VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Jeffrey Kafer

I have 2 computers that I use my mic on. Usually I unplug the mic from one computer's interface and plug it into the other and switch as I need to. This seems silly, so I figured I could just split the mic using a Female XLR to Two Male XLR splitter and get one mic into two computers.

But then I wondered if this was a good idea. I'm concerned that the phantom power from two interfaces going into a single mic will be a problem. Am I right to be concerned?
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dbeers · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 12:00 am Post subject:

I would think that would be a bad idea. Not just from a 48 volt phantom power standpoint, but the would create microphone impedance issues as well.

I would not do that. I assume it's two different interfaces that you want to feed from one mic? And do you really have the need to record on both computers at the same time? Or just to lazy to switch them?

The mic going into a mixer, then split off to two interfaces would be a better idea.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 1:33 am Post subject:

It's laziness coupled with not wanting the wear and tear of unplugging/plugging.
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Jeff
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heyguido · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 5:50 am Post subject:

Shockingly bad idea, Kafer. Gasp

Talk to Dan Friedman about the Yamaha mixers he recommends. You can pick up a small one for around $100.

A friend in Roanoke just picked one up from Sweetwater to split his mic between his recording rig and his ISDN codec.

Much safer. Inoccent

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bobsouer · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 7:53 am Post subject:

Jeff,

I have exactly the same issue (microphone going to do different computers) and use a Mackie 802-VLZ mixer for just this purpose. A side benefit is that the Mackie boards have very decent microphone pre-amps in them.

I route the audio from the mixer into the line-in inputs of the audio interfaces for each computer and everything works like a charm. The return audio from each computer comes to a separate input on the mixer so I can monitor which ever I need.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 11:18 am Post subject:

I was avoiding the mixer route, because I have such a clean signal, that I didn't want to add another box. Guess it's time to put the big boy pants on and buy one.
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Jeff
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Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 11:39 am Post subject:

I'm no engineer, but I'm guessing one of those Y-splitters would introduce more noise than a mixer would.
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Bish · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 11:45 am Post subject:

Hey Jeff... how about this... it seems custom made for your problem. One input, two outputs with isolation of the phantom power etc.

ART ProSplit

or

ART SplitCom
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graemespicer · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 12:42 pm Post subject:

I would stay away from anything ART. They're owned by Canadian music store Long & McQuade, and trust me the stuff is not suitable for our professional needs.

I would recommend a company that George Whittam first turned me on to - Radial Engineering. This thing looks perfect for you:

http://www.radialeng.com/r2011/proms2.php

It will be three times the cost of the ART unit, but will be bulletproof, and sound fantastic. Well, it won't sound fantastic - it won't add any sound at all.
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Bish · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 12:50 pm Post subject:

You may well be right about the quality of ART stuff... I hadn't really thought about that side of it. Since I saw the question, I've been investigating it myself and there are a few good solutions from quality manufacturers... and if you buy a good quality multi-pole and chassis plugs/sockets, making your own switch box is viable as well.... but not everyone's idea of fun.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 12:50 pm Post subject:

I don't know about VO, but I DO know that their DIs are great on stage Smile

That is not really a critical listening environment though, so I can't speak to the noise potential.

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 1:44 pm Post subject:

i'm with bob on the mackie mixer - the xdr pres are VERY clean. i have a 1202vlz and have been SUPER happy with it. it's overkill vis a vis ins/outs for what you want, but ...

buy it now on ebay for $150 - not bad.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 4:04 pm Post subject:

Ok, so looking at the back of that Mackie, the right XLR output would go into one interface (micPort Pro) and left into the other (M-Audio fast Track pro)? Seems goofy.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Bish · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 4:31 pm Post subject:

You could do it that way Jeff... keep the pan pots in the middle and you're good to go. Alternatively, the XLR main outs are duplicated on the top panel via a pair of TRS connections. I actually connect both the XLR outs to my Duet, and use the TRS (left) connection to feed the ISDN box.

There are so many routing options... I know some people that use an aux send to feed their ISDN.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

bobsouer · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 5:11 pm Post subject:

Jeff,

I would use the aux send to feed one computer and the main outputs to feed the other. Or if an unbalanced signal isn't a problem (short run of cable and no significant interference sources) then use the "tape" output to feed one box and the main outs to feed the other.

If you never need to send audio to both computers at the same time, you also have the option of using the 3/4 output to feed one computer and the mains to the other. That way you just punch the "Mute Alt 3-4" button on your microphone channel to switch between the feed to one computer and the other.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
ISDN, Source Connect, phone patch