ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

I record audio of post game news conferences for a major youth sporting event, which I post online. Although a mixer would be ideal for connecting multiple mics to my Zoom H2 recorder, I couldn't afford the expense of a mixer, but I found this. You can't beat the price for the solution this provides. (To use this with the Zoom H2, you need a transformer to connect XLR to 1/8.)

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

This product contains NO TRANSFORMER at all. The circuit is capacitor-coupled, with two electrolytic and three ceramic capacitors. This blocks DC and thus phantom power. It functions OK as a splitter, phase reverse, and ground lift, but real engineers beware the lack of isolation or impedance matching.

ART never answered some of my tech questions, had to open up the box and see for myself what was inside these things. Passing this tech info along.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

Simple Splitter/Combiner that works just the way its supposed to.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

I was a bit wary of the comparatively low price, but was pleasantly surprised the first time I used it. I'm sure that the sound from a high-end splitter will sound somewhat better, but for my purposes (event videography and live sound recording), I'm thoroughly satisfied.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

I use this to split a single incoming signal one to a FOH mixer and the other to a hard disk recorder which input's do not play well with phantom power. I also use one to bus in a small 4 channel mixer into an unused channel of the FOH mixer that carries phantom power. Solves ground loops, its excellent! Wish this model had a PAD switch like the splitter only version.

***In regards to phantom power, if one were to apply phantom through the "main output" this DC charge will be magnetically induced and TEMPORARILY passed through to the "isolated" in/output.***

For example, if you apply +48V phantom the isolated leg will see about 30 volts or so, but the charge is dissipated over time through the equipment connected to it. Conversely DC of opposite polarity (about 20-24 volts) will be seen on the isolated leg when phantom is switched OFF the main output.

****This is a minor issue and CAN BE WORKED AROUND by shorting all three XLR pins to ground ON THE ISOLATED INPUT OR OUTPUT for a few seconds to bleed the DC charge to ground BEFORE connecting your equipment to the isolated leg.

I wanted to share this issue because no one wants to destroy expensive gear, it unfortunately claimed a sub mixer of mine which luckily was under warranty. Although most modern equipment is safely buffered from DC voltages to prevent damage, ALL VU meter arrays, older microphones, and general gear are not protected.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

Should have bought this ages ago, glad I finally did. I record events and typically clip my wireless lav to the house mic. This past week I brought a second recorder to tap the house mic using the Splitcom AND used the wireless. There's no degradation, and the house mic isn't subject to interference and - at least in this case - less boomy.

I also liked that all buttons and functions are clearly labeled, there's a wiring diagram on the back and specific instructions are printed white on black (and the website so in a pinch you could get help with a smart phone.)

Plus, while rugged (my guess is driving over it won't hurt it) it is neither heavy nor big.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

I got this to use with a portable 4-track recorder mainly so I could take a split feed from the singer's mic -- *much* better sound than what's coming out of the PA -- or I can also combine two mics on a single channel when 4 mics just aren't enough. It works very well for both purposes, so I intend to get one or two more. It doesn't alter the sound at all, and seems to be rugged enough for field work. B&H has the best price.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

When Working in small clubs with limited channels,it allows me to save a channel for something else, I like to use the SPLITCOM to add a mic to the bottom of the snare, with the out of phase switch it has allows me to get the sound perfect everytime, I use a Beta 56 on top and a Audio Technica Pro 35 on the bottom of the snare, this unit also allows the phanton power to run thru the one side of it. The ART SPLITCOM Pro is a great tool to have for any engineer.

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

I was looking for an XLR combiner, and when I found this one that was both an XLR combiner AND splitter and was less expensive than other XLR combiners, I was a bit skeptical. But there is no need for you to be skeptical because I have used it and it works great! I use it to create a mono output from my stereo keyboard (without loosing any of the audio from either channel).

Comments about ART SPLITCom Pro Microphone Splitter/Combiner:

I was recording speeches by tying a lapel mic to the microphone on a mic stand until I found this great product. This one work as a combiner as well!!