Introduction
How to use the Square ONE Splitter
This section shows you how to get the most out of your Square ONE Splitter.
Using the main inputs
To maximise the sonic benefits of active splitting, the Square ONE Splitter should be located close to the mic sources and connected to them as directly as is practical. In this way the unit can provide active drive to all the distributing cable systems. This massively reduces capacitive and resistive loading on the mic, as compared to other
The Square ONE Splitter can also receive higher signal levels such as those produced by some condenser mics or even line level signals. In the case of unbalanced line level signals, it may be advisable to utilise a DI box in advance of the splitter to eliminate any possibility of
Using the outputs
The primary application for the Square ONE Splitter is in concert sound (public address) systems where it provides output feeds for FOH and MON consoles. It utilises an active preamp in order to maximise the signal to noise ratio and headroom, before driving the long cable runs that are typically associated with such systems. In this application the grounding regime is normally planned and controlled by the sound contractor such that isolating transformers are not required. The Square ONE Splitter can assist in the elimination of ground loops within the system, if required, by utilising the integral LIFT switches that can disconnect the XLR pin one terminal on one, both, or neither output sets (OUT A or OUT B), as required.
As a secondary function the Square ONE Splitter also provides a transformer isolated output for every channel. This is intended for varied and occasional use as the needs arise in the event that an additional split is required; typically, this is for a broadcast feed or recording. These situations cannot always be planned for and are normally outside the sound contractor’s control. In these instances transformer isolation is desirable to eliminate any ground interference that the additional connection could otherwise bring to the whole system. The XLR pin one terminals are not connected on these outputs.
Traditionally, active splitters have provided transformer splits driven from the same preamp that drives the main system outputs (FOH and monitor), but the Square ONE Splitter utilises separate fixed gain preamps to buffer the transformer feeds. They operate at a nominal gain of
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