Topic: Splitting a Mic signal to go to two preamps?

[achalsey]

Can you safely split a signal coming from a pair of mics and run it into two preamps for a direct A/B comp?  Randomly got a pair of XLR splitters (f > 2x m) and with a buddy having a few preamps to test with one set of mics was wondering if this is doable.

Both preamps have switchable p48, so if you just turned phantom off of one of them, could you run a direct comp of the two preamps with the one set of mics?  Do you lose any signal strength with the split?

[F.O.Bean]

I have done this a cpl times in the past. Like you said just use PHANTOM POWER on JUST ONE preamp, and split the signal. Cool/easy way of doing comps without 2 pairs of mics

[ScoobieKW]

When you use a passive splitter you lose 3db for each signal.

Again, be certain that phantom is only active on one preamp.

Report back with your results.

[ScoobieKW]

When you use a passive splitter you lose 3db for each signal.

Again, be certain that phantom is only active on one preamp.

Report back with your results.

Normally I'd say use a splitter with an 1:1 iso transformer to guarantee that you don't send phantom from two sources, but the transformer would color the sound slightly and invalidate the comparison.

[achalsey]

Great!  Thanks for the info.  Not sure when it'll happen, but will look for some opportunities to try it out at least with my mics and a V2 vs something else.

[SmokinJoe]

A few times I ran mics with simple Y cables into my R4, both the Transparent Mod and Warm mod channels.  I was curious to see how the different mods sounded (it's a subtle difference).  One night I ran with the Y cables for set 1. Then on the second set, I removed the Y cables, plugged those mics into just into one pair of channels, and plugged something else into the other pair.  When I listened, I was immediately struck... "wow those mics sound a lot better on set 2 than they did on set 1".

OK, that's one data point, maybe it doesn't mean much.  And because it's a moded deck I have no idea with the input impedance is.  But I guess I would say "do it, have fun, but take the results with a grain of salt" because maybe the split effected the resulting sound.  I don't recommend doing that, then running out and spending $$$ on a new pre because of that perceived difference.

I have splitter snakes I use while multitracking, and no one seems to question the effects.  This is the same as simple Y cables, x 24.  I have FOH's encourage me to bring the splitter snake rather than using the direct outs.  I read tales of FOH's refusing to let people use passive split snakes, insisting on tranny isolated, or active splits.  At least in the clubs I working, no one seems concerned.