Black Box KV1403A Server Access Module VGA USB Audio for CX KVM

Overview

The Black Box KV1403A is a Server Access Module (SAM) designed to connect target servers to Black Box CX-series KVM switches via VGA video, USB HID, and audio interfaces. Rather than running separate cables for each signal type from every server to the switch, the KV1403A consolidates VGA, USB keyboard/mouse, and audio into a single managed connection — reducing cable clutter in dense rack environments and giving operators clean, consistent server access from a centralized console. If you are building or expanding a CX-series KVM deployment, verify that KV1403A is the correct SAM variant for your specific switch model before ordering; Black Box produces multiple SAM variants differentiated by connector type and signal support.

Key Features

• VGA Video Interface: Connects the server's VGA output directly to the CX KVM fabric, preserving analog video signal integrity at the server end without requiring an active adapter or external converter.
• USB HID Connectivity: Handles keyboard and mouse signals over USB — the dominant HID interface on modern servers — so there is no need for a separate PS/2 adapter or legacy converter at the server chassis.
• Integrated Audio Support: Extends audio signal from the target server through the KVM path, which matters in control-room or NOC environments where server-side audio alerts or multimedia functions need to reach the operator console.
• CX-Series Compatibility: Purpose-built for Black Box CX KVM switches. Using a SAM matched to the switch family avoids signal negotiation issues that arise when mixing third-party modules into a managed KVM architecture.
• Compact Black Form Factor: Mounts directly at the server, keeping the rack face uncluttered. The module's black finish blends with standard 1U server and rack aesthetics.

Integration and Compatibility

The KV1403A is designed exclusively for use with Black Box CX-series KVM switches. Confirm your switch model against Black Box's Black Box KVM product line compatibility matrix before purchasing — SAM variants differ by video standard (VGA vs. DVI vs. DisplayPort) and HID protocol. For guidance on building out a complete KVM switching solution, including cable management and console station selection, consult the switch's installation guide. If your servers use DisplayPort or HDMI outputs, a different SAM variant will be required; VGA is the correct choice only for servers with legacy analog video outputs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What KVM switches is the KV1403A compatible with?

A: The KV1403A is designed for Black Box CX-series KVM switches. Check the compatibility matrix for your specific CX switch model to confirm this SAM variant is supported before ordering.

Q: Does the KV1403A support USB keyboard and mouse?

A: Yes. The module provides USB HID connectivity for keyboard and mouse signals from the target server to the CX KVM switch.

Q: What video interface does the KV1403A use?

A: The KV1403A uses a VGA video interface. If your servers output DVI, DisplayPort, or HDMI, a different SAM variant is required.

Q: Does the KV1403A pass audio signals?

A: Yes. Audio is one of the three supported signal types — alongside VGA video and USB HID — making it suitable for environments where server-side audio needs to reach the operator console.

Q: Can I use the KV1403A with non-Black Box KVM switches?

A: No. This module is purpose-built for the Black Box CX KVM family and is not designed for use with third-party KVM switches.

Ted Perry

The KV1403A covers the three signals that matter most in a VGA-era server environment: video, HID, and audio — all in a single module that docks at the server rather than at the switch. In a CX-series deployment, using the correct SAM variant is non-negotiable; mixing video standards or HID protocols across modules causes unpredictable behavior at the switch level, so confirming the KV1403A's VGA and USB spec against your server inventory before you rack it saves a return trip to the data center.

Technical Highlights:

• VGA Video: Analog passthrough at the server keeps signal conversion out of the path — no active adapter drawing power or introducing latency at the chassis.
• USB HID: USB keyboard and mouse support covers virtually all modern server mainboards without requiring a PS/2 adapter, which simplifies cabling and eliminates a common failure point in legacy KVM installs.
• Audio Channel: Extending audio through the KVM path means NOC operators can hear server-side alerts without a secondary audio run to the console — relevant in environments where out-of-band audio notification is part of the monitoring workflow.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify CX switch model compatibility before ordering — Black Box publishes SAM compatibility tables per switch SKU, and using the wrong variant will result in a non-functional connection even if the module physically seats.
• VGA is the limiting factor here: if any servers in the target rack have moved to digital video outputs (DVI, DP, HDMI), those servers require a different SAM. Mixing VGA and digital SAMs in the same CX chassis is generally supported but confirm per the switch's installation guide.

The KV1403A is the right module for CX-series deployments where the server inventory is still on VGA outputs — common in legacy government, industrial control, and broadcast environments where server hardware refresh cycles run long and analog video remains the standard.