How do you properly split a signal?

[credentialed]

Forgive me if this has been asked already, the search function did not help much.

Currently, I have all mics going into a Mackie SR24, then direct out into a/d converters for recording. We will be getting external pre amps for the mics, and I wanted to have the mics go into the preamps, send the pre amp signal to the a/d converters, and also send the signal to the Mackie for PA. In other words, bypass the Mackie's pre amps.

Thanks for your help.

Arthur

[matthewd]

Hi

There are probably loads of solutions but a few ideas come to mind. If you get external preamps they very often have analogue a digital outputs simultaneously - it all comes down to budget - at the lower end we have used Focusrite Octopres which have ADAT or AES out as well as direct outs in your case for the PA. Aim a bit higher and you've got the RME Micstasy which we like because it is remote controllable. At the high end, Grace Designs and Millenia are two that come to mind. Alternatively, splitters which often come in 8 channels will usually give you more than 2 splits - quite often 3. Klark Technik have a new one called Square 1 which is 8 channels at a time and seems very good value. BSS are another company renowned for decent splitters

Wishing you luck

Matt

[credentialed]

Thanks, Matt,

We will be using two neve 1073 dpa's. Each input has one output. The Klark Technik piece looks interesting. How would the connections go when used with the neves?

Thanks again.


Arthur

[credentialed]

Originally Posted by credentialed

Thanks, Matt,

We will be using two neve 1073 dpa's. Each input has one output. The Klark Technik piece looks interesting. How would the connections go when used with the neves?

Thanks again.


Arthur

Think I've got it. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. The mics would go into the Neves. Neve output to splitter (Square One). Split outputs to SR24 and A/D converters.

My next question. Which gain knob would I use? Neve, Square One, or SR24?
Arthur

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by credentialed

Think I've got it. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. The mics would go into the Neves. Neve output to splitter (Square One). Split outputs to SR24 and A/D converters.

My next question. Which gain knob would I use? Neve, Square One, or SR24?
Arthur

Arthur,

No! IMO the spliiter should be before the pres and after the mics.
Furthermore, I would use a good old transformer isolated splitter instead of an electronic splitter.

The mics should be connected to the splitter's input XLRs first.
The direct (primary) side outputs of the splitter should go to the rig that will phantom power the mics.
The transformer (secondary) side should go to the other mixer or external preamps depending on how you want to address the direct signal and your phantom power needs.

With this setup the sMackie SR24 will control the live sound system and the external mic pres will interface directly to the A/D converters for your recording completely independent of each other.

With that said, I would connect the direct output to the external preamps and phantom power the mics via the recording pres and feed the transformer side to the sMackie mixer.

[credentialed]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Arthur,

No! IMO the spliiter should be before the pres and after the mics.
Furthermore, I would use a good old transformer isolated splitter instead of an electronic splitter.

The mics should be connected to the splitter's input XLRs first.
The direct (primary) side outputs of the splitter should go to the rig that will phantom power the mics.
The transformer (secondary) side should go to the other mixer or external preamps depending on how you want to address the direct signal and your phantom power needs.

With this setup the sMackie SR24 will control the live sound system and the external mic pres will interface directly to the A/D converters for your recording completely independent of each other.

With that said, I would connect the direct output to the external preamps and phantom power the mics via the recording pres and feed the transformer side to the sMackie mixer.

Thanks, Steve. I was hoping that you'd chime in here. As I have no experience with splitters, I'm trying to follow you. I think I've got it but I actually need to see what a "good old transformer isolated splitter" looks like. Which ones would you recommend that I take a look at?

Thanks,
Arthur

[talbe1019]

There are all kinds...I personally use Crimson Audio transformers...like a Jensen but about haf the price. I bought the transformers and retro-fitted some Horizon 1 space rack mounts with decent transformers. Crimson Audio now makers their own rack mounted spitter. There are a crapload of splitter manufacturers and all vary in price, build and options.

[credentialed]

Originally Posted by talbe1019

There are all kinds...

Yep...I've spent a good part of the day trying to read through the splitter tag.

[Remoteness]

Avatar Sketched by Steve Remote @ low budget mobile rig

Wow, the quick sketch I did of my "N" cord has made it to Avatar status...

That's freakin' awesome. I'll shall waive the royalty fees for you my GS friend!

[credentialed]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Wow, the quick sketch I did of my "N" cord has made it to Avatar status...

That's freakin' awesome. I'll shall waive the royalty fees for you my GS friend!

Appreciate that! Since I've joined GS I've been looking for just the right Avatar. When I began my search on splitters I saw it and I knew this was it!