More about splitters
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Square ONE Splitter
Active splitter
An active splitter uses active electronic circuitry to address the problems inherent in passive (parallel and
transformer isolated) splitter systems.
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.
PA company responsibility
Independent broadcaster
Sensitive audio signals
Grounds
Local
Ground
-10dB (0.30V)
Local
Ground
Stage box (active)
Outside
Broadcast
Local
Ground
Safe audio signals
-10dB (0.30V)
-46dB (0.005V)
-40dB (0.01V)
GAIN
BUFFERED
ISOLATED
BUFFERED
LIFT
LIFT
FOH console
(for example, the
Midas Verona)
MON console
(for example, the
Midas Siena)
