How do you safely split a balanced signal?

[dangeorge6]

Hi,

I need to split the balanced output of my RNP. One signal will go to my A/D and on to my mbox, the other will go to my mbox analog input for monitoring purposes. How do you safely split a signal like this so that no gain and fidelity is lost in each signal? Do I need a mixer or can I just buy a split cable? If I need a mixer, won't it's gain stages color the signal? Help!

[Jay Kahrs]

Well, ideally you'd use a distribution amp so you don't load down the outputs. Short of that () you could use a good transformer iso'd splitter or take the cheap way out and use a Y-cord...that 'should' work.

If you want to be super tricky, you could make your own Y-cable and send pin 2 to one box and pin 3 to the other. They'd be out of polarity with each other...but it would work and shouldn't load down in theory...

[joaquin]

...what Jay just said.
Google for a pasive splitter...
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SplitterBox/

[nosebleedaudio]

if both ins are balanced I would either transformer iso one with a good 1 to 1 600 ohm, or make a Y cable, if the output can handle 1K load you should be fine, the pin 3 to one and pin 2 to the other makes no sense to me...

[Jay Kahrs]

Originally Posted by nosebleedaudio

the pin 3 to one and pin 2 to the other makes no sense to me...

Pin 2's & 3 carry the same signal (out of phase) to make a circuit balanced which would also cancel any noise picked up the in the line. If you split the ends it's like having an unbalanced run.

In theory.

In practice, who knows? I use transformer iso'd splits and distro amps for stunts like this. lol

[aussie_techie]

Originally Posted by Jay Kahrs

Pin 2's & 3 carry the same signal (out of phase) to make a circuit balanced which would also cancel any noise picked up the in the line. If you split the ends it's like having an unbalanced run.

if its electronicly balanced only one pin carries the signal, which i believe the RNP is
just use a Y-Split, not a problem with a line level signal
always good to have Y-Splits, Phase Reversers and gender changers on hand

[Wayne]

I made cables to tap off the insert' on my RNP's as a monitor/alt out (It's a TSR with T and S tied together at one end). But now that I want to do some compression while tracking I'm back to splitting again anyway in that case.
Wayne Smith

I need to fix this. It's the return wire lifted not the two tied together.
Apologies to all for that.