feedback on these splitters?

[cleantone]

Any experience with these? I might go this route since the splitter/snakes I want are out of realistic $ output for me right now. What do you think?

Features of the Horizon MS4 Mic/Line Splitter: Designed for use in both live and studio applications and any application requiring multiple mixes. This rugged single rack space unit is built with a cold rolled steel chassis for superior shielding (quiet) and durability (years of service). On the front panel, each channel on the MS-4 provides an XLR female input and isolated XLR male output (to keep each signal isolated from the other), a ground lift switch and a -20db pad switch (to cut back "hotter" line level signal if necessary). On the rear panel, each channel has an XLR input (your source can come in from front or back) as well as a "loop" output (non-isolated). The transformer isolation allows multiple splits without the undesirable effects of impedance drop or DC voltage leak between consoles or recording devices. This unit is like having four Horizon MS-1 splitters in a single rack space. Dimensions: 1 3/4" x 19" x 5".

[thenewyear]

Never used one but if it is the same Horizon as the people who make the multi-core cable it should be a fairly professional product (Digi chose Horizon to provide the cable for their own brand Digi-snakes for whatever that is worth).

This is a very cheap splitter available in the EU that I have had my eye on lately...

[edwinhurwitz]

I have two of these that I got on ebay and they work great. I always take the direct output and give the split to the PA, though. I have yet to get any complaints from any sound person yet. They are built like a tank. The only thing that's weird is that the way the pad is marked, you might think that on is off and vice versa. I figure that when I want better, I can just replace the guts with Jensen transformers. For the money, I don't think you can do better.

Edwin

[cleantone]

Edwin,

Thank for that info. I also thought about putting in better transformers in the future. Should be easy enough. Sounds like you've had good succes so far. No noise issues yet? Thats my fear expessially with jazz and acoustic stuff. I don't want to hear it from the house guy, you know? Looks like I'm going with these...

Sweet!

Other feedback welcomed of course.

[edwinhurwitz]

I would think that any noise wouldn't come from the splitter in a situation like this. I have even used the ART Split/Com ($25 splitter) without any noise. What transformer splits can introduce is distortion, phase shift and other sonic degradations. That's why I always take the direct, however, I have never had any complaints.

What also reduces complaints and noise is that I built two 20 foot 8 channel snakes that go from the splitter to my inputs and the PA inputs. Using Mogami and Neutrik means that the signal will not be degraded by the extra cable and using a snake makes the stage much cleaner. Both of these things makes the PA engineer a lot more comfortable with the extra clutter and confident that I know what I am doing.

Have fun!

Edwin

[cleantone]

See, I've used those ART splitters too here and there. They sometimes HAVE introduced a hum and lifting the ground never really gets rid of it 100% either. these must be simular in quality at this price. Maybe it wasn't the splitter as much as juice or wiring issues at those venues. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

[bradavenson]

The horizon splitters in the rack boxes use open frame transformers. They are not magnetically sheilded very well, so there is the chance that large magnetic fields will cause hums in those units.

[cleantone]

For those who may be interested I found some really nice quality splitters online here: http://www.wireworks.com/Microphone_...R-Splitter.htm

They have Jenson xformers. These run a pretty penny and right now I cannot afford them. Maybe after some more decent gigs...

Looks like a great company though!

[hollywood_steve]

FWIW, I finally got the chance to do a serious, long evaluation of the Palmer splitter I purchased a while back (4 long sets of lead and bk vocals, by folks who can really SING) Both the direct and transformer outputs sounded great; the band had no negative comments about their vocals sounding "different" - which I've heard with just about every other splitter. (the model I bought offers 3 outputs per channel; direct and two x-former) The Palmer unit isn't cheap, but it's not crazy either, but it is hard to find. (Mercenary was the only USA dealer that I was able to find.)

http://www.palmerdirect.com/products.html