Press splitters are used to avoid the unsightly clutter that results at events such as press conferences, when every broadcasting organisation present tries to erect a microphone directly in front of the speaker, precisely where the cameramen would rather they did not. The splitter takes a small number of inputs from microphones or the local mixer and distributes the signal to a large number of outputs for use by the media. AudioPressBox offer a comprehensive range of active and passive types in stage box, floor-box, desktop, rack and wall mounting formats as well as portable, cased, splitters and kits.
For a very limited number of broadcasters and journalists it may be possible to provide a set of outputs using multiple microphone splitters. However, this technique quickly increases the load on a microphone to the point where the signal quality is affected. A dedicated conference splitter will reduce clutter, be more reliable and prevent inter-action between the connections made by the different members of the media. Alternative terms for press splitter include 'conference splitter', 'presidential bridge', 'press box', 'multi box' and 'press distribution amplifier'.
Typically, passive types have an input (or inputs) which is designed to be fed by the balanced, analogue, line-level output of a mixer or pre-amplifier. They consist of a number of balancing transformers each with circuitry which reduces the effect on the input signal if one of the outputs is short-circuited or connected to ground. The number of output channels which may be connected to the mixer output is set by the output impedance of the mixer, and is not, typically, large. The circuitry also reduces the outputs to microphone level which will suit many cameras and recorders. Since they require no power, they are reliable and simple to use.
Built in a steel box, designed to be placed on the floor, this has a 3-pin female XLR for the audio input on the side and a male link-out XLR. Two handles on the upper surface provide a degree of protection for the twelve, 3-pin male XLR outputs, but are also handy for transportation. It is intended to be fed by a professional balanced line output. Twelve independent transformers provide the outputs at -38 dB microphone level for a 0dB input.
Accessory Cables
The RC 3.5-1 cable is intended for use between the mic or mic/line outputs of the splitters and expander units and recording equipment with 3.5mm jack inputs, microphone or line level, regardless of the stereo or mono configuration. The 3-pin female XLR contains electronic circuitry to provide level and impedance matching and DC blocking. The cable is 1.5m long.
The RC 3.5-8 is an eight-way cable which provides eight channels of the same functionality and is 3 metres long. It consists of an eight pair multi-pair cable, broken out into eight tails at each end.