversion.
It does not convert:
- USB to Ethernet
- USB to HDMI
- USB to audio
- USB to MIDI
- USB to USB-C
Its purpose is to provide a robust physical USB Type A / Type B connection through a professional panel.
NAUSB-W-B vs NAUSB-W
The main difference is housing finish.
NAUSB-W-B: Black D-shape housing
NAUSB-W: Nickel D-shape housing
Both are reversible USB 2.0 Type A / Type B feedthrough adaptors.
Choose the black NAUSB-W-B where the connector should visually integrate with:
- Black racks
- Road cases
- Touring panels
- AV equipment
- Stage infrastructure
NAUSB-W-B vs NAUSB3-B
This distinction is particularly important.
NAUSB-W-B
- USB 2.0
- Type A / Type B
- Reversible insert
- Black D-shape housing
- Compatible with Neutrik NKUSB system
- Conditional IP65 when correctly mated with the required components
NAUSB3-B
- USB 3.0
- Type A / Type B
- Reversible insert
- Black D-shape housing
- Designed for USB 3.0 SuperSpeed applications
- Not compatible with NKUSB-* cables
Do not substitute the NAUSB-W-B where USB 3.0 performance is specifically required.
Rugged Panel Solution – Not a Ruggedised USB Protocol
The Neutrik housing improves the mechanical integration of USB into professional equipment.
It does not change the fundamental USB electrical protocol.
System designers still need to respect normal USB considerations including:
- Cable quality
- Cable length
- Host compatibility
- Device compatibility
- Bus power
- Signal integrity
The ruggedisation relates primarily to the physical installation and compatible Neutrik connector system.
Cable Strain Relief
USB connectors are not intended to carry the weight of long or heavy cables.
When installing rear cabling inside racks and stage boxes:
- Support the cable
- Avoid tight bends
- Prevent continuous pulling force
- Secure cables appropriately
- Allow suitable service loops
The feedthrough should provide the data connection rather than acting as the cable-support point.
This is particularly important in touring equipment that experiences vibration and transport.
Operating Temperature
Neutrik specifies an operating temperature range of:
-25°C to +85°C
for the NAUSB-W-B.
The complete USB system may have different environmental limits depending on:
- Cables
- Host
- Peripheral
- Computer
- Installation
Always consider the lowest-rated component.
UL94 V-0 Flammability Rating
Neutrik specifies:
Flammability: UL94 V-0
for the NAUSB-W-B.
This forms part of its professional material specification.
Installation Considerations
When installing the NAUSB-W-B:
- Confirm the panel uses the standard Neutrik D-shape cut-out.
- Install the adaptor using the specified front-mount arrangement.
- Decide whether Type A or Type B is required on the front.
- Reverse the insert if the opposite orientation is needed.
- Determine the appropriate screen-to-chassis grounding arrangement.
- Connect suitable USB 2.0 cables.
- Support rear cabling so the USB connector is not carrying cable weight.
- For IP65 applications, use the specified NKUSB-* cable and SCDP-* gasket.
- Test the complete USB path with the actual host and peripheral.
- Confirm reliable operation before the system enters production use.
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NAUSB-W-B
Product Type: Reversible USB 2.0 feedthrough / gender changer
Connection Type: Adapter
USB Interfaces: USB Type A female / USB Type B female
Orientation: Reversible – Type A or Type B may face front
USB Standard: USB 2.0
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed: Up to 480 Mb/s with compatible USB 2.0 system
Chassis Format: Standard D-shape
Mounting: Front mounting
Gender: Female
Mechanical Life: >1,000 mating cycles
Contact Material: Bronze (CuSn)
Contact Plating: Gold (Au)
Insert Material: PVC
Housing: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Housing Finish: Black chromium
Grounding: Optional screen-to-chassis grounding
Protection: IP65 when correctly mated with compatible NKUSB-* cable and SCDP-* sealing gasket
Flammability: UL94 V-0
Temperature Range: -25°C to +85°C
Why Choose the Neutrik NAUSB-W-B?
Choose the NAUSB-W-B where professional equipment infrastructure requires:
- Genuine Neutrik quality
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- USB Type A / Type B feedthrough
- Reversible connector orientation
- Standard D-shape panel mounting
- Black zinc die-cast housing
- Gold-plated contacts
- More than 1,000 mating cycles
- Optional screen-to-chassis grounding
- Conditional IP65 protection
- Professional rack and stage-box integration
- Replaceable panel connectivity
It is particularly useful for digital audio, touring, theatre, broadcast, film and television, AV, exhibitions and computer-based production systems.
Why Buy Neutrik NAUSB-W-B from GigLife?
GigLife supplies professional connectors, adaptors, cables, tapes, consumables and technical accessories specifically for the entertainment and production industries.
With more than 25 years of hands-on live entertainment industry experience, GigLife understands how digital audio, computers and AV equipment integrate into real production systems—and why durable, serviceable connection panels matter.
Products are selected by people who work in production and understand the requirements of:
- Audio professionals
- AV technicians
- Theatre technicians
- Touring crews
- Production companies
- Film and television departments
- Broadcast facilities
- Recording professionals
- Festivals
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Conference venues
- Exhibition contractors
- Equipment-hire businesses
Whether you are building a touring rack, protecting the USB connection on a digital console, manufacturing an AV panel or upgrading theatre infrastructure, GigLife supplies genuine professional components selected by people who understand the job.
Orders are dispatched from Brisbane, with Australia-wide shipping available.
GigLife is proudly by the professionals… for the professionals.
