More about splitters
Active splitter
An active splitter uses active electronic circuitry to address the problems inherent in passive (parallel and transformer isolated) splitter systems.
PA company responsibility
Safe audio signals
Sensitive audio signals
| -40dB (0.01V) |
-46dB (0.005V) |
Outside | |
Broadcast | Local |
|
| Ground |
GAIN | BUFFERED |
| -10dB (0.30V) |
| LIFT |
ISOLATED | BUFFERED |
| -10dB (0.30V) |
| LIFT |
Stage box (active)
| | | | | | | MON console |
| | | | | | |
| Local | (for example, the |
Ground | Midas Siena) |
Grounds | | | | | | | | FOH console |
| | | | | | | Local | | | | (for example, the |
| | | | | | | Ground | | | | | Midas Verona) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
An adjustable gain stage is added at the front end of the split allowing the user to add a pre-determined amount of gain to the low level mic signal early in the system signal path. This is then buffered, electronically balanced and driven anywhere up to or at line level (making the signal relatively safe from external interference) before being sent on to the attached mixing consoles. This approach reduces the length of sensitive mic cables to a bare minimum, which dramatically improves audio performance by reducing cable losses and additional noise, and also keeps the mic loading normal, resulting in a far brighter and more accurate sound. Ground lift switches are provided on the electronic outputs to enable isolation, if required.
In addition, a transformer isolated output - normally derived as a copy of the post-preamp signal, but on the Square ONE Splitter is tapped off before the gain stage - is buffered and driven, making it relatively safe from external interference. This would typically be used for broadcasters who prefer to add their own gain and may also be running their system from a different power source.
Other useful features usually included with an active splitter - and especially on the Square ONE Splitter - are local metering, +48V phantom power and a solo system with headphone output to allow local monitoring.
