home ... previous article ... next article
DS800
8 input, 32 output mic / line splitter
Download DS800 Manual (1.3 megs)
Download DS800 brochure (1.3 megs)
The XTA DS800 Mic / Line Distribution System is a high quality active distribution / splitter unit containing eight channels of processing in 2U of rack space. Each channel features one actively balanced input and a total of four outputs, two of which are individually actively balanced and normally connected to Front of House and Stage Monitor consoles. The two remaining outputs are transformer isolated and located on the front panel of the unit. These are typically used as broadcasting or recording feeds. A maximum of 50dB gain is available via the five position Gain switch. This allows sufficient gain to be applied to low level signals, such as dynamic microphones, to avoid the poor noise performance often associated with active mic splitters. Phantom power (48 VDC) is provided, and is switchable to each input by selecting ‘Phantom Power’ on the front panel. The DS800 is designed to reduce system grounding problems; please refer to the ‘System Grounding’ section in the DS800 manual for more information.
Bussing Options
In a standard factory supplied form the DS800 is set-up so that each of it’s 8 Inputs
is connected to it’s corresponding output drive section, which effectively has 4
outputs (two isolated, FOH and MON). Jumper links that are assessable internally
are provided, that enable this configuration to be changed. For example the DS800
could be configured as a 2 Input device, where each input is effectively driving 16
outputs.
Introduction
As the need for multiple feeds has evolved, with the increase in simultaneous
broadcast and recording of live concerts, so too have the performance expectations of both engineers and customers alike. The considerable signal quality ‘cost’, associated with traditional passive-splitter systems, due to multiple loads and long cable runs, is now widely recognized. Microphones often encounter very difficult and unpredictable loads, with impedance’s well below their design specifications. The result of all these parallel connections is an obvious degeneration in sound quality, and a lack of level. Although active-splitters should, and often do, solve these problems, they usually introduce more of their own. With insufficient headroom to handle line level signals or keyboards and poor noise performance, most devices simply do not provide the ideal solution. Often grounding problems are also encountered. The DS800 Mic / Line Distribution System has been carefully engineered to overcome the limitations and problems of conventional splitters and provides a new level of performance and reliability.
home ... previous article ... next article