splitting sm57 signal for two preamps with Y cable

[deve]

Hi, I want to split a signal from an sm57 or a beta57 with a Y cable. One will go to P.A and the other will get recorded. It's a quick fix until I get a transformer or opamp solution. Will the sound suffer to much due to impedance change? Is there a way to isolate the split? What should I do to avoid ground loops?

[Remoteness]

It really depends on the consoles and/or mic pres you're using.
With that said, you should be okay... It's a SM57.

Are you getting the same power as the sound company?
You should try to do so if not.
A XFMR is the only way you can isolate the wye split.
Make or buy a ground lift cable or barrel.
A simple XLR to XLR with pin one lifted.
This should avoid physical chassis to chassis ground loops.

[Jim vanBergen]

if there is a sound system, they should have a tranny somewhere. Ask them to give you a Sescom IL-19, the most common transformer in an XLR barrel, or see if you can buy one. It's well worth it.

If you can't find a transformer for one side of the XLR Y cable, then a ground lift is a great idea. But in a pinch, you CAN certainly "go commando" and just use the Y cable.

An ounce of prevention, though...

[Remoteness]

Yeah; and, if you don't find a XRMR or a ground lift make sure you bring some cutters to snip that XLR pin one if a chassis ground loop appears in your wye.