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Introduction
4 Square ONE Splitter
How to use the Square ONE Splitter
This section shows you how to get the most out of your Square ONE Splitter.
Using the main inputs
To maximise the sonic benefits of active splitting, the Square ONE Splitter should be located close to the mic
sources and connected to them as directly as is practical. In this way the unit can provide active drive to all
the distributing cable systems. This massively reduces capacitive and resistive loading on the mic, as
compared to other non-active splitting systems, so that it captures the sound faithfully, without high
frequency losses or the introduction of unwanted electrical interference. This improvement in sound quality
is normally very noticeable.
The Square ONE Splitter can also receive higher signal levels such as those produced by some condenser
mics or even line level signals. In the case of unbalanced line level signals, it may be advisable to utilise a
DI box in advance of the splitter to eliminate any possibility of ground-induced noise. However, with
balanced line signals the only precaution likely to be required is a break in the XLR pin one connection at the
input to the splitter.
Using the outputs
The primary application for the Square ONE Splitter is in concert sound (public address) systems where it
provides output feeds for FOH and MON consoles. It utilises an active preamp in order to maximise the signal
to noise ratio and headroom, before driving the long cable runs that are typically associated with such
systems. In this application the grounding regime is normally planned and controlled by the sound
contractor such that isolating transformers are not required. The Square ONE Splitter can assist in the
elimination of ground loops within the system, if required, by utilising the integral LIFT switches that can
disconnect the XLR pin one terminal on one, both, or neither output sets (OUT A or OUT B), as required.
As a secondary function the Square ONE Splitter also provides a transformer isolated output for every
channel. This is intended for varied and occasional use as the needs arise in the event that an additional split
is required; typically, this is for a broadcast feed or recording. These situations cannot always be planned for
and are normally outside the sound contractor’s control. In these instances transformer isolation is desirable
to eliminate any ground interference that the additional connection could otherwise bring to the whole
system. The XLR pin one terminals are not connected on these outputs.
Traditionally, active splitters have provided transformer splits driven from the same preamp that drives the
main system outputs (FOH and monitor), but the Square ONE Splitter utilises separate fixed gain preamps to
buffer the transformer feeds. They operate at a nominal gain of -6dB to cope with potentially large low
frequency line level input signals without saturating the transformers. This provides an additional benefit
that is very popular with broadcasters. It means that when they are using this output they have total control
of the gain and headroom of their part of the system just as if it had been from a passive split, but without
the risk of ground-induced noise interference. With older designs that provide a transformer feed after the
main preamp, the level fed to the broadcaster can change without warning whenever the concert sound crew
decide to adjust their levels. The dynamic range of the transformer outputs is greater than 140dB;
something broadcasters will also approve of.
DOC02-SQ1SPLITTER_Square ONE Splitter_Op_IssC.pdf 16 27/04/2010 17:00:42