Klark Teknik DY11 7HJ manual More about splitters, Passive parallel splitter, Stage box passive

More about splitters

Passive parallel splitter

The passive parallel splitter has, basically, all of the ‘split’ points wired in parallel, offering no ground isolation or any gain stage whatsoever. Passive parallel splitters are popular at the lower end of the market as they provide a very cost-effective solution as compared with a transformer isolated splitter or an active splitter.

PA company responsibility

Sensitive audio signals

	-40dB (0.01V)	-40dB (0.01V)
-40dB (0.01V)		-40dB (0.01V)
Outside		Stage box (passive)
		Local
Broadcast
	Local	Ground
	Ground

Independent broadcaster Grounds

MON console

(for example, the

Midas Siena)

FOH console

(for example, the

Midas Verona)

There are four fundamental problems inherent in a passive parallel type splitter:

•Mic signals are typically very low level (-40dB), with the gain being added at the mixing console. Due to the nature of a passive parallel splitter system the cable runs carrying the mic signal end up being quite long, increasing their susceptibility to picking up additional noise from other sources, for example, stray mains cables that may induce hum. In turn, this additional noise also gets amplified along with the original mic signal.

•The lengthy mic cable runs also significantly increase capacitance, which in turn reduces the high frequency content making the sound dull and uninspiring. Also, the input impedance of each console added to the system will reduce the overall level.

•Phantom powered mics are normally supplied via two 6k8 ohm resistors. If additional +48V sources are enabled in parallel this increases the current and voltage, potentially damaging the mic.

•The grounding regime is basically one complete ground with no option of isolating various parts of the system. This can potentially lead to ground loop problems if parts of the system are powered from different sources. For example, the PA company may have set the whole system up perfectly using one grounding regime, an independent broadcaster then arrives and has to use a portable generator, adding another grounding source.

24 Square ONE Splitter