Here at UT, I work on all the audio systems in the Student Union. A few weeks ago I needed to create a line out jack for one of our systems. I simply split the XLR cable going from the mixer to the amp, so one side goes to the amp and one side goes to a line out jack. However, when tested, the signal was not very loud. The mixer and amp are both old Altec Lansing units. I was wondering if using the Aux input/output would be better. The application for this is when they have meetings and the TV people need an audio feed for their camera. Previously they would just use a Mic splitter going into the mixer and to their camera, but with multiple channels being used it didn't seem like the best way to do it.
OK I tried another thing today. Instead of splitting it where it comes out of the mixer, I split it at the EQ. Maybe that will give it more gain.
Jeff haev you tried the Aux output, seems that would be the easiest solution.
Something else I have done is taken the output and brought that into a mixer (the kind a dj would use) as an input and then used the output of the mixer. The model I used had an output for your amp with leval control, and output for a dj both with leval control, and a record output which in a pinch could be used as an output to an amp.
Originally posted by jeffmoss26:
I simply split the XLR cable going from the mixer to the amp
Split as in just a direct parallel connection? If the XLRs are carrying a normal 600-ohm balanced line then that's to be expected due to the decreased load impedance.
Jeff,
Here at my school we have a Mackie40 (kinda big for our needs, but it's nice), we have 5 Controlled Monitors- do you have anything like that? We hook our cameras to it that way.
Topher, on our portable systems we can do just about anything. We have all the aux sends and returns, main and monitor amps, etc. This one is a fixed install in a larger room. The equipment is pretty limited.
Jeff a mixer as Anthony suggested would allow you to control the individual outputs or you can put an passive splitter on mixer output
splitters direct boxes mixer
We did think about putting one of our small Shure mixers (4 in 1 out) in line with this output and see if that makes a difference.
Well here is an update.
I called RDL, the folks who make Stick-On adapters. They recommended that I use a Distribution Amplifier. This will properly split the signal out, so I do not have an impedance loss. This is why we had reduced levels. I am not sure if my boss wants to buy this, but at least we now have a solution.