splitting headache (splitter?)

[cleantone]

Hey everyone. I've been draggin my feet on a getting a decent splitter. I'm SICK of direct outs and obviously most venues do NOT have isolated splits, and sometimes when they do, there NOT isolated

Anyway,

In terms of taking the iso split vs. direct. How do you feel about it? I ask because I have a decent lead on a splitter with a 50' iso side and 10' direct. I would prefer them in opposite order so I can take the direct 50' (or further) away from the stage. I'm minimally techy and am wondering peoples thoughts on taking the isolated split and giving FOH the direct. I'm sure they prefer it that way too. Phantom, but what else might come into play?

Also, I'm sure in some case (since I do a lot of smaller stuff) I cna take the 10' feet (maybe add snake) and give the FOH the 50'. 50' although it's not 500' seems like a lot of cable, but it shouldn't be a BIG deal right? What if it is coiled up? Hum? Radio Station interference? Sirus network interferance (he he he)?

Also,

Thoughts on Horizon transformers?

One more...

Having no ground lifts (i.e. always lifted) or are ground lifts very much needed?

THANKS SO MUCH!

[MusicSh*tty]

Not really an answer to your question but why not just use your own mics and a regular snake?

By doing so don't you eliminate more potential problems than you add? I'm just asking.

Of the top of my head you get the benefit of mic selection, placement, etc. You can ignore the FOH. Oh, and the "new" recording guy can't be blamed (First!, of course) for the loop & hum.

[cleantone]

why not just use your own mics and a regular snake?

My favorite thing to do when it is an option. You might now yourself, it's not always one. Double micing a drum kit is pretty much impossable. I do small shows alot but not THAT small

Thanks though.

Others?

[inaudio]

I do a lot of live recording, but I'm usually the house sound guy too. I use insert shorting plugs and use the same preamps for both - but I know their quality and am running them both...

If I had to do what you are doing, I would take the iso, and let the house mixer have the phantom to deal with. Some folx might not like a transformer in their path, but I;d rather bee isolated from all house groung problems - and if there are monitors and amps on stage you might be safer that way.

I think it is Whirwind that makes a one-space, four channel, two-way split - I am planning to get a few of them for the times i need splits. It may be more economical than a dediicated 16 or 14 channel splitter, i haven't compared the costs directly, but it would be flexible...

<L>

[cleantone]

Thanks. I think I want to step above those whirlwind ones. I don't think those are isolated.

Keep the info coming please...

Maybe address the specifics if your knowledgable on them...

[cleantone]

Is this really out of the league for this forum? Surely someone here can answer these questions... Please do!

[inaudio]

http://www.whirlwindusa.com/split.html says:

" Four channels of passive and isolated microphone splitting in a single space rack panel.

Ideal for splitting and isolating mic level sends to a video truck or a remote broadcast, the 1U MLTSP1X2 and MLTSP1X3 provide one direct and one or two transformer isolated outputs per channel respectively.

Each isolated output has a front panel ground lift switch. The inputs (female XLR) are located on the front panel and outputs (male XLR) are located on the rear panel.

Input Impedance: 150 Ohm
Output Impedance: 150 Ohm
Operating Level: -50dB to +4dBu
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Outputs: MLTSP1X2: 1 direct, 1 isolated / MLTSP1X3: 1 direct, 2 isolated "

I don't know about the sepcific transformers in this, but above it on the page are all their other splitters, from simple single boxes to 48 ch digittal snake splitters...

<L>

[wyndrock]

I bought a Whirlwind transformer isolated splitter box (stage box). I bought the 16 channel version. I paid something like 600 bucks for it. I think it's one of the most important pieces of gear i own. It will definitely cut down on the fear factor when interfacing with the FOH mics.

Get one. It's serious gear. It's your solution. Period.

Start your search at Whirlwind. Its gonna be the brand you're gonna want to buy. Anything else out there is crap.

From one brother to another, don't even think about getting anything else. This is what you need. I use it almost every night and it has held up and performed without incident.

Done.

[Remoteness]

Carry a bunch of "IL19s" and your sickness of direct outs will not be so bad.

When you come across a venue that has non transformer splits make sure you're on the same ac power leg as their audio system is.

How did you do with that splitter lead?

I prefer splitters that can detach from the snake. XLR ins and outs come in handy when you need to cross patch what the FOH or MON person is doing. Multipins are great when you want to change the cable length. If you end up with a spitter that's attached to the snake, you can always modify the box if physically possible.

If you're comfortable with the sound of the transformer, go ahead and give them the direct feed. They'll be happy that they will not need to change their settings for the split.

Fifty feet of snake is no biggie. Just don't place it near an improperly coiled power cable. You'll be needing "XM" to handle all the noise and distortion from that "Sirus" interference.

Grounds are necessary when needed.

Sometimes you can use your own mics and regular snake. We do that a lot at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC. And only split the announce and vocal mics, et cetera, etc. Other times it's impossible due to space issues and such.

Whirlwind (and others) can build you any size splitter system you want! Any amount of inputs or outputs. With or without ground lift switches or transformers. The impedance of your choice with the operating level and frequency response you need.

I hope this helped.

[hollywood_steve]

When I was looking for a high quality splitter a few months ago, a few people recommended a little known German company, Palmer Audio. Mercenary is the only USA dealer for Palmer that I know of, but that will probably change as folks learn about this product line. Its not easy to make something this basic stand out, but they are very well constructed pieces of hardware.

http://www.mercenary.com/pms02mispboi.html

[Remoteness]

Steve,

Nice looking product.
Is this what you're using?
What transformers are they using?
Thanks in advance.

[hollywood_steve]

Yeah Steve, I'm using the 2ch Palmer mic splitter. (FYI, the Mercenary website shows the LIne Level Splitter photo for both the line level and mic level products. For better info, go to

http://www.palmerdirect.com/Audio%20Tools.pdf

The only info I could find about the transformers was that they are "a specially designed audio frequency transformer".

(I haven't had a chance to peak inside yet)