I have a Whirlwind microphone splitter box with a direct out and a transformer isolated output. What's the reason for the transformer isolated output?
This Site Might Help You. RE: What does an isolated transformer output on a microphone splitter do? I have a Whirlwind microphone splitter box with a direct out and a transformer isolated output. What's the reason for the transformer isolated output?
A mic splitter is used when you have to feed two different mixers (for example, a front of house and monitor mixer). The main reason for the transformer isolation is to prevent ground loops. You've heard 'emthat 60Hz hum you get when audio equipment is connected incorrectly. The transformer breaks the direct connection between the mic and the second mixer. The mic will get it's ground through the direct connection to the first console. Another benefit is that loading is reduced on the mic. This preserves the frequency response. Also, the transformer isolation prevents any weirdness if phantom power happens to be turned on at both mixers. Back to ground loops now. If instead of using an iso box, you simply Y'd the connections all together, here's what could happen. With that scenario, you've now tied the grounds of two different mixes together. Now, each mixer had it's own path to ground through the 3rd pin of the AC power cable. Now, they have 2 pathsthrough the AC power cable and through the shield of the mic cable and back through the other console. When you get a loop like that, current flows and causes hum, possible shocks, all kinds of nasty things. That's why in audio the 1st commandment is Thou shall have one and only one path to ground. One final pointalways use the direct output of the iso box first. Otherwise, your mic isn't grounded. Greetings from Austin, TX Ken
