ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter

  • Price: $199.00
  • B&H # ARS8
  • Mfr# ARTS8

Product Highlights

  • Direct Microphone Outputs
  • Isolated Outputs
  • Ground Lift Switches
  • Pad Switches

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The ART S8 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter is ideal for sending a secondary microphone signal to a monitor mixer, recording device, etc. The S8 features eight XLR inputs and 16 outputs. Eight direct outputs pass phantom power to the microphone and are intended to feed the main preamplifiers, mixer inputs or other input devices.

The eight isolated outputs are provided to feed a secondary input device, such as a recording device or monitor mixer input. A -29dB input Pad switch is provided on each channel. Ground-lift switches eliminate ground loop noise caused by connected devices.

Inputs XLR Microphone x8
Outputs XLR Direct Output x8
XLR Transformerless Output x8
Input Impedance greater than 1.1kΩ @ 1kHz (Typical)
Maximum Input Level -1.4dBu @ 20Hz / +3.5dBu @ 30Hz / +9.4dBu @ 50Hz
Output Impedance Less Than 255Ω @ 1kHz (Typical)
THD & Noise Less Than 0.1% From 45Hz To 20kHz @ -15dBu Input
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter
 
4.9

(based on 14 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (12)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (13)
  • Improves system function (7)
  • Time saver (7)
  • Versatile (7)
  • Improves sound quality (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Performances (13)
    • Outdoor events / games (10)
    • Amateur recording (8)
    • Professional recording (8)
    • Home studio (7)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Experienced (8), Professional musician (5)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 14 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-14

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    5.0

    a live event lifesaver

    By epmartinez

    from Tottenham, ON, Canada

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Excellent Sound
    • Good price value
    • Low Distortion

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Events
      • Home Studio
      • Performances
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

      Although I regularly do it, I don't look forward to event videography, especially with live bands in/and unfamiliar venues. There is always the problem of getting a multi-track feed with not-always-friendly FOH guys at the helm (I understand their concerns). I traditionally take the insert outs of mixing consoles if they are there (and I'm permitted) on one extreme, or popping a Zoom H2 in the middle of the stage on the other if that's what I'm reduced to. Thinking for the longest time that there must be an alternative to these has led me to the ART S8. Presenting it to the FOH guys well beforehand makes it easier to interact with them and convince them that nothing in what I'm doing will in any way disturb the proceedings. In this, the ART S8 has well succeeded in making everyone happy: the FOH guys with the program, and me with my multi-track recording of the event, all without missing a beat. To tap into an event using all 8 channels, you will need 16 XLR cables: the original mics go into the S8, then the direct cable goes to wherever it must in the original scheme (main FOH mixer or stage snake inputs, etc), and the transformer out cable goes to the recorder (Zoom R16 in my case). Well worth it: no hiss, no hum, no attenuation, no boost, no power required; the mic out transparently goes to my recorder and to the FOH. Very good value as well; highly recommended (the -29dB attenuator enables line levels to be applied; I'm just puzzled why -29, not -20dB or outright -30dB).

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      The right solution for the right price

      By gopack2004

      from Wisconsin

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Amateur Recording
        • Events
        • Home Studio
        • Performances

        Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

        I have been setting up a new monitoring system for a church worship band and needed a way to split the microphone signals. The ART S8 is the perfect solution. B&H has it at a great price, [...]I like the fact that I can keep the phantom power out of my monitor inputs, a PreSonus Firestudio. I haven't had to use the ground lift feature for this setup, but the building is very old and if I need it I'll sure be glad it's there.The only complaint I have is that it is too small. When mounted in my rack between some other equipment, it is so shallow that access to the rear plugs is tricky. Luckily I don't have to do that often, but if you do, then plan to leave some rack space open above and/or below it.I checked around for used pieces for a while, but they seem to hold their value really well! Buying new was not that much more, and if I ever switch it out for something else I know I'll get my money back out of it.

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Great price and quality

        By Pete

        from Manchester CT

        About Me Professional Musician

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Clear Sound
        • Easy To Use
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Events
          • Performances
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

          I bought this do some recording of our band. This is a solid unit, that sounds great at a good price. Would buy again.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Excellent Gear

          By Sparky

          from St Paul, MN

          About Me Professional Musician

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Improves Sound Quality
          • Improves System Function
          • Saves Time
          • Versatile

          Cons

          • NONE

          Best Uses

          • Amateur Recording
          • Events
          • Mobile DJ
          • Performances
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

          This is just what is needed for splitting a signal for monitors or recording. With the ground lift and Pad buttons makes it very versatile.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Great way to split signals!!

          By Andy Lozano

          from Victorville, CA

          About Me Professional Musician

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Improves Sound Quality
          • Saves Time
          • Versatile

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Amateur Recording
            • Events
            • Home Studio
            • Mobile DJ
            • Performances
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

            I purchase to use on my church. We were tired of feedbacks in our monitors an purchased in ear monitors, but wanted a way to split all instruments. This unit was our solution, the band loves it. We can hear our instruments an enjoy our worship experience. Great gear

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            What more can you ask?

            By Drumming and Loving It

            from Nashville, TN

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Improves System Function

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Amateur Recording
              • Home Studio
              • Performances

              Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

              Works great and priced right.

              It doesn't have every bell and whistle it could, but it also doesn't need a power source.

              I'm a drummer and I use it to split signals to FOH and my stage mixer for in-ear monitoring. Ground lift is nice and sound is transparent.

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              S8 XLR splitter by ART - great product!

              By Dave the physicist

              from Boulder, CO

              About Me Experienced

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable see cons
              • Easy To Use
              • Improves System Function
              • Saves Time
              • Versatile

              Cons

              • Heavy see pros

              Best Uses

              • Amateur Recording
              • Events
              • Home Studio
              • Mobile DJ
              • Performances

              Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

              The product worked as advertised right out of the box. Straight-forward operation, totally passive electronics (no power cable needed), clean signal chains.

              The unit is built very well; solid metal housing & components. One drawback may be the weight, but durability is worth a little extra weight.

              I would definitely recommend this to anyone running live sound. I have not used it in a 'professional' studio setting, but considering the passive and transformer-isolated design, I cannot imagine this unit introducing unwanted noise in a system.

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Big bang for the buck

              By none

              from Chrster, PA

              About Me Experienced

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Improves System Function
              • Versatile

              Cons

              • NONE

              Best Uses

              • Amateur Recording
              • Events
              • Performances
              • Professional Recording

              Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

              We have purchased to of the S8's. We have other more expensive mic splitters but the S8's are as good or better. We use them to split mic lines between the FOH and Stage Monitor Mix in our church.

              Comment on this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Art S8- Cost effective Splitter

              By [@]

              from Chicago, IL

              About Me Professional Musician

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Cost effective
              • Easy To Use
              • Flexable
              • Improves System Function
              • Saves Time
              • Versatile

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Home Studio
                • Performances

                Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

                I recently purchased an ART S8 signal splitter in order to split stage signals for FOH and my in ear monitor rig. The out of box ease of use is awesome, totally plug and play, no external power config. required. The only downfall of this product is that it is so small in depth, requires having to reach far inside the rack to plug in the stage snake. This I can live with as it once hooked up, I can easily mix and hear exactly what I want in my in ear system.

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                What a buy!

                By RWR

                from San Diego, CA

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Saves Time

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Events
                  • Performances

                  Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

                  We use 4 of these in a 32 channel splitter rack in a live PA system to main and monitor consoles. I hesitated to buy initially, thinking the build quality or transformer quality may be inferior due to the price point. I was pleased that it works really well, and the transformer quality seems to be just fine for our use. Also, the 8 channels saves rack space - other models package only 4 channels per unit. We like having the inputs on the front, and outputs on the back, so we leave the output snakes connected and rolled up in the back of the rack for use. This leaves the front of the rack uncluttered for ease of connecting inputs and labeling. Since we have only used it for a month, we'll see how it stands up to use over time, hence 4 stars. All in all appears to be a great product.

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Superior Sound Quality - Great Value!

                  By Audio Jock

                  from Boston / Metrowest, MA

                  About Me Experienced

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Versatile

                  Cons

                  • NONE

                  Best Uses

                  • Events
                  • Performances
                  • Professional Recording

                  Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

                  This 2-way splitter is an easy plug and play with great sound quality and built to last for not alot of money. Connect your mic cables to the splitter's mic inputs. Select switching for -29db pad for super hot signals (or for when you use a preamp on stage) and ground-lift if you have hum problems. The splitter allows phantom power to pass from your main console to your mic's via it's direct outputs, so you can still use condenser mics and phantom powered DI boxes on stage without needing separate power supplies. The isolated outputs connect to your monitoring or recording console. Sound quality of the 1:1 isolation transformers is amazing as no discernable noise or phase shift can be heard compared to the direct sound. Compare the cost of this ruggedly built, 1-rack space, 8-channel, 2-way mic splitter with the many others on the market, and you get high quality and performance for relatively low cost, and THAT'S VALUE!!

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Worked so well I bought 2!

                  By GP1

                  from Madison, WI

                  About Me Professional Musician

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Improves System Function
                  • Saves Time

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Performances
                    • Professional Recording

                    Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

                    An inexpensive yet effective way to split your signal cleanly.

                    Comment on this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Does exactly as described

                    By Surprise

                    from Surprise, AZ

                    About Me Experienced

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Gets the job done
                    • Improves Sound Quality
                    • Improves System Function
                    • Saves Time
                    • Versatile

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Amateur Recording
                      • Events
                      • Home Studio
                      • Live Audio
                      • Mobile DJ
                      • Performances
                      • Professional Recording

                      Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

                      Was going to rent a bunch of audio units for an upcoming project, but with the price, just decided to buy this unit. Worked exactly as described, very nicely built, and the audio was very clean. No complaints about it. High recommended,.

                      Comment on this review

                      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      The ART S8 Worked as Advertised

                      By Mr SFX

                      from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Affordable unit
                      • Ease of Use

                      Cons

                      • Could use 14 " jacks too

                      Best Uses

                      • Location audio recording

                      Comments about ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter:

                      I purchased the ART S8 for a location recording project where I needed to send the stage mics to the front-of-house mix & my location Protools setup. It worked as advertised. I got the feed I needed for my recording & FOH got the feed she needed for the house sound. A good inexpensive solution. A nice addition to my location audio toolbelt.

                      Comment on this review

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                      Cables

                      Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (6')
                        • Original: $14.95
                        • Save: $1.49
                      • Price: $13.46
                       

                      What's in the Box

                      ART S8 - 8-Channel Microphone Signal Splitter
                      • 1 Year Warranty
                       
                       
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